<p>The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) & Vice President for Learning and Workforce Innovation serves as the senior academic leader of the college and is responsible for the vision, direction, and quality of all instructional programs. The ideal candidate will work closely with faculty, staff, and senior leadership to advance the mission of the college and support regional economic and workforce development.  Additionally, the person chosen for this position will be a visible leader and a skilled relationship-builder who actively cultivates trust, respect, and collaboration across all areas of the college. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to engage authentically with faculty, staff, students, and community partners, fostering a culture of openness and shared purpose.  The CAO & VP models emotional intelligence, listens deeply, and creates space for others' voices, especially when navigating complex or sensitive issues. The individual selected will ensure that student learning remains the college's top priority, guiding all academic efforts to align with this central mission and sustaining a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.</p> <p>Essential Duties and Responsibilities:</p> <p>Leadership</p> <ul> <li>Fostering a culture of discipline, ownership, and continuous improvement </li><li>Developing a team of mission-driven, highly capable professionals </li><li>Embracing candor, transparency, and responsibility at every level </li><li>Encouraging experimentation, innovation, and calculated risk-taking in service of student success </li><li>Modeling soft skills  </li><li>Leading with humility, emotional intelligence, and results-oriented focus </li></ul> <p>Academic Leadership</p> <ul> <li>Providing strategic leadership for all academic divisions through a one-college model, including credit and non-credit programs, adult education, online learning, and instructional support. </li><li>Leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of academic programs that respond to transfer needs and local/regional workforce demands. </li><li>Championing a culture of innovation and excellence in teaching and learning. </li></ul> <p>Faculty and Instructional Support</p> <ul> <li>Overseeing faculty recruitment, development, evaluation, and support. </li><li>Promoting instructional effectiveness, student-centered teaching and learning, and professional development. </li><li>Ensuring adherence to faculty credentialing and teaching quality standards. </li></ul> <p>Strategic Planning and Accreditation </p> <ul> <li>Leading academic components of institutional strategic planning and continuous improvement. </li><li>Ensuring compliance with accreditation standards (e.g., SACSCOC) and program-specific accrediting bodies. </li><li>Guiding data-informed decisions for program development, effectiveness, and sustainability. </li></ul> <p>Student Success </p> <ul> <li>Collaborating with student services to design and implement strategies that improve student access, retention, completion, and job placement. </li><li>Supporting development of experiential learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials. </li></ul> <p>Leadership in Community Engagement & Partnerships</p> <ul> <li>Building and sustaining strong relationships with local employers, economic development leaders, and workforce boards to align programs with regional needs. </li><li>Representing the college at community events, civic organizations, and regional/state initiatives. </li><li>Fostering innovative partnerships with K-12 schools, universities, industry, and other stakeholders that enhance opportunities for students and the community. </li></ul> <p>Operational Management</p> <ul> <li>Managing academic budgets, resources, and personnel effectively. </li><li>Ensuring timely curriculum development, course scheduling, and academic catalog accuracy. </li><li>Serving as a member of the President's Cabinet and contributing to institutional decision-making. </li></ul> <p>Working Conditions</p> <ul> <li>This is an on-campus position with regular community engagement and travel to partner sites. </li><li>Occasional evening and weekend commitments are expected. </li></ul> <p>College-wide Expectations</p> <p>WCC places a high value on creating an engaged, collaborative campus environment; therefore, employees are required to complete their work hours in person on WCC's campus.  By working on campus and in person, employees have greater opportunities to engage with students and co-workers, attend on-site meetings and presentations, recruit students, and support local business and industry partners.  </p> <ul> <li>Communicates clearly and frequently in writing and speaking to ensure consistency of purpose and vision. </li><li>Works collaboratively with all members of the college community. </li><li>Understands and supports the college's mission, vision, and values. </li><li>Remains current on emerging higher education and division-relevant issues.   </li><li>Fosters a work environment characterized by transparency, trust, and professionalism.    </li><li>Retains a focus on the student experience, specifically, ensuring instructional rigor, fostering students' sense of belonging, and developing their soft skills. </li></ul> <p>Education and Experience:</p> <p>Required</p> <ul> <li>Master's degree in an academic discipline or related field from a regionally accredited institution. </li><li>At least 5 years of progressive academic leadership experience, preferably in a community college setting. </li><li>Demonstrated experience in academic program development, assessment, and accreditation. </li><li>Proven success in building external partnerships and engaging with community and industry leaders. </li><li>Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative leadership style. </li></ul> <p>Preferred</p> <ul> <li>Doctorate from a regionally accredited institution. </li><li>Experience within the North Carolina Community College System or similar environment. </li><li>Knowledge of local and regional economic development priorities and workforce trends. </li><li>Background in nontraditional instructional delivery, such as online learning, competency-based education, or micro credentials. </li></ul> <p>Unofficial transcripts must be included with your online application before submission or sent directly to Human Resources immediately after applying. Failure to provide transcripts may result in your application not being fully considered.</p> <p>Wilson Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the ADA, if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, please notify the Human Resources Office.</p> <p>Our college is driven by a clear mission: to reach more students, improve their educational experience, and make a meaningful difference in their lives. This is a unique opportunity for an innovative leader with a cohesive vision for instructional excellence. With a growing student body and an emphasis on progressive educational practices, Wilson Community College is committed to delivering a transformative student experience that prepares students for success.</p>