Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Description

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico—the world’s premier higher education institution for Indigenous arts and cultures—seeks a visionary, collaborative, and inclusive leader to serve as Provost and Executive Vice President (EVP) for Academic and Student Affairs.

Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Provost and EVP will join a highly motivated, newly appointed President by shaping and advancing IAIA’s next chapter of growth and innovation in academic excellence and student success in Indigenous arts and cultures. 

As Chief Academic Officer, the Provost and EVP provides executive oversight of all academic and student affairs functions, ensuring alignment with IAIA’s core values of Reciprocity, Culture of Care, Indigenous Excellence, and Service Leadership.  The Provost and EVP leads the Dean of Academic Affairs and the Dean of Student Affairs; oversees the IAIA Research Center for Contemporary Native Arts (RCCNA); and is responsible for curriculum, faculty appointments and development, academic quality, and comprehensive student services.

This role is ideal for a forward-thinking, values-driven academic executive who combines intellectual vision with operational expertise and a deep commitment to Indigenous education, arts, and culture. 

This is a senior-level executive position requiring a blend of academic vision and operational expertise. The Provost and EVP leads efforts to achieve academic program excellence while overseeing the administrative, financial, and student service functions necessary for IAIA’s success.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

Academic Leadership and Program Excellence

• Serves as Chief Academic Officer and provides vision and leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of all academic programs. 
• Establishes policy and provides direction, guidance, and managerial supervision for all academic and research activities and programs. 
• Ensures academic quality through program reviews, accreditation compliance, and ongoing curriculum development and assessment. Leads and manages the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation process. 
• Promotes student learning and success by overseeing course offerings, faculty-student ratios, and program effectiveness.
• Analyzes and applies data to guide academic decision-making, to assess outcomes, and to ensure alignment with institutional goals.
• Encourages innovation and responsiveness to student, community, and workforce needs.
• Supports academics by developing and providing ongoing and consistent lines of communication. 

Student Services Leadership

• Oversees all aspects of student services programming and staffing to support holistic student development to a population that is primarily comprised of Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous students from numerous Tribes with diverse backgrounds and traditions. 
• Integrates academic and student services to enhance student success, persistence, retention, and completion.
• Promotes a student-centered culture of excellence across academic and support divisions.

Executive and Administrative Responsibilities

• Provides strategic advice and recommendations to the President regarding Academic and Student Affairs and RCCNA. 
• Exercises delegated authority as appropriate, ensuring effective leadership in the President’s absence.
• Develops and manages budgets for Academic and Student Services Divisions, including forecasting, cost-benefit analysis, and resource optimization.
• Ensures compliance with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards. Serve as IAIA’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator. 
• Participates in the development of the strategic plan and budget submission. 
• Collaborates with the Dean of Academics, the Dean of Students, and the Office of Institutional Communications to review, update, and publish the Faculty Handbook, Student Handbook, and College Catalog. 
• Provides administrative oversight of faculty and staff members and coordinates with the Office of the President and the Human Resources department as necessary. Adheres to the terms of the Faculty Handbook. 
• Oversees the operations of the Registrar. Serves as Chief Administrator for Jenzabar, overseeing IAIA’s Academic and Student Affairs systems.
• Oversees IAIA’s partnerships in coordination with the Chief Advancement Officer. 
• Oversees procurement, grants, and other administrative functions related to academic and student services.
• Serves as Principal Designated School Official for Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

External Engagement

• Represents the College to external and internal constituencies, fostering partnerships with universities, government agencies, Tribal leadership, and community organizations to further IAIA’s mission and initiatives.
• Partners with the Chief Advancement Officer on IAIA’s fundraising initiatives. 
• Advocates on behalf of the College at local, state, regional, and national levels.
• Develops agreements and partnerships to expand academic opportunities, including remote and community-based programs.
• Strategic Vision and Continuous Improvement
• Provides leadership in strategic and institutional planning, aligning academic and student services goals with the College’s mission and vision.  
• Monitors higher education trends and ensures institutional growth, innovation, and excellence.
• Serves as a catalyst for institutional effectiveness by integrating academic quality, student support, and operational efficiency.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.   

Requirements

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION 

Incumbent must have a master’s degree in a relevant field and five years’ experience equivalent to the senior level of academic leadership in higher education. 

PREFERRED

Experience working at a Tribal College. PhD in a relevant field. At least 10 years’ experience equivalent to the senior level of academic leadership in higher education. Demonstrated background in arts and culture. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

The duties of this position are performed in a routine office environment.  Periodic domestic and international travel is required