Illinois College of Optometry

Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean Position Announcement

Chicago, Illinois

Transform the Future of Optometric Education and Patient Care

Position	Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean
Institution	Illinois College of Optometry
Location	Chicago, Illinois
Reports to	President

The Opportunity

The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), one of the nation's premier institutions of optometric education and the oldest continuously operating college of optometry in the United States, invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean.

The Dean serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs of the College and a key member of the senior leadership team. Reporting to the President, the Dean provides visionary leadership for all academic programs and works collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, alumni, the Board of Trustees, and clinical leaders to advance the College's mission and strategic priorities.

ICO is recognized nationally for its commitment to excellence in optometric education, innovation, scholarship, and patient-centered care. Through its integrated clinical enterprise, the Illinois Eye Institute (IEI), ICO provides exceptional clinical training opportunities while serving a diverse patient population and advancing the profession of optometry.

About the Illinois College of Optometry

Founded in 1872, the Illinois College of Optometry is a private, not-for-profit institution dedicated to preparing future optometric leaders through rigorous academic instruction, clinical excellence, scholarship, and community engagement. ICO's educational program combines classroom learning, laboratory experiences, and extensive patient care training through the Illinois Eye Institute and a broad network of affiliated clinical sites.

ICO's mission is to develop highly qualified clinical optometrists through excellence in optometric education who will strive to seek that all will receive optimal healthcare.

Leadership Opportunity

The next Dean will guide ICO through a period of opportunity and transformation, building upon the College's strong foundation while positioning the institution for continued success in an evolving healthcare and higher education environment.

The successful candidate will:

Provide visionary leadership for the College's academic mission.
Foster a culture of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
Support innovation in curriculum, technology, and educational delivery.
Maintain a strong commitment to accreditation, assessment, and continuous quality improvement.
Recruit, develop, andretainoutstanding faculty and academic leaders.
Strengthencollaboration between the academic enterprise and the Illinois Eye Institute.
Promote student success, professional development, and leadership.
Serve as a visible ambassador for ICO within the profession and broader healthcare community.
Advance strategic partnerships, external engagement, and fundraising initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

OD degree preferred; PhD or equivalent terminal degree with significant experience and demonstrated success in optometric education.
Significant leadership experience in higher education, healthcare, or an academic health professions environment.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and resource management.
Strong understanding of accreditation and academic quality assurance.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.

Distinguished record of academic and professional achievement.
Experience within optometric education or academic health professions education.
Experience leading clinical education programs or healthcare delivery systems.
Experience supporting faculty development, shared governance, and organizational change.
Experience with fundraising, alumni engagement, and external partnerships.
Previous experience as a Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or comparable executive leader.

Desired Leadership Characteristics
ICO seeks a leader who is:

Committed to academic and clinical excellence.
A strategic visionary.
Collaborative andrelationship-oriented.
Student-centered.
Skilled in leading change and innovation.
Financially astute and operationally effective.
Inclusive, transparent, and accountable.
Dedicated to developing future leaders in optometry.

Why ICO?

The Illinois College of Optometry offers a unique opportunity to lead a nationally respected institution that combines:
A long tradition of excellence in optometric education.
A robust and integrated clinical enterprise.
A commitment to innovation and scholarship.
A diverse and engaged academic community.
A mission-driven culture focused on improving eye health and patient care.

Application Process

The Illinois College of Optometry welcomes applications, nominations, and expressions of interest from accomplished and visionary leaders who are passionate about the future of optometric education and patient care.

An authentic and personal letter of interest including a statement of leadership philosophy
Curriculum vitae

After initial application, the candidate will submit three (3) professional references. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be handled with the highest degree of confidentiality consistent with institutional policies and applicable requirements.

Preferred application date

Candidates should submit application materials by October 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin upon receipt and will be ongoing until the position is filled. Nominations and expressions of interest are encouraged throughout the search process.

Illinois College of Optometry is committed to fostering an environment that values the contributions of all members of its community and provides equal opportunity in employment and education.

Job Description

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the President

GENERAL:

The Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean (VPAA/Dean) is the Chief Academic Officer of the College. The VPAA/Dean develops and implements curricular and academic policy and oversees systems and policies related to faculty governance. The VPAA/Dean is a member of the College President's Administrative Cabinet and is expected to participate in the formulation of overall College policies and planning. The Academic Dean is also expected to represent the College to outside constituents as requested by the President.

The Academic Dean:

Provides leadership and advocacy for the faculty
Oversees all personnel activities related to faculty, including recruitment, FTE assignments, performance evaluations, salary reviews and adjustments, promotion and tenure recommendations, and annual contracts
Monitors personnel activities related to Academic Affairs staff members
Assures the appropriate implementation of College personnel policies and procedures
Conducts institutional research and planning and assists in developing innovative academic programs and external funding sources
Responsible for all educational programs including clinical training within the Illinois Eye Institute, and at Externship sites, Residency Programs, and the MS degree program
Collaborates with the Vice President for Strategy and Institutional Development regarding Continuing Education programs
Oversees all students, resident, and faculty activity in the Illinois Eye Institute as related to education and patient care
Ensures maintenance of accreditation of all educational programs
Coordinates the development of the annual Academic Affairs budget
Actively participates in the College Budget development process
Monitors the approved budget against actuals and takes necessary action concerning variances
Represents the College at national, state, and local meetings in matters relating to academic and professional affairs, and in matters related to city, state, and federal agencies, to ensure effective College relations
Keeps well informed of current trends in college administration and legislation affecting the institution's academic affairs program
At the request of the President, serves as liaison to committees of the Board of Trustees, professional organizations, foundations and corporations, the ophthalmic industry, medical and educational institutions, and community organizations
Coordinates efforts related to legal issues related to faculty and students, and works with legal counsel, as directed by the President
Responsible for the preparation of all required reports, summaries, and surveys within the scope of the position
Ensures that all necessary records and files are generated and maintained
Keeps the President and other members of management appropriately informed of issues and activities related to Academic Affairs
Performs other related duties as necessary by the position or as directed by the President

The Illinois College of Optometry and the Illinois Eye Institute are at-will employers. Employment may be terminated by either the employee or the College at any time, with or without notice. The College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law. Faculty termination matters are governed by the Faculty Handbook.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site