Associate Provost for Academic Operations

Position Title:

Associate Provost for Academic Operations

Location:

Big Rapids (Main Campus)

Department:

31000 - Academic Affairs

Advertised Salary:

$190,000 - $210,000; Salary commensurate with education, experience, and other requirements. 

Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans

FLSA:

Exempt

Temporary/Continuing: 

Continuing

Part-Time/Full-Time:

Full-Time

Union Group:

N/A

Term of Position:

12 Month

At Will/Just Cause:

At Will

Summary of Position:

• The role of the Associate Provost for Academic Operations (APAO) is critical in the office of Academic Affairs, as it involves providing leadership and oversight for the operations of the Academic Affairs Division with the ability to navigate relationships, communicate effectively, and understand the needs of the division.
• The APAO is charged with building and maintaining a team-based approach to various aspects, including, but not limited to; academic policy development, academic planning, enrollment initiatives, resolving student and faculty concerns, management of academic budgets and personnel decisions, and union contract negotiations, all in support of faculty governance.
• At the direction of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), the APAO collaborates with the Associate Provost of Curriculum, Assessment, and Accreditation, deans, faculty, and staff offering logistical and strategic support to the division, covering areas such as negotiation of the collective bargaining agreement, appeals for course requirements, handling student complaints, tenure track faculty review and promotions, semester scheduling and policy review, revision and implementation. 
• Specific responsibilities include acting as faculty liaison for Academic Affairs policies and procedures, developing planning documents, evaluating and resolving student complaints, grade appeals, and reports of student misconduct, leading contract maintenance/issues with the Ferris Faculty Association (FFA), Ferris Non-Tenured Track Faculty Organization (FNTFO), and Clerical and Technical Association (CTA), maintaining and representing the division throughout the grievance process of union agreements, overseeing classroom usage assignments, building renovations, and upgrades, reviewing faculty reappointment, tenure, post-tenure review, promotion, and merit recommendations and appeals, serving as the contact for Deans and Associate Deans for Academic Operations questions, serving on various committees and councils as a representative of Academic Affairs and providing leadership for these groups, including standing ex-officio committee assignments for Academic Leadership Council, Academic Policies and Standards, Behavioral Review Team, Commencement, Deans' Council, Ferris Fulbright Scholars; Lab Safety Committee, IT Governance Committee, Student Tuition and Fees Committee, Supplemental Market Adjustment Committee, and Sabbatical Review Committee. Any other duties assigned within the position's classification area. 
• Consistent with the team-based structure of the Provost's Office, the Associate Provost for Academic Operations may also serve as backup for duties assigned to the Associate Provost of Assessment and Accreditation. 
• The Associate Provost for Academic Operations reports directly to the Provost/VPAA and serves on behalf of the Provost/VPAA during their absence.

Position Type:

Staff

Required Education:

• Ph.D., E.D.., or J.D.

Required Work Experience:

• Strong leadership and management skills, including budget management.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a part of a cohesive team and demonstrated administrative skills including communication, analysis, synthesis, and resource management.
• Minimum of five years of demonstrated progressive work experience in higher education including administrative or supervisory roles. 
• Current knowledge of areas outlined within the essential duties/responsibilities.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

N/A

Physical Demands:

• Office Environment
• Moving
• Reaching
• Sitting
• Twisting
• Driving

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:

• Experience working with a variety of academic disciplines and/or units; demonstrated ability to work effectively with others through shared governance structures. 
• Significant experience with faculty governance and varied university-wide committee work/participation. 
• Able to take a broad perspective on complex faculty & staff issues.
• Prior teaching experience.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• In consultation with the Provost/VPAA, the Associate Provost of Curriculum, Assessment and Accreditation, Director of Academic Budget Management, deans, and faculty, make decisions about important academic budgetary, personnel, facility, and planning matters.
• Participates in formulating, administering, and revising University policies, ensuring that academic policies of the University are exercised appropriately.
• Communicates the vision and mission of the Academic Affairs Division to all University community members and coordinates that mission with the University's mission and strategic plan.
• Works closely with faculty, department chairs/heads, academic deans, staff, and other University divisions in furthering the shared vision and mission of the University.
• Works closely with the Academic Senate in discussing and acting on its recommendations.
• Oversees the administration of collective bargaining unit negotiations between the University and faculty, adjunct faculty, and staff, actively addressing and resolving issues and discrepancies.
• Reviews, resolves, and documents student complaints in accordance with University policies.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement through a commitment of shared governance and participatory management.
• Actively represents the University to its constituents including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community.
• Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Serves on various committees and councils as a representative of Academic Affairs and provides leadership for these groups, including but not limited to, ex-officio committee assignments for Academic Leadership Council, Academic Policies and Standards Committee, Behavior Review Team, Commencement, Deans' Council, Ferris Fulbright Scholars, IT Governance Committee, Lab Safety Committee, Sabbatical Review Committee, Supplemental Market Adjustment Committee and Sabbatical Review Committee.
• Maintains a solid record of demonstrated leadership in research, scholarship, and service.
• Communicates effectively with faculty, staff, students, and other constituents groups.
• Serves as a faculty and staff liaison.
• Oversees course requirement appeals for documented disabilities. 
• Oversees classroom usage assignments, renovations, and upgrades. 
• Develops planning documents.
• Responsible for reviewing recommendations and appeals for faculty reappointments, tenure, post-tenure review, promotion and merit.
• Serves as the contact for the Deans and Associate Deans for Academic Operations.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities for assigned staff in accordance with University policies and applicable laws and is responsible for assisting with the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the division. 
• Manages assigned budgets and is responsible for adherence with all University budgeting and purchasing policies and applicable laws.
• Reports directly to the Provost/VPAA and represents the Academic Affairs Division in the absence of the Provost/VPAA.
• Maintains the confidentiality of designated information.
• May serve as backup for duties assigned to the Associate Provost of Curriculum, Assessment and Accreditation.
• Operates university motorized vehicles in a safe manner while performing job duties.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated commitment, experience, and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills in written and verbal form, specifically in the areas of negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial Transcript 1

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of Ph.D., Ed.D. or equivalent. The transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date of degree attained, and degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript (if applicable).

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY: Applications should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. Applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled. Confidential review of materials and screening of candidates will begin immediately. Harris Search Associates is assisting Ferris State University for this search. Please contact Eric Christ, Senior Consultant (eric@HarrisSearch.com, cell: 614-800-9974) for further details. Phone: 614-798-8500.

Initial Application Review Date:
 

March 21, 2025

Open Until Position is Filled?:

Yes

Posting Close Date:
 

EEO Statement:

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.  Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.