VP of Institutional Effectiveness

Cairn University; Langhorne (Bucks County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional university in Langhorne is seeking a VP of Institutional Effectiveness. The ideal candidate will oversee institutional effectiveness, support the development of new academic programs, and manage accreditation processes. With a doctoral degree in higher education administration preferred, applicants should have at least 10 years of administrative experience and strong organizational and leadership skills. This role involves collaboration with departmental leaders to align academic goals and compliance with accreditation standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in an administrative role.
• In-depth knowledge of the University mission and vision.
• Strong understanding of accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prepare institutional effectiveness reports for the Board.
• Support schools in developing new academic programs.
• Serve as Accreditation Liaison Officer to MSCHE.

Skills

Organizational skills

Effective writing skills

Problem-solving

Public speaking

Leadership qualities

Education

Doctoral degree in higher education administration or related field

Job description

VP of Institutional Effectiveness

Position: VP of Institutional Effectiveness

Location: Langhorne, PA

Job Id: 478

# of Openings: 1

Office: Office of the Provost

Position Overview

As a member of the Academic Leadership Team, the VP of Institutional Effectiveness is responsible for establishing, monitoring, and documenting the University’s work in planning, assessment, and accreditation, and for assisting divisions in activities beneficial to campus operations and the implementation of Strategic and Annual Plans. The position also supports the schools in developing and approving new academic programs and guides the Institutional Research function of the University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Cultivate interest of faculty in academic assessment and use of continual documentation and improvement. Provide guidance on assessment methods and procedures.


• Assist leadership to establish and implement short- and long-range academic, academic support, and operational organizational goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures; monitor and evaluate department and program effectiveness in support of the mission and Strategic Plan.


• Manage and prepare institutional effectiveness reports for the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders, including the annual Assessment & Planning Report.


• Implement university-wide processes and procedures to ensure collaboration between departments in carrying out strategic goals.


• Assist in the design and implementation of the annual planning and assessment process for academic programs and partnerships.


• Develop and use key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate programs and initiatives, and use these to support decisions to provide, increase, decrease, or eliminate allocation of resources.


• Remain informed of requirements set forth by the University’s accrediting bodies.


• Serve as Accreditation Liaison Officer to MSCHE and other accrediting bodies.


• Interface with accrediting personnel, facilitating their review of University reports and surveys.


• Direct approval processes required by federal, state, and international Departments of Education.


• Oversee and manage federal and external academic compliance procedures, including state authorization and regulations related to academic partnerships.


• Provide key representation of accreditation matters and learning resources in decision-making processes.


• Schedule and manage the regular review of academic programs, as well as university-wide annual assessment.


• Communicate accreditation requirements to the president, deans, and chairs.


• Assist deans and chairs with developing new curricula and programs, ensuring adherence to accreditation criteria and timelines.


• Work with divisional vice presidents in matters related to assessment of their areas.


• Collaborate with leadership and departments to establish and routinize preparation and upkeep of documents and reports required for accreditation, period reviews, and planning and assessment.


• Help leadership understand accreditation standards and implement policies and practices demonstrating competence in meeting standards and achieving strategic goals.


• Guide integration of accreditation- and strategic planning-related requirements into each academic and operational program’s curriculum.


• Oversee the Department of Institutional Research, approving, coordinating, reviewing, and ensuring proper distribution and retention of surveys, reports, and institutional data.


• Evaluate surveys and data reports based on ROI value, and decide to continue, discontinue, or change surveys accordingly.


• Determine data not currently acquired that would help benchmark or KPI development, and develop a plan for the Department of Institutional Research to report on this data.

Other Responsibilities

• Co-chair the Student Experience & Success Committee, directing the establishment of retention goals, measures, and strategies.


• Assist in administrative functions of the Academic Leadership Team, Faculty Meetings, and Academic Affairs Committee of the Board.


• Become familiar and assist with various functions of the Provost’s Office.


• Represent the University at national and regional conferences.


• Maintain contact with outside vendors.


• Interface with accreditation personnel from other organizations.


• Participate in University meetings as requested.


• Perform other departmental duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Organizational and administrative skills and experience.


• In-depth knowledge of the University mission, vision, objectives, history, organization, philosophy and procedures.


• Effective writing and speaking skills; advanced problem-solving and abstract reasoning skills.


• Strong understanding and commitment to the mission and purpose of the University, including agreement with the Statement of Faith and standards of conduct.


• Strong spiritual leadership qualities and character.

Required Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree in higher education administration or related field preferred.


• Minimum 10 years of experience in an administrative role.


• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, in meetings, or during travel.


• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents or electronic devices.


• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in person and virtually, including public speaking engagements and high-level presentations.


• Visual and auditory acuity to read reports, review digital materials, and participate in virtual or in-person meetings and events.


• Occasional standing and walking, including navigating large campuses or event venues.


• Occasional lifting and carrying of materials such as reports, presentation equipment, or briefcases, generally not exceeding 20 pounds.


• Ability to travel frequently, both in- and out-of-state, for university business, donor relations, board meetings, and professional conferences.


• Flexibility to work extended or irregular hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, as needed to fulfill leadership responsibilities and attend events.


• Sustained mental concentration and focus required to perform complex tasks, manage multiple priorities, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.


• Ability to remain alert, composed, and professional while managing interruptions, shifting demands, and potentially high-stress or emotionally charged situations.


• Capacity to work independently or collaboratively for extended periods while maintaining productivity and attention to detail.


• Emotional resilience to handle sensitive information, provide support or service to diverse individuals, and adapt to evolving institutional needs.


• Called upon to respond to critical incident responses and planning; this requires acute mental, emotional and physical energy in short periods of time.

EEO Statement

Cairn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or other protected characteristics in the administration of its educational, employment and admissions policies.