Associate Vice President for WWU Peninsulas

Western Washington University

2d • $180,000 - $200,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Vice President for WWU-Peninsulas (AVP WWU-P) is a senior, student-centered academic leader responsible for driving enrollment growth, expanding access, and advancing the strategic development of WWU’s educational offerings across the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas. The AVP WWU-P works collaboratively with academic departments on the WWU main campus, partner institutions, and regional stakeholders to increase enrollment, strengthen academic pathways, and deliver high-quality academic programming aligned with community and workforce needs.

As WWU Peninsulas Senior Administrator, the AVP WWU-P reports to the WWU President and works in close collaboration with the Provost and Executive Vice President and other senior leaders.  The position provides administrative and operation leadership for WWU-P programs and initiatives, with direct reports including the Senior Director, Western Locations and Academic Program Directors for WWU-P programs, who report to this position for administrative coordination and operational responsibilities, while faculty roles and academic oversight remain within their home colleges and departments.  Additional positions may report to the AVP WWU-P as needed to advance WWU-P's strategic and operational priorities.

This role serves as Western’s primary executive presence on the Peninsulas, representing the University to students, education and community partners, Tribal Nations, military installations, and regional employers, while advancing enrollment growth, student success, and institutional visibility across a geographically distributed region.

Requirements

• Doctorate or terminal degree required
• At least five years of full-time teaching or equivalent experience in higher education
• Administrative leadership experience in an academic or educational setting
• Demonstrated ability to drive enrollment growth and organizational expansion in higher education
• Proven success collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and diverse communities
• Experience identifying and addressing barriers to access for underrepresented, first-generation, and place-bound students
• Ability to build and sustain partnerships with community colleges, Tribal Nations, military partners, and regional organizations
• Strong organizational, administrative, and strategic planning skills
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication abilities

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic growth and development of WWU Peninsulas, advancing enrollment, program expansion, and regional impact
• Provide administrative and operational leadership for academic programming delivered across Poulsbo, Bremerton, Port Angeles, and virtual locations
• Collaborate with academic colleges and departments to develop and expand degree programs aligned with regional workforce and community needs
• Drive enrollment growth through data-informed strategy and strong coordination with enrollment management teams
• Strengthen transfer pathways and collaborative partnerships with Olympic College, Peninsula College, and other regional institutions
• Manage the operational and financial oversight of WWU Peninsulas, including budget, academic resources, and instructional space planning
• Support program directors, faculty, and instructional teams to enhance teaching effectiveness and student success, particularly for place-bound, adult, military-connected, and first-generation students
• Identify and remove curricular or administrative barriers that limit student access and completion
• Track and evaluate key performance metrics related to enrollment growth, program success, and institutional impact
• Strengthen partnerships with Tribal Nations, military bases, local employers, and community organizations to support workforce alignment and student opportunity
• Serve as Western Washington University’s primary regional representative, building relationships that elevate the university’s presence and impact across the Peninsulas

Benefits

• WWU offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, generous leave policies, tuition benefits, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees