Associate Provost for Academic Strategy and Excellence

Location : Fresno, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2025-00405
Department: Provost Office
Opening Date: 03/20/2025

Position Summary

The Associate Provost for Academic Strategy and Excellence is responsible for designing, developing, and launching new academic programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels as well as working with faculty to strengthen existing curriculum. The role will emphasize aligning programs with student needs, the university's mission, the Fresno Pacific Idea, and market demands in the Central Valley to ensure institutional growth and sustainability. The position reports to the Provost and Senior VP of Academic Affairs and requires close collaboration with faculty, staff, external stakeholders, and university leadership.
Essential Functions

• Program Development & Planning
  • Effectively interpret and apply data from a range of sources to identify emerging trends and opportunities for new academic programs.
  • Collaborate with faculty, academic departments, and external stakeholders to conceptualize and design innovative, mission-aligned programs.
  • Develop plans for program rollout, ensuring timely and successful implementation.
  • Develop financial plans for new programs, together with the provost and VP of Finance
  • Partner with faculty, academic departments, and external stakeholders to revise and maintain existing curriculum and programs.
• Curriculum Design & Approval
  • Work with faculty and relevant committees to design rigorous and relevant curricula that meet accreditation standards.
  • Guide proposed programs through the internal approval process, ensuring alignment with institutional governance and university priorities and resources.
• Strategic Leadership
  • Lead interdisciplinary teams to develop programs within the university's strategic framework and budgetary constraints. Chair the New Academic Programs Committee.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between academic divisions, enrollment management, marketing, and student services to ensure smooth program integration.
• Compliance & Accreditation
  • Ensure all new programs meet regulatory and accreditation standards, including WSCUC and any applicable state or federal requirements.
• Budget & Resource Management
  • Oversee budget development related to new program launch and implementation.
  • Collaborate with the Office of Advancement to identify and secure funding sources, including grants and donor contributions.
• Partnership Development
  • Establish and maintain relationships with industry leaders, community organizations, and alumni to ensure programs meet market needs and build career pathways for students.
  • Explore opportunities for interdisciplinary and inter-institutional partnerships to enhance program offerings.
• Marketing & Recruitment Support
  • Partner with academic deans to recruit, onboard, and support faculty for new programs
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Enrollment Management to develop promotional strategies for new programs.
  • Ensure all program materials clearly articulate value propositions and align with student and market needs.
• Mission Driven Leadership
  • Demonstrate a commitment to serving and inspiring students and colleagues in a context of a Christian University, integrating your Christian faith into your role and responsibilities.
  • Embrace the , and values of Fresno Pacific University, affirm the s, and support the ideals and practices articulated in ""
  • Uphold and advance Fresno Pacific University's commitment to Christ-centered higher education, holistic student development, and serving diverse communities.
• Other job duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. or terminal degree in an academic discipline or relevant field
• Minimum of five years of experience in higher education, with experience in academic program development or related areas.
• Prior knowledge and experience with curriculum, curricular development, or assessment of student learning.
• Proven ability to develop and implement successful academic programs.
• Strong understanding of accreditation standards and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to the university's Christian mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain high levels of professionalism and integrity

Preferred:

• Experience with program accreditation and compliance
• Knowledge of trends in higher education including adult learners, online course delivery, and competency-based education
• Familiarity with grant writing and fundraising

Environmental Conditions:

• Indoors in a normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes at least eighty percent (80%) of the time.
• Frequent computer use at a workstation, up to eight hours per day.
• Frequently work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
• Drive personal or University vehicles to appointments. Travel may be required to meet with external stakeholders, attend conferences, and support accreditation processes.
• Public contact position requiring professional apparel, personal hygiene, and grooming.

Physical Demands:

• This position typically functions indoors in an office environment with light to moderate noise associated with business office equipment. The position may involve travel for meetings and events.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: remain in a stationary position 80 % of the time, be able to move about inside the office to access file cabinets/office machinery etc., operate a computer and keyboard and other office productivity machinery such as calculators/copy machines/printers. The employee is occasionally required to position self to reach items on the floor and in high cabinetry.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Employee must be able to communicate with others to exchange information including both over the telephone and in-person communication with callers and community members and be able to read a computer screen and paper documents.
• Reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities will be provided in accordance with law.

University Information

$85,000 to $130,000 is the annual salary for this role and reflects what Fresno Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, FPU offers a competitive benefits package.

Reserving its rights as a religious institution, Fresno Pacific University is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age or disability, or other classes protected by applicable law. Committed to excellence and actively supportive of cultural diversity, FPU invites individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you should contact FPU's Human Resources Department at hr@fresno.edu. As a religious institution, the University will administer the equal opportunity employment policy consistent with the Fresno Pacific University statement of faith, the FPU Idea and the University's governance by the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
Fresno Pacific University offers a wide range of affordable benefits that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. As well as, a 403(b) retirement plan, life insurance, and a number of unique unviersity benefits. Please visit and you may review our current Holiday Calendar.

For any benefits questions, please email us at hr@fresno.edu.