(a) For the purpose of assisting the board in carrying out its authority and responsibility for the community and technical colleges, the board shall appoint a Chancellor who will also be Chief Executive Officer of the Alabama Community College System. The Chancellor shall serve at the pleasure of the board and perform such duties as are provided in this article and otherwise as are assigned by the board. The Chancellor serving on May 12, 2015, shall continue to serve until his or her then current contract expires. The board may enter into a contract with the Chancellor for his or her services for a period not to exceed four years. The Chancellor shall be a person of good moral character with academic and professional education equivalent to graduation from a regionally accredited university or college, who is knowledgeable in postsecondary institution administration and has training and experience sufficient to qualify him or her to perform the duties of the office.

(b) Notice of a vacancy in the position of Chancellor shall be posted by the board. The notice shall be posted on the Internet and in a conspicuous place at each postsecondary school campus and worksite, including all state and local board of education offices, at least 30 calendar days before the position is to be filled. The notice shall remain posted until the position is filled and shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Job description and title.

(2) Required qualifications.

(3) Salary range.

(4) Information on where to submit an application.

(5) Information on any deadlines for applying.

(6) Any other relevant information.

(c) The board may adopt or continue procedures with respect to the appointment of the Chancellor which are not inconsistent with this section. The position shall not be filled during the required posting period, except as herein provided. The posting of a vacancy notice as required in this section shall not be abridged or delayed except in emergency circumstances and then delayed only temporarily in order to reasonably meet the conditions of the emergency. A violation of the notice requirements of this section by the board shall void any related employment action taken by the board.

(d) A vacancy in the position of Chancellor shall be filled by the board within 180 days after such a vacancy occurs. The board may temporarily fill the position on an interim basis for not more than two six-month periods.