Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics - Transformative Teaching, Learning and Research at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job Summary

• Reporting to the Vice Chancellor, this position is responsible for strategic direction, oversight, coordination, leadership, and active participation in activities that relate to and promote Transformative Teaching, Learning and Research at the university. The position is responsible for the management and coordination of the academic unit including the development and evaluation of academic programs; teaching, learning and research; faculty recruitment and evaluation; quality assurance of academic programs; and the planning, organizing and implementing of policies and procedures relating to the management of the Division.

Key Responsibilities

• Assume oversight responsibility for academic activities for Schools and Department in all matters pertaining to transformative teaching, learning and research in line with the strategic plan.
• Ensure that academic excellence is maintained throughout the University.
• Ensure academic standards of university as required by regulators are fully met.
• Coordinate the administration of university examinations.
• Supervise the preparation of academic policies and regulations of the University.
• Ensure the availability of quality academic staff and learning resources to support the programs of the University.
• Oversee and facilitate the professional development of the faculty and staff in the Division.
• Maintain and enhance the unique character of USIU-Afica as well as ensuring its ethos is adhered to.
• Oversee the implementation of the decisions of the University Senate.
• Lead in the development and approval of new curricula and revision of existing ones.
• Plan the university academic calendar and ensure its adherence including examinations and holidays.
• Work in collaboration with the DVC-Students Life to plan the University’s graduation ceremonies.
• Provide regular reports to the Council, Senate, and Management Board.
• Develop and manage the academic budget annually.
• Oversee and facilitate the research output of the University including activities, publication of findings, ethics management, research support and other research related functions.
• Oversee the establishment, implementation, and review of partnerships with other entities that will further the mission and vision of USIU-Africa.
• Provide leadership in planning for academic resources, including those from the Mastercard Foundation, and provide oversight responsibility for the University’s academic development strategy and policy regarding student quality, staff development, program development, learning and teaching, examinations, academic information resources, student discipline, academic staff discipline.
• Oversee the implementation of the relevant sections of the University’s Strategic Plan.
• Oversee and monitor the performance of Departments in the Division.
• Strengthen the quality of the academic administration, teaching, Leaning and Research at the University.
• Ensure a high quality, relevant and financially sustainable curricular mix.
• Providing leadership and advocacy for the division across the University.
• Provide technical advice and reports to management when required.
• Mentor, coach and supervise subordinate staff.

Job Dimensions:
Financial Responsibility

• Develop and Manage the Academic, Transformative Teaching, Learning and Research Budget.

Job Specifications:
Academic Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy in the field of specialization from a recognized University.

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies/ Publication

• Earned doctorate.
• At least rank of Associate Professor.
• Relevant professional qualification.
• Member of a relevant professional body.

Work Experience Required

• Over thirteen (13) years’ relevant experience with over five (5) years in management, three (3) of which should be at senior management level in a similar organization.
• A record of teaching, service and scholarship that is consistent with tenure.
• A track record of successful academic leadership.

Competencies

• Strong leadership skills marked with approachability, listening, collaboration, effective communication, engagement and the courage to make difficult decisions as needed.
• Executive disposition and demonstrate high levels of integrity.
• Broad and detailed knowledge of the Higher learning sector.
• Strategic and innovative with the ability to sell the vision of the University.
• Business/Financial acumen, business savvy and innovative.
• Ability to develop long term integrated and cross-functional operational plans.
• Ability to sell the vision of the university.
• Ability and willingness to utilize data to inform decision making.
• Effective, inspirational team builder within academic leadership and a trusted team member.
• Deep understanding of the changing landscape of higher education. Skilled in anticipating and responding to emerging changes with creativity and innovation and cultivating an environment where others do the same.
• Experience in assessment of academic programs to ensure continued accreditation at the institutional and as appropriate program levels.
• Experience in building inclusive teaching, learning and research working environments for an increasingly diverse campus community.
• Strong communication skills, including listening deeply and speaking and writing clearly, and willing to communicate transparently and frequently.

If you have the requisite qualifications and experience and desire to work as a team member in a modern, progressive, international, and multicultural institution where you can make a difference, please apply indicating in the subject line of the email address the position you are applying for. Interested applicants must provide a cover letter and a current CV, certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts, names and addresses of three referees, current salary and benefits, telephone and e-mail contacts by 5.00pm, Tuesday, June 7, 2023 to:

Director Administration,
United States International University - Africa,
P. O. Box 14634-00800, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: diradmin@usiu.ac.ke