Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs

Thank you for your interest in employment with Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), System Administration and System Computing Services. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:

• Draft applications are saved automatically and can be accessed through your candidate home account.

• Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.

If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our Human Resources department at (775) 784-4901.

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the Chancellor.  The position may be primarily located in either Reno or Las Vegas, Nevada.  

The NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: two universities, a state college, four community colleges and a research institute.  The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth with significant challenges and opportunities in serving over 105,000 students and 15,000 employees.

The Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs serves as the chief academic and student affairs executive for NSHE, responsible for setting strategic direction, driving systemwide policy, and ensuring accountable implementation of initiatives that advance academic quality, student success, and research competitiveness.

As a key member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet, the Vice Chancellor exercises enterprise-level leadership and decision-making authority, advising the Chancellor and Board of Regents on high-impact academic, student, and research policy issues. The role is accountable not only for policy development, but for translating strategy into execution across all NSHE institutions, ensuring consistency, compliance, and measurable outcomes.

This position leads the design and implementation of systemwide initiatives spanning academic programs, transfer and articulation, student services, financial aid, and research administration. The Vice Chancellor actively identifies emerging risks and opportunities, develops actionable solutions, and drives coordinated responses across multiple institutions and stakeholders.

The Vice Chancellor also ensures NSHE remains responsive to national trends and evolving higher education demands by integrating data-driven insights into strategic planning and policy decisions.

With direct oversight of Student Affairs, Sponsored Programs and EPSCoR, and Institutional Research, the Vice Chancellor holds full accountability for performance, outcomes, and alignment within these areas—ensuring effective operations, cross-functional integration, and continuous system improvement.

SALARY GRADE: *This position offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with the candidate’s education, experience, and certification/training. In addition to base salary, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Additionally, an employer paid long term disability plan is included.

• Outstanding Retirement Plan: professional employees are required to participate in the 401(a) Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA). Employee contributions of 19.25% are matched 100% by the employer and employees experience an immediate vesting in the plan. Employees who currently or previously participated in Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) of Nevada may be eligible to continue in the PERS plan.

• Paid Leave: generous annual leave (accrual of 2 days per month), sick leave (granted 30 days at time of hire), 12 paid holidays, and paid family leave.  

• Education Benefit: employees and their qualified dependents may take advantage of a tuition savings benefit. Faculty may take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate and their dependents may access an unlimited number of credits, if they meet specific criteria.

• Additional Perks: Employee assistance programs and professional development opportunities.

*Pursuant NSHE Policy: “Initial placement must fall between the minimum salary and Q2/median/mid-range on the applicable salary schedule.” To view the salary range for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules and select NSHE Executive, Grade 2.

APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE: May 1, 2026

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Requires a Master's or Professional Degree and 7 years of comparable managerial experience or a Doctorate and 5 years of comparable managerial experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  Successful candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities.  It is recommended that applicants for this position address each of the following items in the letter of application:

• Knowledge of higher education policy, governance, and administration, including the operations of both community colleges and four-year institutions.

• Knowledge of academic program development, review, and approval processes within a multi-institution higher education system.

• Knowledge of student affairs policies and practices, including financial aid, residency determinations, and student success initiatives.

• Knowledge of research administration, sponsored programs, and federal and state research funding structures, including programs such as EPSCoR.

• Knowledge of institutional research, higher education data systems, and the use of data analytics to support policy development, accountability, and strategic planning.

• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of a policy-making governing board and the staff functions required to support an elected governing board.

• Knowledge of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), including the structure, authority, and policies of the Board of Regents.

• Knowledge of Nevada state government, including the legislative process and state laws and regulations pertaining to higher education.

• Knowledge and experience in drafting policies, procedures, and guidelines within a complex organizational or governmental environment.

• Knowledge of statewide and national trends affecting higher education, including workforce development, access and attainment, and research competitiveness.

• Skill in providing executive leadership and strategic direction within a complex, multi-institution organization.

• Skill in supervising professional staff and directing multiple functional areas to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and accountability for outcomes.

• Skill in policy analysis and development, including evaluating complex issues and formulating effective systemwide policy recommendations.

• Skill in analyzing complex data, research findings, and policy information to inform strategic decision-making.

• Skill in synthesizing and communicating complex information, research findings, and policy implications to diverse audiences, including governing boards, policymakers, and the public.

• Skill in building consensus among diverse stakeholders with differing institutional perspectives and priorities.

• Skill in setting priorities and managing multiple high-level initiatives simultaneously while meeting critical deadlines.

• Skill in preparing and delivering presentations and policy briefings to executive leadership, legislative committees, and governing boards.

• Skill in fostering collaboration among institutions, state agencies, and external partners.

• Skill in identifying emerging policy, operational, or strategic issues and developing effective solutions to address complex challenges in a multi-institution higher education environment.

• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and discretion in addressing complex policy and administrative issues.

• Ability to provide leadership and strategic oversight for multiple programs and functional areas.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms with executive leadership, policymakers, institutional leaders, and the public.

• Ability to present complex policy and technical information clearly and effectively in public settings.

• Ability to analyze large volumes of complex information and identify key issues, trends, and implications for decision-making.

• Ability to translate complex research, policy, and data analysis into actionable recommendations.

• Ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with institutional leaders, faculty, staff, state officials, and external stakeholders.

• Ability to facilitate discussion and build consensus among diverse constituencies across the higher education system.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in high-visibility and high-stakes environments.

• Ability to ensure accuracy, integrity, and appropriate use of institutional data and information used for policy and decision-making.

• Ability to anticipate emerging issues, analyze potential impacts, and develop proactive strategies to resolve problems and advance systemwide priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties of this position will include, but not be limited to:

• Provide executive and strategic leadership, supervision, and administrative oversight of key functional areas within the NSHE System Office, including Student Affairs, Sponsored Programs and EPSCoR, and Institutional Research. This responsibility includes setting and advancing systemwide strategic priorities; supervising and mentoring department leadership and staff; ensuring operational effectiveness, accountability, and compliance with Board policies; and proactively identifying and addressing systemwide challenges, risks, gaps, and opportunities. Coordinate and lead cross-functional and cross-institutional initiatives, exercising sound judgment and decision-making authority to align efforts with system goals and priorities. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across NSHE institutions, while effectively communicating, influencing, and advising executive leadership and stakeholders. Promote and model data-informed and evidence-based decision-making to advance student success, research growth, and institutional effectiveness, and lead the development and implementation of strategic solutions to complex systemwide issues.

• Serve as a strategic advisor and executive liaison to the Academic, Research and Student Affairs (ARSA) Committee and other Board of Regents committees. Lead the development of meeting agendas in collaboration with the committee chair, ensuring alignment with system priorities and emerging issues. Coordinate institutional presentations and compile high-quality, analytically grounded briefing materials that clearly communicate key issues, risks, and opportunities. Proactively anticipate Board needs, respond to Regent inquiries with clarity and authority, and provide thoughtful recommendations to inform decision-making and policy direction at the system level.

• Chair the Academic Affairs Council (AAC), providing strategic leadership and direction for systemwide academic planning and policy development. Oversee the academic program and organizational unit approval process, ensuring alignment with long-term system goals, workforce needs, and institutional missions. Lead and facilitate collaborative, solution-oriented discussions among institutional representatives to identify challenges, gaps, and opportunities, and to build consensus on complex issues such as funding models, academic innovation, and program alignment. Provide policy analysis, strategic insight, and actionable recommendations, and guide the implementation of agreed-upon changes to strengthen academic quality and effectiveness across the system.

• Chair the Student Affairs Council, providing executive leadership and strategic direction for systemwide student affairs policies and initiatives. Lead the development, evaluation, and refinement of policies related to student services, including residency determinations and financial aid coordination. Identify systemic barriers and opportunities impacting student access, success, and equity, and work collaboratively with institutional leaders to develop and implement innovative, student-centered solutions. Ensure clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and alignment of policies with broader system goals and priorities.

• Chair the Research Affairs Council, leading strategic planning and policy development to advance research across NSHE. Establish and communicate systemwide research priorities, goals, and performance expectations, and identify opportunities to enhance research productivity, collaboration, and external funding. Facilitate cross-institutional partnerships, address barriers to research growth, and provide data-informed recommendations to strengthen competitiveness. Guide the implementation of initiatives, including those associated with EPSCoR, ensuring alignment with state and national research priorities.

• Provide executive oversight and strategic leadership for the NSHE Sponsored Programs and EPSCoR Office. Direct systemwide efforts to enhance research development, grant competitiveness, and external partnership engagement with state and federal agencies. Identify gaps and opportunities in research infrastructure and support services, and lead collaborative strategies to strengthen capacity and outcomes. Ensure alignment of sponsored program activities with system priorities and effectively advocate for resources and initiatives that advance NSHE’s research mission.

• Ensure executive-level oversight and quality assurance of data reporting and analytics across the Academic and Student Affairs division. Lead efforts to leverage data as a strategic asset, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and clarity in dashboards, reports, and analyses. Translate complex data into actionable insights and recommendations that inform executive leadership, institutional strategy, and Board decision-making. Proactively identify trends, gaps, and emerging issues, and guide the development of data-informed strategies to improve system performance, accountability, and outcomes.

• Provide strategic leadership and systemwide coordination related to the State’s higher education attainment goals. Support and influence policy development aligned with statewide objectives, and monitor, assess, and communicate progress toward established targets. Identify disparities, gaps, and opportunities for improvement, and lead the development and implementation of collaborative, system-level strategies to increase educational attainment. Engage stakeholders across institutions and external partners to align efforts and drive measurable impact.

• Provide executive oversight and strategic guidance for NSHE’s participation in SARA and membership in NC-SARA. Ensure compliance with applicable standards while identifying opportunities to enhance interstate educational access and program delivery. Serve as a key decision-maker and advisor on matters related to state authorization, distance education, and regulatory alignment. Communicate effectively with institutional leaders and external stakeholders and lead continuous improvement efforts to strengthen NSHE’s position in the national higher education landscape.

TO APPLY: The application process will be handled through the Workday on-line search process.  Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted.  Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, since the initial review will serve to evaluate applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and professional work experience.  Applications will be considered incomplete without all requested materials.  References will only be contacted for those who advance to the final phase of the search and with prior consent of the applicant.  The review of materials will begin immediately.  Materials should be addressed to Sherry Olson, Human Resources, and are to be submitted via on-line application at https://nshe.nevada.edu/system-administration/departments/human-resources/careers/ . For assistance with NSHE’s on-line applicant portal, contact Sherry Olson at (775) 784-4901.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS:  Current employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at NSHE institutions.  Once you log into Workday and type “Find Jobs” in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site.  Locate the specific job posting by typing the requisition number (e.g. R0000000) in the search box

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications may be submitted until the position is filled.  The review of materials will begin immediately, however, for full consideration applications should be submitted by April 1, 2026.

For more information about the Nevada System of Higher Education, please visit our website at www.nevada.edu.  The Nevada System of Higher Education hires only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

NSHE is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, family medical history or genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.  Women, applicants who are members of underrepresented groups and communities of color, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Required Attachment(s): Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted. 

A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements.  Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents.