Job No. 154611
- Job Title:
- Associate Director of Academic Engagement
- Employer:
-
Radford University
- Location:
-
Radford , VA
- Posting Date:
- 13-Jan-2025
- Description:
-
Education/experience
Education and Experience:
Master’s degree in Higher Education, Education, English, or a related field.
At least 3–5 years of experience in higher education, specifically in first-year experience programs, student engagement, academic support, teaching, or related areas.
Job Summary
The Associate Director of Academic Engagement provides strategic oversight and leadership for the UNIV 100 course at Radford University, a foundational first-year seminar designed to support students’ academic success, personal development, and transition to college life. This position is responsible for developing and refining the course’s learning outcomes, instructional materials, and pedagogy to align with institutional goals for first-year engagement and retention.
The Associate Director of Academic Engagement oversees the recruitment, hiring, training, and supervision of over 100 faculty and peer instructors who deliver the course, ensuring consistency and excellence in instruction. By fostering collaboration across academic departments and student support offices, the Associate Director of Academic Engagement ensures that UNIV 100 provides a comprehensive and impactful learning experience for all participants.
This role also contributes to broader first-year experience initiatives, including assessment and programmatic improvements, with a focus on promoting student success and engagement. Through innovative leadership and coordination, the Associate Director of Academic Engagement plays a critical role in shaping the first-year student journey at Radford University.
Beyond managing UNIV 100, the Associate Director of Academic Engagement plays a pivotal role in new student transition initiatives, contributing to programs like Quest Orientation. This position is integral to fostering a positive and engaging first-year experience, promoting student retention, and supporting academic success throughout the student journey at Radford University.
Additionally, the Associate Director of Academic Engagement leads the strategic coordination of Living Learning Programs (LLPs) and Living Learning Communities (LLCs). This includes collaborating with academic departments, faculty, and student affairs to create integrated living and learning environments that align with institutional priorities. The Associate Director of Academic Engagement oversees the development, implementation, and assessment of LLPs and LLCs to ensure they support student engagement, personal development, and academic achievement.
·This role also includes supervisory responsibilities for student leaders in the Student Connection Programs (UNIV 100 and Quest) and faculty instructors involved in both UNIV 100 and LLPs. The Associate Director of Academic Engagement contributes to new student onboarding efforts through Quest orientation and supports Admissions recruitment events such as Highlander Day and Open House at both the Radford and Roanoke campuses.
Proficiency with technology is essential for success in this role, as it underpins program delivery, communication, and data management.
Required Qualifications
Program Development Expertise:
Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating academic programs or courses, particularly those aimed at first-year students.
Proven ability to develop and assess student learning outcomes.
Leadership and Supervision:
Experience supervising staff, faculty, or student leaders, including recruitment, training, and professional development.
Ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
Communication Skills:
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Event Management and Coordination:
Strong organizational skills with experience coordinating programs, events, and initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders.
Technological Proficiency:
Proficiency in learning management systems (e.g., D2L), assessment tools, and data management platforms.
Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant technologies to support program delivery and communication.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations, fostering equity and inclusion in academic and co-curricular programming.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:
Ability to make independent decisions, resolve challenges, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Knowledge of Student Development:
Strong understanding of first-year transition issues, retention strategies, and student development theory as applied in a university setting.
Flexibility and Collaboration:
Capacity to work collaboratively with academic departments, student affairs units, and external stakeholders.
Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities and institutional needs.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with assessment and data analysis to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement efforts.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.