Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College

Grinnell College (Grinnell), one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation, seeks a vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college (VPAA) to lead its distinctive academic program. A designer of the individually advised curriculum, Grinnell has long been an innovator in teaching and learning, providing students access to challenging and diverse courses of study that allow them to follow their passions with the guidance of dedicated faculty and staff, with the goal of moving knowledge into action for the common good.

Grinnell College is a highly selective, private, residential liberal arts college recognized for its rigorous curriculum and strong tradition of social justice. Founded in 1846, Grinnell enrolls approximately 1,725 students, generally from all states and about 50 countries, in 29 major fields and 17 concentrations. Among the nation’s small liberal arts colleges, Grinnell is widely viewed as an institution of the first rank, with an excellent faculty, a skilled staff, a consistently strong and diverse student body, a global outlook, and a well-equipped and beautiful campus.

In close partnership with President Anne Harris, and in collaboration with a team of talented vice presidents and associate deans of the college, the next VPAA has an unparalleled opportunity to create stronger and more effective systems and processes across academic affairs that allow the skills and experience of the college’s deeply engaged and knowledgeable faculty and staff to be effectively utilized. The VPAA will be a strategic institutional leader, guiding academic affairs at Grinnell to meet a high standard of excellence across education, pedagogy, research, advising, and innovation in an evolving world.

Compelling candidates will be outstanding academic leaders with significant experience supporting talented and committed teachers and scholars, fostering relationships with faculty and staff, and advocating for the core principles of a liberal arts education. They will be well-versed in issues of shared governance, a systems thinker, and skilled at operating in a highly collaborative and relationship-focused environment. The successful VPAA will be one who listens authentically, builds trust, and empowers individuals throughout an academic organization. 

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made. Nominations, applications, and inquiries should be submitted in confidence below. 

Jeff Kessner is leading this search with Andy Marshall and Jenny Rubin.

Grinnell College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals who collectively reflect the diversity of the nation. No applicant shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, religion, creed, or disability.

For further information about Grinnell College, see our website at http://www.grinnell.edu.