Position: Chief Academic Officer (Full-Time)

Company: Pensole Lewis College 

Department: Education

Reports to: President 

Location: 200 Walker St, Detroit, Michigan, United States (On-site) 

WHO WE ARE

PLC Detroit (PLC) is the Creative Northstar and premier HBCU that is Rebranding Education and Blacklighting the Industry. We are the pipeline for career-focused learning and professional development serving all students of the game. To be a student of the game is to prepare and empower yourself to enter the industry and make it better for the next generation.

At PLC, we offer a new path to do just that - break into the world of product creation and change the scope of what it looks like to navigate within educational and career pathways.

We believe in carrying vision together. We put trust in our partners and creative community to drive change in providing access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in the future we are designing.

Make the choice to bear the torch to lead the way forward.

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Chief Academic Officer (CAO) will lead PLC Detroit’s academic strategy, ensuring alignment with industry needs, compliance with educational standards, and innovation in culturally responsive, design-focused education. This role demands a leader who embodies the institution’s commitment to equity, excellence, design, and its nonprofit mission while fostering strategic collaboration with the Board and stakeholders.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Strategic Planning

• Collaborates with the Board to develop and refine the institution’s academic strategic plan, ensuring alignment with PLC Detroit's nonprofit and HBCU mission.
• Provides input on long-term educational goals and objectives that prioritize innovation, equity, and institutional growth.
• Ensures alignment between academic initiatives and the broader mission and vision of PLC Detroit
• Use data and analytics to assess academic performance, identify gaps, and implement evidence-based strategies for continuous improvement in student outcomes

Academic Leadership & Compliance

• Define and oversee the implementation of academic policies, ensuring full compliance with state and federal education standards
• Lead PLC Detroit’s accreditation efforts, including preparation and ongoing compliance with Michigan and national standards
• Champion a vision for academic innovation that integrates traditional degree pathways, culturally relevant programming, and industry-driven design education.
• Collaborate with local high schools to develop pre-collegiate programming supported by corporate sponsors, focusing on wrap-around services that bridge high school and higher education, particularly for underrepresented students.
• Ensure faculty qualifications and certifications meet accreditation standards, maintaining compliance across all academic programs

Policy Development

• Works closely with the Board and academic leaders to review and recommend changes to academic policies, ensuring they reflect evolving educational trends and institutional priorities
• Ensures compliance with accreditation standards and state regulations through consistent review and updates to policies

Corporate Partnerships & Industry Alignment

• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors to advance the nonprofit mission of providing accessible and affordable education.
• Ensure the Industry Credentials programming equips students for internships and entry-level roles while supporting the institution’s focus on social impact and workforce equity and fostering corporate partnerships
• Serve as a primary representative of PLC Detroit in local and global industry engagements, driving student recruitment and raising institutional visibility.

Curriculum Innovation & Program Development

• Oversee the development of culturally & industry relevant, design-focused curricula that reflect PLC Detroit’s mission to foster leadership in underserved communities
• Ensure learning management systems (LMS) and other academic tools are used effectively to support equitable student outcomes
• Implement and manage a comprehensive Student Information System (SIS), ensuring integration with registration processes and alignment with academic and operational goals
• Support department chairs and program managers in maintaining the quality and relevance of educational offerings, including immersive certificate programs, summer workshops, outreach, and recruitment efforts, with a focus on strong collaborations at the high school level and strategic liaisons with middle school initiatives.

Human Resources Leadership

• Collaborate with HR to recruit, retain, and develop diverse academic staff aligned with the institution’s nonprofit and HBCU mission.
• Oversee performance evaluations and provide strategic leadership to foster a culture of accountability, growth, and innovation.
• Create opportunities for faculty and staff professional development, particularly for the education department, focusing on culturally responsive pedagogy and innovative teaching practices.
• Lead succession planning efforts to ensure a sustainable leadership pipeline within academic departments. Drive equitable hiring practices to build a diverse, inclusive, and mission-driven academic team.

Fiduciary Responsibility

• Provides the Board with accurate and timely financial reporting for academic budgets, ensuring transparency and accountability in resource allocation and decision-making
• Develop and manage academic budgets to ensure sustainable growth and effective resource allocation in line with the institution’s nonprofit mission
• Identify and secure non-tuition revenue streams, including grants, sponsorships, and competitions, to advance access and affordability

Community Engagement & Board Relations

• Strengthen PLC Detroit’s community presence by fostering relationships with local organizations, high schools, and industry leaders
• Maintain clear and respectful communication with the Board, adhering to governance best practices and established protocols for decision-making and reporting
• Ensure confidentiality of sensitive information while documenting formal interactions for accountability and transparency
• Establish feedback loops with students, faculty, and the broader community to ensure academic programs remain relevant and responsive to their needs

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Master’s or Ph.D. or Ed.D. in Education, Design, or a related field — or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of higher education leadership, with experience in accreditation and compliance
• Proven success in building corporate partnerships and aligning academic programs with industry needs
• Strong understanding of the nonprofit sector, HBCU dynamics, and their role in addressing social and economic inequities
• Demonstrated expertise in financial and budget management within mission-driven organizations
• Demonstrated emotional intelligence and cultural competency in leadership, with a strong commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic settings
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Proficiency with learning management systems (LMS), student information systems (SIS), and compliance platforms

Location: Detroit, MI

Salary Range: 

$210,000 - $275,000 annually

Benefits: 

• Comprehensive package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities
• To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references

Applications deadline is Feb 28, 2025

Compensation, Onsite Expectations, and Equal Opportunity Statement

At PLC Detroit, we value the diverse talents and experiences of our team members and are committed to offering competitive and equitable compensation packages. For this position, the annual base salary range complies with Michigan state regulations and reflects market standards for similar roles in nonprofit organizations and HBCUs.

When determining individual compensation, PLC Detroit considers multiple factors, including:

Scope and Responsibilities: Evaluating the depth, breadth, and complexity of the position's duties.

Candidate Qualifications: Factoring in professional experience, educational background, and relevant skills.

Internal Equity: Ensuring fair and consistent compensation for team members with similar roles and responsibilities.

Market Trends: Regularly analyzing local and national salary benchmarks to remain competitive.

Organizational Needs: Balancing budgetary constraints and strategic growth priorities to ensure fiscal responsibility.

Onsite, On-Campus Role at 200 Walker St, Detroit, MI

This role requires physical presence at our Detroit campus to support the dynamic, interactive nature of PLC Detroit’s educational programs. The position demands frequent in-person collaboration and engagement with faculty, students, and other stakeholders, which are integral to maintaining our vibrant campus culture.

What does "onsite, on campus" mean?

Being physically present at our campus, located at 200 Walker St, Detroit, MI

Engaging regularly in face-to-face collaboration with colleagues and students

Participating in the opportunities and vibrancy of our close-knit on-campus community

Why is this important?

PLC Detroit thrives on the energy and synergy that come from in-person interactions

Effective collaboration and communication are essential to fulfilling our mission as a nonprofit HBCU

Our investments in creating a dynamic campus environment rely on the presence and contributions of our team

If you are enthusiastic about working onsite at PLC Detroit and contributing to our mission-driven culture, we encourage you to apply. Your dedication to being present on campus will help ensure the success of both your role and our shared goals.

Equal Opportunity Statement

PLC Detroit is fully committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. As a nonprofit educational corporation and HBCU, we proudly uphold state and federal regulations promoting equity and inclusivity in all aspects of our operations. 

We are committed to building a leadership team that reflects the diversity of the students we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to help advance our mission of equity in education.

Note: If your career goals or work preferences do not align with an onsite, on-campus position, we encourage you to explore opportunities that better match your aspirations. Thank you for considering PLC Detroit, and we wish you success in your career journey.