Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Programs, Innovation and Faculty Excellence

Chancellor's Office Statement

Join our team at the California State University, Office of the Chancellor, and make a difference in providing access to higher education. We are currently seeking experienced candidates for the position of Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Programs, Innovation and Faculty Excellence. The CSU Chancellor's Office, located on the waterfront adjacent to the Aquarium of the Pacific in downtown Long Beach, is the headquarters for the nation's largest and most diverse system of higher education. The CSU Chancellor's Office offers a premium benefit package that includes outstanding vacation, health, and dental plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year.

Salary

The anticipated budgeted salary is up to $300,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Arrangements

Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on-site at the main headquarters in Long Beach, California.

Premium Benefits

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Generous vacation plan

15 paid holidays a year

Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members)

Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

More details here: Comprehensive Benefits Package

Classification

Administrator IV

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking an Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Programs, Innovation and Faculty Excellence to provide transformative vision, thought leadership and strategic direction to advance breakthroughs in academic quality, teaching and learning innovation, and comprehensive faculty excellence programming across the 22-campus California State University (CSU) system.

As part of the Division of Academic Affairs’ transformation, the AVC advances breakthrough academic policy, program and pedagogical initiatives, leadership development for academic administrators, faculty professional development, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation and excellence. The AVC’s efforts in these areas will play a key role in actualizing the ambitious goals set forth in the CSU System’s recently unveiled CSU Forward strategic plan and Student Success Framework focused on supporting the diverse constituencies the CSU serves and assuring their success.

The AVC will join the newly established Division of Academic Affairs comprised of the following departments and units: Academic Technology Services, Educator and Leadership Programs, Research, Intersegmental Policy to Practice, and Institutional Research and Effectiveness.

In leading the Department of Academic Programs, Innovation and Faculty Development, the AVC serves as the system's chief steward for academic program advances, faculty excellence programming, including comprehensive leadership development for department chairs, deans and aspiring academic leaders. This leader champions testing new pedagogical approaches, scaling evidence informed ones, and cutting-edge breakthrough (i.e., for scale) academic practices that position the CSU as a national model for student academic success and faculty excellence. The AVC provides strategic and operational guidance to the vice chancellors, Chancellor, CSU Board of Trustees (BoT), and campus leaders regarding academic excellence, faculty development, leadership programming and academic innovation initiatives.

The AVC partners with campus provosts and serves as a primary point of contact for academic leaders across the CSU System’s 22 universities. This leader advances breakthrough initiatives in teaching, develops comprehensive leadership pathways for academic administrators, designs and supports faculty development, and ensures alignment with systemwide academic policy, state and federal laws and accreditation standards. The AVC must be a highly effective ambassador for the CSU's commitments to access, affordability, equity, student success and academic excellence.

The AVC oversees systemwide faculty excellence programming, including professional development and leadership programs for department chairs and deans, faculty pipeline initiatives, innovative pedagogy initiatives, and breakthrough methodologies to scale up and out. The AVC ensures creation and continuity of CSU curricula and academic programs, represents the CSU to external agencies, operationalizes new degree authorities, coordinates industry-specific programs, oversees assessment of student learning, and provides strategic leadership for professional and continuing education.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer (VCAA), the Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Programs, Innovation and Faculty Excellence (AVC) will perform duties as outlined below:

Partnering with the VCAA, other Academic Affairs units and senior academic leaders across the CSU System, the AVC will also:

Academic Program Development and Innovation and Breakthrough Initiatives for Scale

-Build momentum for an innovative mindset within the CSU and develop processes to implement breakthrough pedagogy. Champion a culture of experimentation, continuous improvement, and evidence-based innovation. Establish innovation labs, pilot programs and scaling mechanisms for successful initiatives. Utilize PaCE as a support and lever for academic innovations and programs.

-Act as the system spokesperson and thought leader for innovative pedagogy and breakthrough teaching methodologies. Represent the CSU at conferences, contribute to scholarly discourse and position the system as a leader in academic innovation.

-Research and evaluate pedagogical tools and frameworks including artificial intelligence in education, learning analytics, immersive learning technologies (AR/VR), collaborative learning platforms, adaptive learning systems, simulation-based learning and gamification. Assess their value to the CSU mission and student success. Develop implementation strategies and support structures.

-Support faculty in integrating innovative pedagogical tools and frameworks into faculty course design, instruction, research and co-curricular learning experiences. Provide training, resources, technical support and communities of practice for faculty innovators. Facilitate sharing of best practices and successful models.

-Support faculty in assessing the impact of pedagogical tools and frameworks. Develop evaluation frameworks and promote scholarship of teaching and learning.

-Strengthen faculty understanding of the relationship between pedagogy and academic support services. Promote integrated approaches that combine teaching with student support. Foster collaboration between academic affairs and student services.

-Promote personalized learning pathways. Develop strategies for instruction and assessment that are responsive to students' prior knowledge, experiences and learning needs. Support faculty in creating flexible, adaptive and inclusive learning environments.

-Lead breakthrough initiatives in areas such as high-impact practices, experiential learning, undergraduate research, community engagement, interdisciplinary learning and career-integrated education. Develop systemic approaches to scale innovations.

Leadership Development and Faculty Excellence

-Design and implement development opportunities for Department Chairs across the CSU in partnership with Human Resources and others. Create intensive, cohort-based programs that develop leadership competencies including strategic planning, budget management, conflict resolution, faculty evaluation, change leadership, inclusive practices and administrative effectiveness. Establish professional development opportunities, mentorship networks and peer learning communities for department chairs.

-Establish and oversee professional development for Deans and senior academic administrators in partnership with Human Resources and others. Develop programs focused on strategic leadership, organizational change, fiscal management, fundraising, external relations, equity, inclusion, and institutional advancement. Create pathways for continuous professional development and succession planning.

-Develop and implement Emerging Leaders Programs for faculty aspiring to administrative roles. Create identification pathways, mentorship opportunities, leadership skill development, and experiential learning such as administrative fellowships, shadowing opportunities and leadership rotations.

-Provide professional development for faculty and administrators at all levels. Offer workshops, seminars, executive coaching and just-in-time training on critical leadership topics. Develop resources, toolkits and best practice guides.

-Oversee innovative, equity-centered faculty development through existing and new programs. Ensure programs address inclusive pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching, universal design for learning and strategies to support diverse student populations. Provide development opportunities for faculty at all career stages from new faculty orientation through pre-retirement planning.

-Reimagine and oversee management of faculty pipeline programs including California Pre-Doctoral Program, Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program and successor programs. Develop initiatives that diversify the faculty pipeline and prepare future CSU faculty. Establish partnerships with doctoral programs and create pathways for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

-Create assessment frameworks to measure the impact of leadership development and faculty excellence programs. Utilize data to continuously improve programming, demonstrate value, and inform decisions.

Strategic Leadership

-Serve as a senior liaison to the Academic Affairs Council (provosts), Student Affairs Council (vice presidents of Student Affairs), and Academic Senate CSU committees. Build collaborative relationships and facilitate communication across the CSU.

-Provide VCAA and Chancellor analytical support on complex academic issues. Develop strategic responses and draft policy documents. Address urgent matters with analysis and recommendations.

-Write agenda items and prepare presentations for BoT meetings. Present information and respond to questions from the governor, lieutenant governor, trustees, academic senators and the public.

-Supervise the development of all academic programs in the CSU to ensure integrity and compliance with campus, BoT, and legislative policies. Provide leadership on program planning and quality assurance.

-Annually advise BoT, Chancellor, and VCAA on campus multi-year academic plans. Recommend degree programs that merit authorization for development.

-Analyze and recommend approval of degree programs on behalf of BoT. Oversee review process for academic degree programs, academic master plans, and program implementation proposals.

-Identify academic impediments to student success and degree completion. Provide recommendations for policy changes regarding general education, baccalaureate degrees, graduate degrees, graduation requirements, and assessment. Consult with appropriate constituents.

-Respond to emerging issues related to general education, associate degrees for transfer, and curricular innovations. Lead strategic planning and policy development in these areas.

-Oversee all doctoral program development, policy, standards, procedures, and strategic plans. Revise policies, executive orders, Title 5 regulations, Education Code, and coded memoranda, as needed.

-Oversee implementation of legislative processes that result in curricular and academic program changes. Manage compliance and strategic response to new legislation affecting academic programs.

-Maintain appropriate protocols when communicating with the governor, legislators, Department of Finance and Legislative Analyst's Office, State Auditor, school district supervisors, campus leaders, faculty senates, donors, and external partners.

-Engage in interviews with journalists while maintaining integrity, delivering strategic messaging, and advancing appropriate narratives about CSU academic programs and initiatives.

-Serve as a liaison to Office of Advocacy and State Relations on academic-related legislation impacting the CSU.

-Ensure implementation of Trustee policy on program review. Prepare BoT annual reports, agenda items and deliver presentations.

-Provide guidance to campuses on academic policy matters regarding curriculum development, implementation, and maintenance.

-Provide system-level coordination of policy, legislation, admission, and transfer issues related to health degree programs.

-Provide training for campus academic affairs personnel regarding degree program development, policy, and procedures.

-Implement trustee policy on general education and legislative provisions relative to general education. Work with the Academic Senate as liaison on the Academic Affairs Committee.

-Consult with UC Office of the President and other education sectors on matters such as general education transfer policy, degree programs, and doctoral programs.

-Serve as CSU liaison officer to Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission.

-Oversee analyses of state and federal legislation relating to academic programs, including impact analysis on the CSU.

-Oversee the review and approval of campus-drafted academic calendars.

-Represent CSU on statewide advisory boards and committees as appropriate.

-Manage staff as assigned.

-Prepare reports and deliver presentations as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

This position requires:

-An earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution and the academic credentials to warrant appointment as a tenured faculty member at the level of associate professor or higher at any one of the CSU campuses.

-At least six years of administrative leadership in academic affairs (provost/vice president for Academic Affairs, associate or assistant vice president, dean or other high-level administrative leadership role in a complex educational organization).

-Demonstrated experience in academic programs and curricula; experience in designing, implementing, and leading faculty development, comprehensive academic leadership programming, and advances in teaching and learning.

-Proven track record developing professional development programming for faculty, department chairs, deans, and academic administrators.

-Demonstrated experience advancing innovative pedagogy and breakthrough teaching methodologies.

-Demonstrated experience in interacting effectively with members of the academic community from diverse backgrounds.

-Demonstrated record of ability to communicate effectively.

-Demonstrated experience in successful negotiation resulting in consensus among disparate internal and external groups with differing views.

Preferred Qualifications:

-Experience with academic technologies and online education (i.e., programs).

-Experience working with third party contractors and vendors.

-Demonstrated experience in program evaluation, assessment and research experience.

-Demonstrated expertise with instructional design methodologies, pedagogical issues, and best practices for classroom, online and hybrid learning.

-Advanced knowledge of the legal constraints and opportunities for higher education in the State of California and through Federal programs and regulations.

-The academic credentials to warrant appointment as a tenured faculty member at the level of full professor at any one of the CSU campuses.

In addition, candidates for the position must also demonstrate many of the following qualities and attributes:

-Demonstrated familiarity with the dynamics of academic decision making.

-Visionary leadership in fostering cultures of innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement.

-Exceptional strategic planning and change management abilities.

-Ability to synthesize information effectively and quickly.

-Ability to formulate, analyze, and advocate for effective policy.

-Ability to represent the system regarding complex issues.

-Ability to multitask and work with ambiguity and shifting priorities.

-Ability to assimilate information quickly, arrive at conclusions and represent a position.

-Advanced knowledge of the organizational environment of higher education and large research universities to understand organizational priorities, issues, motivations, and constraints.

-Deep knowledge of emerging pedagogies, educational technologies, and innovative teaching practices.

-Extensive knowledge of university-level curriculum (undergraduate and graduate), course articulation and higher education environment.

-Sophisticated leadership abilities to establish department goals and motivate others to achieve.

-Advanced knowledge of organizational processes, protocols and procedures.

-Excellent ability to establish mission and goals at the macro-level and to lead subordinate management to develop goals in alignment with mission.

-Excellent consulting, relationship building, and strategic thinking skills.

-Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and to advise campus leadership on highly sensitive issues.

-Ability to determine most salient issues in academic programs and policies and to imagine and evaluate alternative courses of action.

-Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to address with sensitivity different audiences within and outside of the CSU.

-Understanding of the dynamics of a public multi-campus university system.

-Skill in working with academic governance in a multi-campus system.

-Ability to develop and convey CSU positions on academic planning issues.

-Ability to negotiate CSU positions with constituencies.

-Ability to deal with highly sensitive and controversial issues.

-Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with a wide variety of individuals and constituent groups.

-Ability to address details, manage multiple responsibilities, organize, and prioritize, work collaboratively, tolerate ambiguity, and exhibit integrity in the furtherance of the university mission.

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by May 13, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

How To Apply

SP&A is assisting the California State System Office in this search. Review of materials has begun and will continue until the conclusion of the search process. For fullest consideration, candidate materials in MS Word or PDF should be submitted as soon as possible and not later than May 13, 2026.

Applications should be received by May 13, 2026, and must include the following documents: A detailed letter of interest/cover letter that addresses the priorities and responsibilities outlined in this profile and a current curriculum vitae/resume. Nomination letters should include the name and contact information of the nominee. All applications and nominations will be handled with the strictest confidence.

Applications, nominations and inquiries can be directed to SP&A Executive Search:

Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner

Sal Venegas Jr., Partner

Email: apsearch@spaexec.com

Refer to code “CSU-AVC” in the subject line

SP&A Executive Search

6512 Painter Avenue

Whittier, CA 90601

Equal Employment Opportunity

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager at (562) 951-4070.

Title IX

Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at: https://www2.calstate.edu/titleix

E-Verify

This position requires new hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (DHSUSCIS)' in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If hired, you will be required to furnish proof that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. The CSU Chancellor’s Office is not a sponsoring agency for staff and Management positions (i.e., H1-B VISAS).

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy , it is strongly recommended that all Chancellor’s Office employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.

Mandated Reporter Per CANRA

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Conflict of Interest

The duties of this position will include participation in decisions that may have a material financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, the selected candidate will be required to file Conflict of Interest Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest when they first occupy the position, and on an annual basis, complete ethics training within 6 months of appointment, and attend this training every other year thereafter.

CSU Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Office of the Chancellor, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Background

The Chancellor's Office policy requires that the selected candidate successfully complete a full background check (including a criminal records check) prior to assuming this position.

Learn more about working at the California State University and the impact of our mission.

Advertised: Apr 29 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• California State University (CSU) Chancellor's Office

• (562) 951-4070

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