Essential Studies Program Director

Company: University of North Dakota
Location: Grand Forks
Posted on: October 16, 2024

Job Description:

Salary/Position Classification

• 
  
• The compensation for this position will be commensurate with experience and the discipline and rank of the selected candidate with an anticipated minimum salary of $120,000.
  
• 40 hours per week.
  
• 100% Remote Work Availability: No.
  
  This search is being ran by Academic Search. Please apply online:
  Applications received by October 30, 2024 are assured consideration.
  Purpose of Position
  The Director of Essential Studies provides vision and leadership for this program, and advocates for excellence in general education for all undergraduate students at UND. The Director coordinates the program; collaborates with academic units in the development and ongoing validation of a broad array of Essential Studies courses; works closely with faculty, staff, and advisors to inspire innovative teaching and campus-wide understanding of the program; and communicates the value of the liberal arts and supports student success in interactions with individual students and the larger campus.
  This position is a 12-month appointment and will include administrative duties as director of the Essential Studies program (general education at the University of North Dakota). In addition to the administrative work associated with this position, the chosen candidate will be expected to teach at least one course each semester (Fall and Spring) within the Essential Studies program and/or the person's disciplinary home department/school/college.
  This administrative appointment may also carry a separate tenured appointment commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications and in the department relevant to their discipline, subject to approval from the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education.
  Duties & Responsibilities
  Vision, Leadership, and Advocacy for ES Program
  
  • 
    
  • Work with the Essential Studies Committee, the faculty, and stakeholders across campus to align the ES program with the strategic vision outlined in the UND LEADS strategic plan.
    
  • Provide vision and leadership for the program, particularly in communicating with students, faculty, staff, and administration the importance of the program, its objectives, and its requirements.
    
  • Affirm the value of a liberal arts education through effective, campus-wide communication.
    
  • Serve as liaison to academic units and leadership throughout the University, and to support units, including Student Academic and Career Services (SASCE), the Teaching Transformation and Development Academy (TTaDA), Student Affairs, Registrar's Office, and Enrollment Services.
    
  • Align the program with national and university best practices in general education, state higher education policies, and university mission and vision.
    
  • Serve as ex-officio member on the University Senate Essential Studies, Curriculum, and Assessment Committees.
    
  • Serve as UND's delegate and spokesperson for general education at state and national meetings and conferences.
    
  • Participate and/or lead (as needed) efforts to integrate Essential Studies with student success initiatives at UND, including first year experience programming, experiential learning opportunities, and more.
    
  • Develop web-based or social media and other informational materials that help prospective and current students, parents, faculty, staff, and advisors understand and promote the purposes and benefits of a quality general education.
    
  • Coordinate with the Faculty Development unit in the Teaching & Transformation Development Academy, and with the VPFA, to create and implement support systems for program instructors and advisors.
    
    Implementation and Coordination of ES Program
    
    • 
      
    • Work with faculty, program directors, chairs, and deans to ensure that an optimal number of general education/Essential Studies courses will be offered each semester, on campus and online.
      
    • Work with faculty, program directors, chairs, and deans to promote the creation of innovative or interdisciplinary program courses.
      
    • Facilitate the implementation of the program and address issues that may arise in coordination with departments, colleges/schools, and other university units.
      
    • Work with departments to educate and support their chairs, faculty, and advisors about the validation & revalidation of ES courses.
      
    • Work with students who have questions or concerns about their general education/Essential Studies programs of study.
      
    • Collaborate with advisors-both professional and faculty-to provide accurate advice and guidance about the program.
      
    • Collaborate with program course instructors so they are knowledgeable about the program's larger goals.
      
    • Manage program related business.
      
    • Ensure proper and effective keeping and maintaining of program records.
      
    • Ensure support for campus stakeholders: students, faculty, advisors, administration, and the public.
      
      Assessment of General Education/the Essential Studies Program
      
      • 
        
      • Work with the Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Accreditation to develop, manage, and conduct assessment activities for the program.
        
      • Host (or co-host) campus discussions on the results of assessment activities.
        
        Course instruction in the ES Program
        
        • 
          
        • Instruct one course within discipline that is validated as an ES course during the Fall and Spring semester for each academic year.
          
          Required Competencies
          
          • 
            
          • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
            
          • Effective interpersonal communication skills.
            
          • Knowledge and understanding of current developments in general education reform.
            
          • Working understanding of assessment methods and program evaluation.
            
          • Strong leadership skills.
            
          • Proficiency in Qualtrics and CourseLeaf software programs.
            
          • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts.
            
          • Experience with change management.
            
            Minimum Requirements
            
            • 
              
            • Terminal Degree in an Academic Field represented at UND.
              
            • Three years of full-time teaching experience at an accredited institution of higher education.
              
            • Documented experience teaching general education courses at the undergraduate level.
              
            • Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.
              
              In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US.
              Preferred Qualifications
              
              • 
                
              • Five years of full-time teaching experience at an accredited institution of higher education.
                
              • Five years of experience teaching in the undergraduate curriculum.
                
              • Experience teaching in a variety of modalities.
                
              • Experience with higher education program review, assessment, and reporting.
                
              • Administrative experience, including having served as program director or in a similar role.
                
                To Apply
                Applications should include a letter of interest (not more than three pages) specifically addressing the applicant's background in relationship to the qualifications described, a current resume or curriculum vitae and any additional materials as required/desired.
                Please apply online:
                Applications received by October 30, 2024 are assured consideration.
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Keywords: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks , Essential Studies Program Director, Executive , Grand Forks, North Dakota