VP of Academic Affairs (Online Education)

Overview

Responsibilities

• Define the long-term academic vision and strategic roadmap for all online degree and certificate programs.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of full-time and adjunct online faculty members.
• Ensure all digital curricula comply with regional and national accreditation standards and government regulations.
• Collaborate with instructional design teams to implement evidence-based pedagogical practices in virtual environments.
• Manage the academic budget, including resource allocation for technology upgrades and faculty development.
• Monitor student retention and completion rates to identify and address systemic gaps in online learning support.
• Represent the institution's academic interests in partnerships with external educational technology vendors and platform providers.

Qualifications

• A terminal degree such as a PhD or EdD from a recognized and accredited institution.
• Extensive experience in academic leadership, typically at the level of Dean or Department Chair.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and delivery of asynchronous and synchronous online education.
• In-depth knowledge of Higher Education accreditation processes and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale budgets and multidisciplinary teams in a complex organizational structure.

Nice to have

• A track record of published research in the field of distance education or educational technology.
• Experience leading institutional transitions from traditional on-campus models to robust online or hybrid offerings.
• Certification or formal training in specific online quality assurance frameworks such as Quality Matters.

Work environment

• Work is primarily conducted in a professional office setting with frequent virtual meetings across different time zones.
• The role requires regular collaboration with IT departments, marketing teams, and executive leadership.
• Hours typically follow a standard executive schedule, though evening or weekend work is common during accreditation cycles.
• Frequent use of learning management systems, data visualization software, and enterprise resource planning tools.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation packages often include performance-based bonuses tied to enrollment and retention targets.
• Career progression typically leads to roles such as Provost, Chief Academic Officer, or University President.
• Professional development is supported through memberships in national distance learning associations and executive leadership retreats.
• Executive benefits usually include comprehensive health coverage, generous retirement contributions, and tuition remission for family members.