Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

About Holy Family University

Holy Family University is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth founded in 1954. The University is a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown PA. The main campus is nestled in the heart of a historic residential neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia that is vibrant and just minutes from the excitement of Center City. The Newtown campus is located in Bucks County surrounded by nature and a step away from parks, farmers’ markets and great dining.

One of the best parts of Holy Family University is our welcoming atmosphere--and that's not by chance. Our mission centers on creating an environment that encourages all members to get to know one another, learn from one another, and experience a range of perspectives and worldviews. Our community is strong because of this.

University Benefits

Holy Family University takes pride in offering a range of meaningful and flexible benefits designed to promote the health and wellness of our employees and their dependents. Our comprehensive benefits and resources focus on physical, mental and financial wellness to include medical, prescription, dental and vision. We did not stop there; we also offer our employees the following fringe benefits and more.

• Commuter Benefits: Transit and park benefits through pre-tax payroll deductions
• Half-Day Fridays: Enjoy half day Fridays in the summer
• 403(b) Retirement: Discretionary match up to 5%; vested immediately
• Time Off: 12 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Personal, Sick Days and a week off for Winter Break
• Tuition Benefits: Employees or dependents pursuing a first Undergraduate Degree receive 100% tuition remission; employees pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 100% tuition remission; eligible dependents pursuing a first Master’s or Doctoral degree, receive 50% tuition discount
• Alpha House: 50% Discount for Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten

Position Summary

Holy Family University seeks an experienced, collaborative, and mission-aligned leader to serve as the Associate Vice President for strategic initiatives in Academic Affairs. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), the AVPAA will serve as a key strategic partner in advancing academic priorities. This role provides operational leadership within the Division of Academic Affairs, supporting academic excellence, faculty and student success, and the continued relevance of academic programs—including the development of new initiatives in health sciences--in alignment with the University’s mission and goals. The AVPAA will work closely with deans, faculty, and administrative colleagues to implement and manage high-impact initiatives across the division and provide day to day operational support. 

Direct Reports

To be determined.

Essential Functions

Job duties that must be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, and may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This position description is illustrative and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents in this position.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Under the guidance of VPAA, collaborate with deans, faculty, and university leaders to ensure that academic offerings are relevant, high-quality, and aligned with student success outcomes and workforce needs
• Assist the VPAA in providing leadership and guidance to the Deans and Vice/Assistant Deans to design, develop, and deliver a comprehensive array of relevant instructional programs and services, transfer pathways, certifications and workforce development, dual enrollment, and community service
• Lead the development of new academic programs, particularly in the health sciences, in response to emerging industry trends and regional needs
• Provide vision and oversight for academic success support services, including efforts to build a more integrated and student-centered infrastructure that connects advising, tutoring, and other support units to promote holistic student success
• Working closely with the Deans and Director of Assessment, regularly review program outcomes and support initiatives related to academic assessment, compile necessary accreditation materials and assist in curriculum development and policy formation
• Assist in establishing budget priorities for Academic Affairs, track spending, and optimize resource allocation
• Perform other duties as delegated by the VPAA, contributing to a culture of excellence, innovation, and shared governance

Non-Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Serve on various institutional committees to contribute to the development and implementation of academic policies and initiatives
• Represent Academic Affairs and the University in the local community, supporting college activities and special events through attendance, planning, and participation
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to stay current with trends in higher education administration and academic affairs
• Lead or contribute to special projects as assigned by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, addressing emerging needs or strategic priorities

General Expectations

The Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs (AVPAA) is expected to perform duties efficiently and competently, striving for excellence in all tasks. A deep understanding of and adherence to university mission, policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines are essential. This position requires regular on-campus presence to support meaningful engagement with students, faculty, staff, and members of the broader community. The successful candidate is expected to embody and promote the University’s core values and mission in all professional interactions and responsibilities.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Earned doctorate in an academic discipline from a regionally accredited institution
• A minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressive leadership experience within academic affairs, including oversight of academic programs
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented approach
• Meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to meeting deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The ideal knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Professionalism and Excellence: Perform duties efficiently and strive for excellence
• Alignment with Institutional Mission and Values: Understand and commit to the university's mission and core values
• Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills: Interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and the public to build positive relationships
• Adherence to University Policies: Comply with all university policies, rules, and guidelines, serving as a model of integrity
• Leadership and Strategic Planning: Participate in strategic planning, fiscal management, resource development, and policy setting as part of the college's leadership team
• Commitment to Student Success: Focus on creating a learning environment that supports effective teaching and successful learning
• Flexibility and Availability: Accommodate institutional activities, including evening and weekend meetings and events, beyond the standard work week

Work Environment

Operates in an office environment that may have frequent interruptions. The area is well-lit, temperature-controlled and free from hazards. Noise level is generally quiet to moderate.

Physical Requirements

Communicates frequently, in person, over the phone, or via a computer.  Hearing is needed for extensive telephone and in-person communication. Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. Manual dexterity is needed to operate a computer keyboard. Operates standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Other Important Information

Ability to travel, work outside of normal business hours, such as weekends, nights, etc. as needed.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Holy Family University seeks to foster a welcoming and a healthy educational and work environment based on respect, the dignity of each person and the oneness of the human family. Holy Family University is dedicated to ensuring an environment free of discrimination or harassment of any kind, and promotes equal opportunity in its employment and education.

For more details on our commitment to non-discrimination read our statement here.

We invite qualified applicants to view our open positions and apply directly at our career center by submitting a cover letter and resume.