Vice President of Student Success & Chief Academic Officer; CAO

Vice President of Student Success & Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

Isothermal Community College

Spindale, NC

Hiring Range: $115,000-$135,000

As established for full time employees.

President

Executive/Administrative/Managerial

Opens: 08/14/2026

Closes: 09/30/2026

10/01/2026

A minimum 37.5-hour work week as determined with supervisor is required. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Full Time

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible and complex leadership and supervisory experience, required.
• Postsecondary instructional experience, required.

• Doctorate preferred.
• Community college experience, preferred.

Essential Functions:

The Vice President of Student Success and Chief Academic Officer (CAO) at Isothermal Community
College provides visionary leadership to foster a dynamic learning environment that aligns with the
college’s mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities through lifelong learning. This role is pivotal in advancing academic excellence, promoting student success, and driving innovation across curricular programming. Collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners, the Vice President ensures delivery of accessible and transformative educational experiences that meet individual student needs as well as those of the broader community.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership
1. Work effectively with deans to recruit, support, and mentor faculty and staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and collaboration to enhance academic quality and student experiences.
2. Oversee the allocation of resources for academic and student services, ensuring efficient use of funds and alignment with institutional priorities. Develop and manage budgets, pursuing external funding opportunities in partnership with the College’s development office as needed.
3. Ensure the college meets all accreditation requirements and complies with federal, state, and local regulations related to academic programs and student affairs.
4. Contribute to the development and execution of the college’s strategic plan, with a focus on academic and student success outcomes. Lead data-driven assessment and improvement initiatives for academic programs and student services.
5. In partnership with the VP for Economic & Workforce Development, build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and state stakeholders, including K-12 and postsecondary educational institutions, employers, and community organizations, to enhance academic and workforce programs and maintain streamlined pathways through transfer and career entry/advancement.
6. Provide leadership for policy recommendations, including the development and implementation of procedures related to dual-enrolled high school programs.

Academic & Student Success
1. Provide strategic direction for all curriculum programs, ensuring alignment with the college’s mission, accreditation standards, and community needs.
2. Oversee curriculum development, program assessment, and the implementation of innovative teaching and learning practices.
3. In collaboration with the AVP of Student Affairs, provide leadership for student services, including admissions, advising, financial aid, student support services, and student engagement, to promote holistic student development and success.
4. Foster a student-focused campus environment that supports retention, graduation, and career readiness.
5. Serve as a key liaison with the North Carolina Community College System Office regarding instructional and student services, and between academic…