Faculty Director, A&S Honors Program
Job Summary:
The Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, operation, and management of the College of Arts & Sciences Honors Program. The Director will work closely with Honors faculty, staff, and students, and with the campus community, to oversee the activities of this academic unit. The Director also works to address inequities and issues related to historically underrepresented, marginalized and/or underserved students, and promote inclusive excellence across campus. As the representative of the Honors Program at various university events, committees, and meetings, the Director will support academic excellence and inclusive learning. Internally, the Director oversees the provision of opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in challenging coursework and independent research. This role involves managing budgets and financial resources, coordinating academic programming and support services, and collaborating with other Student Success units and the College’s academic departments and divisions to ensure the Honors Program’s success. This position reports to, and partners with, the Associate Dean of Student Success, to develop the vision, direction, and actualization of the Honors learning environment. The Director is responsible for creating a culture of collaboration in the development and implementation of policies and procedures. This position will also work closely with the Honors RAP Director, Staff, and Faculty to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives that support the overall A&S mission and goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic-Planning, Campus Representation, and Leadership
- Works closely with the Associate Dean of Student Success and other Student Success leadership members on various initiatives and strategic-planning, including attending regular leadership team meetings, trainings, and relevant communication.
- Connects with various campus partners in support of students and broader initiatives.
- Collaborate with other departments and programs to coordinate interdisciplinary opportunities for Honors Program students.
- Represents the Honors Program at campus events.
●Promote the Honors Program to prospective students, alumni, and other stakeholders.
●Develops, implements and updates Honors By-laws and reappointment and promotion documents with input from the Associate Dean of Student Success.
●Oversees the plans for comprehensive programs to enhance the success of Honors Program students with a focus on academics as well as activities related to engagement and retention.
●Works with faculty to develop and implement innovative academic programs that challenge and engage Honors Program students.
●Leads the Honors Council and oversees the designation of Latin Honors for the College
●Hosts Honors Program events such as New Student Orientation, Honors Council meetings, and Convocations.
●Prioritizes DEI, social justice, and social change as it relates to Honors courses, events, and goals.
●Assists staff in creating and implementing innovative academic and co-curricular opportunities that invite all students to communicate across lines of race, ethnicity, sex, religion, gender, class, sexual orientation, and other social identities.
●Foster a sense of community among Honors Program students, faculty, and staff through regular meetings, social events, and other activities.
●Assists the Associate Dean of Student Success and HRAP Director to envision, conceptualize, and communicate the Honors Program mission for the College of Arts & Sciences and the university.
●Engages the Dean of Arts & Sciences in strategic planning for cross divisional opportunities for students and mentorships
●Meets with the Dean’s Advisory Board once a semester to review academic goals for the Honors Program.
- Uses ongoing assessment to seek improvement of key outcomes and make data-informed decisions.
- Provides guidance and perspective on Honors Program policies to Associate Dean of Student Success.
- Partners with Honors RAP Director, faculty, and staff and relevant partners on various new and ongoing student success initiatives.
- Builds strong liaison relationships with key partners, academic departments, and student support offices across campus
● Collaborates with administration, faculty and staff in the broad-based promotion of inclusion, social change, campus diversity via campus-wide programming and support for Honors students.
Budget and Fiscal Operations:
- Prepares annual Honors Program General Support spending plan which maintains a year-end balanced budget.
●Reviews and approves the Honors Program annual teaching plan.
●Ensures the responsible planning and expenditure of fiscal resources in a manner consistent with all University policies and applicable local, state and federal laws.
●Routinely assess the efficacy of spending (course programming, co-curricular activities, student stipends/hourly pay. etc.).
●Works with the Director of Finance and Business Operations for Student Success to review budgets, spending and quarterly budgetary reports.
● Provides timely/pertinent budgetary information to the Associate Dean of Student Success as necessary throughout the year.
Developmental Supervision
- Supervises, supports and develops individual faculty and staff members of the Honors Program Team, including regular one-on-ones, goal- and behavior driven annual plans and evaluations, and daily availability and connections. This role will supervise two (2) professional staff members, and four (4) faculty members.
- Reviews and approves reappointments.
- Hires, onboards, and trains new faculty and staff, including the important aspect of directing professional development and ongoing training throughout the supervisee's career.
- Advocates on behalf of team members, direct reports, and key initiatives in relevant settings, including communication and collaboration within Student Success.
- Works collaboratively with Honors RAP Director on annual faculty evaluations.
Requested Minimum Requirements (Education & Experience)
- A Doctoral Degree from an accredited college or university
- Tenured position in an academic department on campus
- 5 years of experience in campus leadership
Desired qualifications
- Full professor rank with an outstanding teaching and research/creative record.
Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
● Ability to center equity, diversity, campus climate and community within the Honors Program
●Advocacy for the needs, challenges, and aspirations of Arts and Sciences undergraduate students
●Excellent communication, interpersonal and student development skills to interact effectively with an increasingly diverse array of students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and constituents of the University
●Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of identities, cultures and backgrounds
●Proven record of creating strong working relationships, advising students and student organizations, developing programs, and coordinating and facilitating workshops
●Ability to develop, coach, supervise and manage faculty directors and professional staff.
●Appreciation and support of teaching faculty (primarily Teaching Professors and Lecturers)
●Ability to work effectively with Honors Council representatives and tenure track faculty who teach Honors courses
●Creativity, ability to navigate ambiguity, resourcefulness, initiative and a high degree of motivation
● Excellent administrative and organizational skills