JOB OPPORTUNITIES & CALLS FOR TENDER
JOB OPPORTUNITIES & CALLS FOR TENDER
Job Opportunities at the American Farm School & Perrotis College

Position of Vice-President for Academic Affairs at the American Farm School and Perrotis College 

The American Farm School was founded on the outskirts of Thessaloniki in 1904. Building on more than a century of tradition cultivating stewards of the land, the Farm School programs, which range from pre-K through higher education undergraduate and graduate studies, prepare future leaders who value and understand the sustainable use of natural resources, preservation of the environment, application of the life sciences for solving problems, and effective utilization of information technology.  True to its mission, the American Farm School is preparing leaders for service to society as responsible and knowledgeable citizens.

The AFS historic Secondary School offers contemporary academic instruction in science and technology, and practical skills instruction in ecologically sound agriculture and food production and processing systems. Many of the students in the Secondary School board on campus and the School offers a comprehensive residential life program. Recently, the Institution successfully launched an innovative primary education division with a focus on environmental education and experiential learning. 

Perrotis College, which offers B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in the fields of Environmental Systems Management, Environmental Science, International Business, Digital Marketing and Food Science and Technology, is under the institutional umbrella of the American Farm School. The College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education in the U.S., and Cardiff Metropolitan University. The Farm School also offers vocational initial and continuing education programs to youth and adults through its Vocational High School, Junior College, Institute for Vocational Training, and Lifelong Learning Department.

Position scope

Reporting to the President of the Institution, the Vice-President (VP) for Academic Affairs will provide leadership and direction to all our educational departments consistent with the goals and mission of the Institution to ensure excellence and integration of the academic programs throughout the Institution, with emphasis on the higher levels of education. The VP for Academic Affairs will be an efficient manager of people and projects, an integrator of other units on campus such as the Educational Farm and HUB for Innovation,and a relentless driver of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

The VP for Academic Affairs is a key member of the senior leadership team, and will oversee the following programs: Pre-K through 12, Perrotis College, the Library, and student recruitment. In collaboration with the Schools’ Principals and the College Dean and Associate Deans, this individual oversees and is responsible for the successful operation of all Academic Departments, and more particularly:

  • Oversees the implementation of the academic plan and promotes academic excellence, relevance to the needs of today’s workforce, innovation and inclusivity through collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork with Principals, the College Dean and Associate Deans, and Faculty; 
  • Presides or participates in all the relevant School and College Committees;
  • Oversees faculty and staff recruitment, coordination, evaluation and development in cooperation with the Human Resources Department;
  • Understands and is committed to the philosophy of educating the whole individual (the head, the hands and the heart) as well as the tri-partite mission (teaching, research and outreach) of a modern and innovative College of agriculture, environment, and life sciences;  
  • Fosters a campus climate consistent with AFS core values and vision; 
  • Advocates cultural and organizational change within the Institution, nurturing a reflective community adaptable to change, in a way that is consistent with the Schools’ missions and values; 
  • Participates in all AFS strategic planning exercises, and sets annual priorities;  oversees and monitors the implementation of the strategic plan and annual priorities in all Academic Departments;
  • Coordinates with the Education Farm, which is a learning and research laboratory for all academic programs;
  • Promotes research as the basis for institutional leadership in driving continued innovation and entrepreneurship of faculty, staff and students to maintain and expand the role of the AFS and Perrotis College in national, regional and international food science, food systems, and food security;
  • Provides strategic support and leadership for growth of the AFS and Perrotis College enrollment;  participates in recruitment, enrollment planning, and scheduling processes; in the case of Perrotis College, s/he is highly committed to an international, diverse student body, with strong connections to US academic institutions;    
  • Represents our Academic Departments in national and international, public or private networks, the academic world, and the community in general, and is involved in partnership development with U.S. universities, EU universities, international research centers, among others.
  • Oversees student life programs and the provision of an effective array of student support and administrative services;
  • Develops and assures adherence to School and College policies and procedures and assures compliance with rules and regulations of accrediting agencies and the educational laws of Greece;
  • Strives for organizational coordination and  efficiency, by working with the administrative staff within the departments and across the Institution;
  • Works with the Financial Services Office regarding the development and management of all Academic Departments’ budgets, thus contributing to the financial stability and sustainability of the Institution;
  • Cooperates with the Institutional Advancement Office in efforts to fund programs and projects;
  • Collaborates with the Chief Operations Officer and all the relevant Departments (Facilities Management, IT, the Hub for Innovation and Impact and others) to ensure that there is up-to-date infrastructure and resources to support safety, growth and innovation for all Academic Departments.

Requirements and skills

Candidates should possess:  

  • Postgraduate studies (preferably at the doctorate level) in one of the Natural Sciences, Technology, Education or Educational Leadership, or any agriculturally related discipline including Agricultural Economics;
  • Five or more years of teaching experience in primary, secondary or higher education, preferably in an international school or college environment;
  • Demonstrated success and leadership as an academic administrator; 
  • Demonstrated commitment to academic innovation and excellence;
  • Experience in experiential and student-centered educational approaches;
  • Proven experience in financial and systems oversight;
  • Experience in institutional advancement and fundraising, effective networking, integration of vocational education for workforce development, program and project conceptualization and management will be looked upon favorably;
  • Excellent English writing and speaking skills, even though Greek is the primary language of instruction in our Schools. At Perrotis College the language of instruction is English.  Most AFS staff are comfortable conversing in English.

Additional personal characteristics: strong work ethic, professional integrity, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, strategic and analytical capacity, a collaborative work style, and aptitude in decision-making and practical problem-solving.

The appointment will be open as of September, 2024. An earlier starting date could be considered.

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest electronically, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of three references to the e-mail address: dtheod@afs.edu.gr. The e-mail should be titled: Application for the VP for Academic Affairs position, until March 1, 2024. For more information, please contact the Human Resources Department, Despina Theodoridou, tel.: +30 2310 492740.

Applications will be treated in strict confidentiality. References will be contacted only in cases of candidates that reach the second interview stage. Candidates will be informed that their references are going to be contacted by our Human Resources Department ahead of time.

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Position of Chief Operations Officer at the American Farm School

 

Position summary

The American Farm School and Perrotis College over the years have developed a number of diverse educational services and production activities that require the skills of an experienced Chief Operations Officer (COO) to oversee the organization’s ongoing operations and procedures. The COO, together with the Vice-President (VP) for Academic Affairs, the CFO, HR, and the Head of Advancement will report to the President, and be responsible for the smooth and successful operation of the whole Institution.  The COO will be an efficient manager of people and projects, and a relentless driver of continuous improvement.

The COO will be a key member of the senior leadership team. The COO will maintain control of diverse administrative and business operations, will support strategic units, and will collaborate effectively and inspire effective leadership with colleagues on campus. The goal of the COO position is to secure continuity, functionality of operations, and support of the extensive growth of programs and infrastructure on campus.

 

Responsibilities

  • Oversees daily operations of the Institution and the work of the units that report to him/her (Facilities Management and Land Development, Educational Farm, IT, the Hub for Innovation and Impact, Strategic Planning, and Purchases); and the implementation of development plans for new products and projects;
  • In collaboration with the CFO and the Departments, develops and implements budgets that allow for sustainable growth as well as prudent management;
  • In collaboration with the VP for Academic Affairs, the CFO, the Head of HR, the Academic Council and the senior leadership team, designs and implements strategies, plans and procedures;
  • Oversees the digitalization of all procedures and improved efficiency;
  • Develops and implements quality systems and ensures efficient work flow;
  • Sets comprehensive goals for performance and growth in coordination with the senior team;
  • Provides support and leadership for the Farm revitalization, and land/infrastructure management.
  • Leads employees in the units that report to him/her to achieve maximum performance and dedication;
  • In collaboration with the HR Department evaluates performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics;
  • Writes and submits reports to the President and the Board in all matters of importance;
  • Assists the President and the Head of Advancement in fundraising ventures;
  • Participates in Institutional development and expansion activities (new products, services and markets, investments, networks, etc.);
  • Fosters a campus climate consistent with AFS core values and vision; 
  • Advocates cultural and organizational change within the Institution, nurturing a reflective community adaptable to change, in a way that is consistent with the Schools’ missions and values; and,
  • Manages relationships with external partners/vendors.

 

Requirements and skills

  • Proven experience as Chief Operations Officer or relevant role.  Administrative experience in an academic institution will be considered a plus.
  • Understanding of business functions such as IT, finance, HR, agricultural production and food processing, marketing and sales, land development and facilities management, EU projects, etc.
  • Demonstrable competencies in strategic planning and business development;
  • Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics;
  • Working knowledge of IT/business infrastructure and MS Office;
  • Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities;
  • Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills;
  • Strong work ethic, professional integrity  and a collaborative work style
  • Aptitude in decision-making, and a practical orientation to problem-solving;
  • BS/BA in Business Administration or relevant field; MS/MBA considered a plus; An Engineering background and project management knowledge or certification would also be viewed favorably;
  • Experience in fundraising will be a plus; and
  • Excellent English and Greek writing and speaking skills.

 

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered that may include housing on campus. The appointment will be open as of September, 2024. An earlier starting date could be considered.

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest electronically, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of three references to the e-mail address: dtheod@afs.edu.gr. The e-mail should be titled: Application for the COO position, until March 1, 2024. For more information, please contact the Human Resources Department, Despina Theodoridou, tel.: +30 2310 492740.

Applications will be treated in strict confidentiality. References will be contacted only in cases of candidates that reach the second interview stage. Candidates will be informed that their references are going to be contacted by our Human Resources Department ahead of time.

 

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The American Farm School is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 
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