Director Of Academic Services

Summary of Position: The Director of Academic Services at Wesley Seminary will lead, oversee, and manage various academic operational functions to ensure smooth, efficient, and quality educational experiences for the students, faculty, and staff. The individual will work closely with various Seminary, IWU/Marion, and N&G teams to ensure consistency and compliance with the registrar's institutional guidelines, operational procedures, and accreditation requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management:

• Provide effective leadership, develop and implement strategic vision and planning for all Academic Services personnel

• Ensure optimal student academic support, mentorship, and guidance

• Supervise and promote the professional development of direct reports

• Operational Excellence and Student Affairs:

• Oversee and provide support as needed to registration, academic standards management, graduation coordination, policy updates and enforcements, degree audit supervision, and departmental operational duties

• Maintain, review, and optimize academic operational procedures

• Ensure efficient academic scheduling, planning, and resource allocation

• Responsible for addressing student academic grievances promptly and fairly

• Design strategies and tools to improve student retention and graduation rates

• Work closely with the Dean of the Faculty to integrate and facilitate workstreams concerning the faculty

• Work closely with the Director of Admissions to integrate and facilitate workstreams concerning students

• Financial Oversight:

• Collaborate with the Executive Vice President and finance department to assist with the seminary's budget, ensuring prudent and strategic financial decisions related to academic operations

• Strategic Planning:

• Contribute to the seminary's long-term strategic planning, ensuring that academic objectives and goals align with the institution's mission and vision

• Lead the development and execution of a tactical plan for academic services based on the seminary's broader strategy

• Continuous Improvement:

• Implement mechanisms for feedback collection from students, faculty, and other stakeholders

• Collaborate with the Dean of the Faculty and faculty on assessment collection data, reports, and LMS updates

• Use feedback to identify areas of improvement and implement changes as necessary

• Grant Management:

• Inquire, apply for, and manage grants beneficial to the seminary's academic and operational pursuits

• Work with the grants and finance offices to ensure proper allocation and utilization of grant funds

• Accreditation Support:

• Support the Dean of the Faculty and EVP with accreditation work

• Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI):

• Support in the development, strategy, and implementation of the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) plan, ensuring its alignment with the seminary's goals and mission

• Technology and Infrastructure:

• Support the Dean of the Faculty and IT department with projects that aim to integrate the latest technology into the academic framework, enhancing teaching and learning experiences

• Committee Involvement and Representation:

• Serve on various Seminary and University committees, as needed

• Represent the Seminary with stakeholders and other events and meetings aligned with the role or as the Executive Vice President is assigned

• Other Responsibilities:

• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Vice President

• SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Oversee the Academic Services department, which includes LMS, Student and Academic Services, and Student Accounts

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• A Master's degree from a recognized and accredited institution in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related field is preferred. However, bachelor's degrees could also be considered

• Broad Academic Understanding:

• Familiarity with the academic spectrum offered by Wesley Seminary, including Undergraduate degrees, MDiv, MA, Certificates, and DMin

• Theological and Missional Foundation:

• A profound understanding and personal alignment with Wesley Seminary's mission to prepare leaders for local and global missional ministry

Experience

• Proven Leadership and Management Expertise

• A minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in academic administration, preferably within a Christian higher education environment

• Demonstrated ability in overseeing student services, academic operations, and staff development, with a proven track record of enhancing academic environments

• Experience in effectively managing a diverse team, providing mentorship, and promoting professional growth among staff members

• Academic Program and Curriculum Support:

• Extensive experience in developing and implementing operational processes aligned with institutional missions and educational standards

• Skilled in curriculum assessment and revision processes to ensure compliance with current educational trends and standards

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty and academic deans to innovate and enhance course offerings and academic services

• Accreditation and Compliance:

• Experience preparing for accreditation reviews, managing site visits, and supporting ongoing compliance with accreditation standards

• Strategic Financial and Resource Management:

• Demonstrated ability to manage departmental budgets, allocate resources efficiently, and make strategic financial decisions that support academic goals and operational needs

• Experience in grant management, including sourcing, applying for, and overseeing the use of grant funds to enhance academic services

• Student Affairs and Support Services:

• Strong background in student affairs, understanding of student lifecycle from admission to graduation, and ability to enhance student retention and success

• Experience addressing student grievances, enforcing institutional policies, and advocating for student needs and equity

Diversity Statement

IWU commits to create a community that reflects kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment that exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Advertised: 19 Jun 2024 US Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 19 Jul 2024 US Eastern Daylight Time