Vice President for Academic and Student AffairsJob no: 493035
Work type: FT
Location: West Des Moines
Categories: Staff
As a key member of the President's Executive Leadership Team, the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs serves as the University's chief academic and student affairs officer, providing visionary leadership across the full student lifecycle and academic enterprise. This influential executive role is responsible for advancing institutional excellence by aligning academic affairs, enrollment management, and student services with the University's mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to student success. The ideal candidate is a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who brings a deep understanding of higher education, a passion for innovation and continuous improvement, and the ability to foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and evidence-based decision-making. Working closely with academic and administrative leaders, faculty, students, and the Board of Trustees, the Vice President will help shape the future of the University by strengthening educational quality, enhancing the student experience, driving enrollment growth, and ensuring operational and financial sustainability.
What you'll do:- Provide strategic leadership for all academic affairs, enrollment management, and student services, ensuring alignment with the University's mission, vision, strategic plan, and long-term institutional goals.
- Lead the development and execution of a unified student success strategy across the entire enrollment continuum, from recruitment and admissions through graduation, retention, and alumni engagement.
- Oversee academic quality, innovation, and accreditation efforts, including the development of new programs, assessment of existing programs, continuous quality improvement initiatives, and compliance with accrediting and regulatory requirements.
- Direct and support senior leaders responsible for admissions and recruitment, student affairs, financial aid, counseling services, institutional effectiveness, academic innovation, and registrar functions to achieve operational excellence and student-centered outcomes.
- Serve as a key advisor to the President and Board of Trustees, providing leadership on academic and student affairs matters, participating in executive-level decision-making, and supporting institutional governance and strategic initiatives.
- Champion a culture of collaboration, accountability, and data-informed decision-making, promoting student success, organizational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and a positive campus experience for all students.
What we are looking for:- An earned terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D., D.O., or equivalent)
- Minimum of seven to ten years of administrative experience in a complex, private or public sector institution; experience in an academic health sciences setting would be preferred.
*To see the full job profile go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.
Total Rewards:Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits.
DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.
Required Documents:Resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.
Department: Office of Academic AffairsStatus: ExemptAdvertised: 06 Aug 2026 Central Daylight Time
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