The Vice President for Programs and Professional Development (VPPPD) is a senior leader at the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM), responsible for designing and implementing collaborative initiatives that strengthen ACM institutions and advance their shared commitment to excellence in liberal arts education. Reporting to the ACM President, the VPPPD works closely with the Board of Directors, the Advisory Board of Deans, and campus leaders to develop innovative programs that support student success, institutional effectiveness, and professional growth.
At its core, this role is about bringing people together-connecting faculty, staff, and administrators across campuses to learn from one another and share expertise to address shared challenges facing private liberal arts colleges. The VPPPD provides leadership in shaping ACM's diverse portfolio of faculty and staff development opportunities, grant-funded initiatives, and multi-campus projects, ensuring they remain responsive, relevant, and rooted in the needs of ACM institutions.
The VPPPD is also a bridge-builder beyond the consortium, cultivating partnerships with foundations, higher education organizations, and other stakeholders to expand opportunities for ACM institutions and secure external support for innovative initiatives. The VPPPD works closely with the ACM President to identify funding opportunities, steward relationships with funders, and sustain a strong culture of collaboration and shared purpose.
Success in this role requires a collegial and strategic leader who is:
- passionate about the power of collaboration in higher education, deeply attuned to the challenges and opportunities facing small residential colleges, a skilled meeting facilitator, and eager to foster connections that strengthen liberal arts education.
Well-qualified candidates will possess significant professional experience and demonstrate high levels of motivation, exceptional written and oral communication skills, the ability to balance multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines, and the ability to use data in making decisions.
A full job description can be found:
About ACM: The Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) is a consortium of 14 residential liberal arts colleges located in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Founded in 1958, ACM enriches residential liberal arts education and strengthens its members through collaborative initiatives and programs for faculty, students, and staff. For more information, visit . ACM member colleges: Beloit College, Carleton College, Coe College, Colorado College, Cornell College, Grinnell College, Knox College, Lake Forest College, Lawrence University, Luther College, Macalester College, Monmouth College, Ripon College, and St. Olaf College.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Ph.D., Ed.D., or other terminal degree.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education that includes oversight of operating and/or grant budgets.
- Demonstrated ability to build productive partnerships and create networks, coalitions, and projects with multiple constituencies. Proven ability to win the trust of stakeholders, partners, and professional colleagues.
- Participation in the drafting and implementing of at least one successful grant proposal to a foundation or governmental agency.
- Past supervisory experience.
- Valid driver's license and the ability to drive a motor vehicle.
Preferred:
- Leadership of campus or consortial initiatives positively impacting student retention, pedagogical innovation and excellence, leadership development, and/or staff engagement. Experience designing professional development offerings in a higher education setting. Service as a Principal Investigator of a major grant award ($100,000+). Track record of presenting at higher education conferences. Proficiency with technology for professional duties and virtual learning. Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities facing private colleges in the Midwest.
Additional Information:
- ACM requires an in-office presence in downtown Chicago, IL, at least eight days per month.
- This position requires travel to 14 ACM member campuses and other locations as needed (approximately 10% of time).
- Occasional evening and weekend work and travel will be expected.
- The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
- Benefits include health, dental, life, AD&D, and LTD insurance; 403(b) retirement plan; paid leave and sick time; and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- All employees will undergo a criminal background check as a condition of hire
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. ACM does not permit a primary work location in the following states: AK, CA, CO, HI, PA, NJ, NY, any U.S. territories, or locations outside of the United States.
The Associated Colleges of the Midwest is an equal employment opportunity employer. ACM does not discriminate in the operation of its educational programs, activities, or employment with regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, family responsibilities, status as a domestic or gender violence victim, status of being perceived as having a protected characteristic, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Application Process: The priority application deadline is May 1, 2025. The ideal candidate would be positioned to begin working on or before July 14, 2025. Applicants should submit a current C.V. or resume, a cover letter outlining their qualifications for the position, and a list of three professional references with contact information. Materials should be submitted electronically as attachments, in MS Word or PDF format, to: with the subject line "VPPPD".