Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean Position Announcement Chicago, Illinois Position Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Institution Illinois College of Optometry Location Chicago, Illinois Reports to President The Opportunity The Dean serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the College and a key member of the senior leadership team. Reporting to the President, the Dean provides visionary leadership for all academic programs and works collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, alumni, the Board of Trustees, and clinical leaders to advance the College's mission and strategic priorities. The successful candidate will: 3 Provide visionary leadership for the College's academic mission. 3 Foster a culture of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. 3 Support innovation in curriculum, technology, and educational delivery. 3 Maintain a strong commitment to accreditation, assessment, and continuous quality improvement. 3 Recruit, develop, andretainoutstanding faculty and academic leaders. 3 Strengthencollaboration between the academic enterprise and the Illinois Eye Institute. 3 Promote student success, professional development, and leadership. 3 Serve as a visible ambassador for ICO within the profession and broader healthcare community. 3 Advance strategic partnerships, external engagement, and fundraising initiatives. Qualifications Required Qualifications Preferred Qualifications 3 OD degree preferred; PhD or equivalent terminal degree with significant experience and demonstrated success in optometric education. 3 Significant leadership experience in higher education, healthcare, or an academic health professions environment. 3 Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and resource management. 3 Strong understanding of accreditation and academic quality assurance. 3 Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills. 3 Distinguished record of academic and professional achievement. 3 Experience within optometric education or academic health professions education. 3 Experience leading clinical education programs or healthcare delivery systems. 3 Experience supporting faculty development, shared governance, and organizational change. 3 Experience with fundraising, alumni engagement, and external partnerships. 3 Previous experience as a Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or comparable executive leader. Desired Leadership Characteristics ICO seeks a leader who is: 3 Committed to academic and clinical excellence. 3 A strategic visionary. 3 Collaborative andrelationship-oriented. 3 Student-centered. 3 Skilled in leading change and innovation. 3 Financially astute and operationally effective. 3 Inclusive, transparent, and accountable. 3 Dedicated to developing future leaders in optometry. Application Process The Illinois College of Optometry welcomes applications, nominations, and expressions of interest from accomplished and visionary leaders who are passionate about the future of optometric education and patient care. 3 An authentic and personal letter of interest including a statement of leadership philosophy 3 Curriculum vitae After initial application, the candidate will submit three (3) professional references. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be handled with the highest degree of confidentiality consistent with institutional policies and applicable requirements. Preferred application date Candidates should submit application materials by October 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin upon receipt and will be ongoing until the position is filled. Nominations and expressions of interest are encouraged throughout the search process. Job Description REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the President GENERAL: The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean (VPAA/Dean) is the Chief Academic Officer of the College. The VPAA/Dean develops and implements curricular and academic policy and oversees systems and policies related to faculty governance. The VPAA/Dean is a member of the College President's Administrative Cabinet and is expected to participate in the formulation of overall College policies and planning. The Academic Dean is also expected to represent the College to outside constituents as requested by the President. The Academic Dean: 3 Provides leadership and advocacy for the faculty 3 Oversees all personnel activities related to faculty, including recruitment, FTE assignments, performance evaluations, salary reviews and adjustments, promotion and tenure recommendations, and annual contracts 3 Monitors personnel activities related to Academic Affairs staff members 3 Assures the appropriate implementation of College personnel policies and procedures 3 Conducts institutional research and planning and assists in developing innovative academic programs and external funding sources 3 Responsible for all educational programs including clinical training within the Illinois Eye Institute, and at Externship sites, Residency Programs, and the MS degree program 3 Collaborates with the Vice President for Strategy and Institutional Development regarding Continuing Education programs 3 Oversees all students, resident, and faculty activity in the Illinois Eye Institute as related to education and patient care 3 Ensures maintenance of accreditation of all educational programs 3 Coordinates the development of the annual Academic Affairs budget 3 Actively participates in the College Budget development process 3 Monitors the approved budget against actuals and takes necessary action concerning variances 3 Represents the College at national, state, and local meetings in matters relating to academic and professional affairs, and in matters related to city, state, and federal agencies, to ensure effective College relations 3 Keeps well informed of current trends in college administration and legislation affecting the institution's academic affairs program 3 At the request of the President, serves as liaison to committees of the Board of Trustees, professional organizations, foundations and corporations, the ophthalmic industry, medical and educational institutions, and community organizations 3 Coordinates efforts related to legal issues related to faculty and students, and works with legal counsel, as directed by the President 3 Responsible for the preparation of all required reports, summaries, and surveys within the scope of the position 3 Ensures that all necessary records and files are generated and maintained 3 Keeps the President and other members of management appropriately informed of issues and activities related to Academic Affairs 3 Performs other related duties as necessary by the position or as directed by the President