Vice President, Academic Services

Job Description 

About Cambodia and AUPP:

“Known as the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia is a country that teems with natural beauty and historical sites, including the UNESCO world heritage site Angkor Wat. Only two hours from Singapore, and next to Thailand, Cambodia is at the heart of South East Asia. Situated in the capital - a city with a thriving art scene, bustling markets and excellent cuisine - the American University of Phnom Penh is one of the region’s leading private institutions with a state of the art campus. As part of our growth strategy the University is now looking to engage the best of emerging new academics talent as well as those with more experience”. 

Position: Vice President, Academic Services

Reporting Line: President

Subordinates: Associate Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs and Deans of Schools

Position Summary: The Vice President for Academic Services (VPAS) serves as a key leader in guiding the development, management, and delivery of academic programs and instructional services. The VPAS will oversee academic policies, faculty development, curriculum design, and academic operations to ensure alignment with the university's mission and strategic goals. The VPAS will work closely with deans, faculty, and administrative leadership to foster a high-quality learning environment, manage academic operations, and support accreditation processes. 

Essential Functions: 

Curriculum and Instruction:

• Establish and maintain standards and operational procedures for instructional and educational services, which are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the university. Including credit and non-credit classes, and all modes of course delivery.
• Evaluate and assess key aspects of instruction through an impartial lens, implement the collective implementation of cohesive best practices, policies, and technologies to achieve the delivery of increased graduates with better career outcomes; equal availability and benefit to all.
• Support curriculum development that integrates critical thinking, soft skills, and relevant learning outcomes, ensuring inclusive practices are embedded in all academic programs. Support faculty on integrating inclusion into their curriculum development, instructional strategies, research, and service.
• Establish and maintain the university curriculum and instructional programs. Investigate and initiate viable new academic programs that respond to both student needs and local workforce demands. Incorporate a vision for multiple teaching modalities for face to face and online learning, innovation, and workforce programming.
• Collaborate with Instructional Deans, Department Chairs, and faculty to assess, revise, and improve instructional programs based on systematic evaluations, providing data and support decision-making related to current or future programs.
• Formulate collaborative strategies for instructional delivery, marketing, technology, educational support, and other initiatives through participation with instructional faculty and staff, instructional departments, division, other campus constituencies, and the President’s Leadership Team.
• Facilitate the integration of innovative teaching strategies, including online learning and hybrid models, to enhance student learning experiences.
• Through the Instructional Deans monitor and strengthen affiliation agreements to ensure cooperation and mutual benefit and pursue new affiliation and partnership opportunities.

Planning, Budgeting, Reporting:

• Lead the creation, communication, and implementation of both short-term and long-term academic plans, aligning them with the university's strategic goals, while assessing and updating the academic master plan.
• Represent academic services in university-wide planning, budgeting, and institutional effectiveness efforts, including facilities planning for academic space and future academic program expansion.
• Manage and oversee academic budgets, ensuring they align with academic priorities and resources are allocated efficiently.

Accreditation, Administration:

• In conjunction with other academic administrators, monitor enrolment and make appropriate short-term and long-term adjustments to course availability, scheduling, facilities, and the overall offerings of degree options.
• Oversee the preparation of the overall schedule of classes, the university catalogue with Registrar’s Office and instructionally related marketing materials. Collaborate on the preparation of the university academic calendar and oversee the facilities scheduling related to instructional space.
• Assure compliance of all instructional programs with the requirements of ACC and Ministry of Education. Lead activities associated with instruction as part of the university’s official accreditation process.
• Responsible for preparing annual reports on academic services to Board of Trustees, Ministry of Education, and accrediting body.
• Manage the evaluation systems for all faculty including goal setting, updates, administrative observations, and classroom evaluations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Evidence of a collegial approach to establish strong teams, achieve consensus, and establish strong relationships with both internal and external constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to building and embracing a multi-cultural, global campus community.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deal with some ambiguity.
• Ability to provide strategic vision and leadership for academic services and programs.
• Ability to support and enhance faculty teaching and research through professional development initiatives.
• Verbal and written communication skills including the ability to give and receive information accurately, present information to groups and in public settings and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in the global community.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to address academic challenges and implement solutions.
• Strong understanding of academic policies, institutional structures, and academic program management.
• Knowledge of instructional design, curriculum development, and best practices in teaching and learning.

Essential Qualifications:

• Terminal degree from a recognized and accredited higher education institution.
• Ideally minimum ten years of experience in higher education, including a significant leadership role in academic administration.
• Proven experience with academic program development, faculty leadership, and curriculum design.
• Extensive experience in academic program administration, including budget management, strategic planning, and resource allocation.
• Experience with institutional accreditation, personnel management, and data-driven decision making.
• Exceptional conceptualizer, creative thinker, problem solver.
• Highly ethical, confidential, trustworthy, and a team player.

Desired:

• Strategic leadership in academic planning, development, and implementation of academic programs.
• Demonstrable leadership in academic publishing and research.
• In-depth understanding of US higher education systems and standards.
• Familiarity with the Southeast Asia education landscape.
• Knowledge in quality assurance and accreditation processes.
• Extensive experience in academic budget planning and management.

Employee Benefits:

• Health Insurance with private company.
• NSSF benefits: Pension Fund, Health, and Occupational Accident Coverage.
• Seniority Indemnity Payment.
• Visa Extension.
• Work Permit/Workbook.
• Airfare (for employees whom have been hired outside of Cambodia).
• Other benefits based on Cambodian Labor Law.

How To Apply

To apply, please submit the following documents to the Human Resources Office via the above ‘Apply’ button or our online job application form:

• Curriculum Vitae & Cover Letter (Applicants are required to mention their salary expectations in the Cover Letter.)
• ID Card/Passport

Chat to Recruitment team via Telegram t.me/auppcareers (069 99 00 23)

We would appreciate it if you could use the designation: "[Vice President, Academic Services] - Applicant Full Name" in the subject line.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Inquiries can be directed to the email provided.