Director Of Academic Support And Writing Center

Position Title

Director of Academic Support and Writing Center

Department

Academic Affairs

Position Reports to

Director of Academic Technology

Effective Date

May 15, 2024

Status

Full Time/Exempt

Job Summary

This position requires a self-motivated person who has both the ability to inspire confidence in others and the expertise to independently manage the vibrant Academic Support Center (ASC) and Writing Center (WC) at Jacksonville University. The incumbent will demonstrate excellent communication and collaboration skills with all members of the campus community and will actively address a variety of student retention issues. In addition, the incumbent will facilitate study and life skills programs for various student populations. Other responsibilities include interfacing with student-athletes concerning academics, facilitating tutor training modules, evaluating center usage, and making presentations as needed. Ideal candidates will have successful experience with program planning and assessment, strong organizational development skills, and experience in teaching and advising at the college level.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervision of ASC Peer Tutors, Supplemental Instructors, Writing Tutors, Graduate Writing tutor, and Graduate Assistants

• Recruit, train, and directly supervise a team of approximately 30 peer tutors, 10 supplemental instructors, & 4- 5 front desk workers:

• Arrange front desk coverage with desk assistants

• Manage schedules of all the student workers

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of a vibrant student success center that features a strong peer tutoring program, course review sessions, supplemental instructor program, and academic skills workshops.

• Assist the Director of Academic Technology with development and implementation of annual strategic plans/work plans.

• Develop and implement an ongoing assessment program to evaluate the effectiveness of all ASC programming. Make improvements based on assessment results.

• Respond to all email, phone, and written inquiries made to the ASC.

• Oversee the scheduling of all appointments for tutoring sessions using Starfish.

• Develop and implement a peer tutor training program that meets CRLA criteria.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Supplemental Instruction (SI) program.

• Meet regularly with the student workers for ASC to provide direction, leadership and information; define goals; identify outcomes; solicit and provide feedback; and develop strategies to enhance the ASC.

• Assist in the creation and updating of all ASC forms.

• Collaborate with Center staff to coordinate and/or disseminate ASC communications which may include but are not limited to: data compilation, routine and special reports, and ongoing projects.

• Oversee the work of the tutors, supplemental instructors, and the student office assistants

• Work directly with various departments to collaborate on university-wide retention planning.

• Communicate effectively and often with faculty & programs in order to define academic support needs and to recruit talented tutors.

• Collaborate with Nursing and STEM faculty on study groups, tutoring, and other programming.

• Present workshops each semester on various learning theories and study skills.

• Be available for key events and activities throughout the year (Ex. Summer Orientations, beginning of semester events, graduations, etc.).

• Attend all department-related meetings and activities.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate a structured, comprehensive student support services program.

• Primary leadership styles are Situational, Affiliative, and Coaching.

• Evidence of understanding the academic exigencies and developmental issues of first year and upper-class undergraduate students, adult students, and veterans.

• Demonstrated ability to provide academic support services to students with a variety of needs including ADA accommodations.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite and experience using institutional databases, software, and applications.

• Ability to work evening hours and some weekends.

Work Conditions

• Standard office hours for this position 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Work is primarily indoors, but requires the incumbent to be in an outdoor environment when traveling between campus buildings or being off-campus.

• Attendance at evening and weekend events is often required.

• Off-campus, state and regional travel may be required.

• Incumbent will be exposed to frequent noise and interruptions caused by phone calls and conversations

Education, Certificates, Licenses, & Experience

Minimum Education Requirement: Master's degree in related field

Minimum Work Experience: Three years professional experience in a college or university setting managing programs and student workers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate Degree and five years-experience managing a student support center

• Previous experience working with academic initiatives and student engagement

programs in a university/college

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.

• Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, and travel between campus buildings.

• Possess the manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.

• Have near vision sufficient to read written communications and computer display screens.

• Have adequate hearing in order to communicate effectively in person and by phone.

Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

To Apply

Interested applicants are asked to submit a resume, cover letter, and completed JU Application to Dee Thornton at atsearch@ju.edu.