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Assistant Director, Academic Engagement

Employer
The University of Kansas
Location
Lawrence, KS

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Administrative Jobs
Academic Affairs, International Programs
Employment Type
Full Time
Institution Type
Four-Year Institution

Job Details

Position OverviewThe Academic Retention and Engagement Center (AREC) is seeking an exceptional individual to support strategic initiatives focused on the support, retention and matriculation of traditionally underserved populations including first-generation college students, low income and/or minoritized student populations. The Assistant Director of Academic Engagement will provide support to the University wide Hawk Link program and Multicultural Scholars program in developing and implementing strategies to increase the engagement of identified student populations in campus and experiential learning practices throughout their college experience. The Assistant Director of Academic Engagement will supervise the Program Coordinator and a Graduate Assistant of student engagement and collaborate with campus partners and students to promote academic engagement strategies. The Assistant Director reports to the Senior Associate Director of the AREC.

Unit Overview:

University Academic Support Centers (UASC) is comprehensive student support unit designed to provide resources to strengthen the academic skills and written communication of students at the University of Kansas while supporting the University's commitment to the academic success and holistic development of students. Specifically, UASC supports the intellectual development of individuals by encouraging active participation both in and out of the classroom; coordinating services and programs in which students can acquire and practice life management, decision-making, and learning skills; and linking students to other resources that will help them learn these skills. University Academic Support Centers is a department within Academic Success.

Job DescriptionAcademic Engagement Programs 60%
  • Utilize research to increase the retention and persistence of marginalized students. Utilize assessment data to recognize gaps in engagement and create targeted and intentional initiatives to address student needs.
  • Utilizing Curricular approaches to develop a sequenced structure for engagement of students throughout their college experiences. Strategies should support transition to the college environment, promote a sense of belonging on campus and lead to increased involvement in experiential learning initiatives like undergraduate research, study abroad, service learning, and internships. Collaborate with other offices as appropriate to support these initiatives
  • Collaborate with campus partners to support and expand existing programs focused on the recruitment of underserved and historically underrepresented populations including, but not limited to Destination KU, symposiums, visit days and recruitment events.
  • Assess and evaluate effectiveness of the engagement initiatives in line with metrics established by the Academic Retention and Engagement Center, the University Academic Support Center and the Division of Academic Success.
  • Maintain an effective marketing and communication plan to keep students and stakeholders informed of events and opportunities.
  • Supervise, evaluate and provide ongoing development for professional staff f and a graduate assistant
  • Manage a programming budget in accordance with University guidelines and policies.
Center Initiatives 20%
  • Develop and implement virtual programming to serve as a supplement to summer orientation for students and families before they arrive at the University of Kansas.
  • Provide support for summer early access program including marketing and recruitment of students to the event, oversee social programming, and manage logistics and volunteers for the day(s) event takes place.
  • Instruct co-enrolled courses as assigned.
  • Meet one-on-one with students to provide coaching or support as assigned.

General Responsibilities 20%
  • Coordinate team meetings, individual supervision meetings and trainings as deemed necessary.
  • Attend regularly scheduled AREC team meetings and one-on-one meeting with supervisor to provide. updates, strengths and areas of concerns.
  • Attend UASC team meetings and participate in committees as assigned.
  • Participate on UASC, Academic Success, and University committees as assigned.
  • Attend and actively participate and AREC wide programs and events.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
  1. This position requires working on-site.
  2. Some evening work hours required.
Required Qualifications
  1. Master's degree or Bachelor's degree plus three (3) years of experience in academic support, advising, or academic coaching services in higher education.
  2. Experience working with diverse populations as evidenced by application materials.
  3. Excellent written communications skills as evidenced by application materials.
Preferred Qualifications
  1. Master’s Degree in education, counseling, psychology, special education, social work, liberal arts, or related field.
  2. Experience with planning, implementing and assessing programming.
  3. Previous experience with supervision.
  4. Experience creating and giving presentations.
  5. Excellent oral communication skills as demonstrated through past experience and/or interview.
  6. Proficient in use of Microsoft Office products and some familiarly with web-based retention software such as EAB.
  7. Demonstrated interpersonal skills, as evidenced by application materials and interview.
  8. Experience working collaboratively with key campus stakeholders.
Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete application includes:
  1. Cover letter addressing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
  2. Resume.
  3. Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
  4. Completion of the online application.
  • Application review begins Monday, January 10, 2022. To ensure consideration, apply no later than Sunday, January 9, 2022.
Contact Information to ApplicantsAnnise Richard, annise.richard@ku.edu or 785-264-4228
Advertised Salary Range$45,000 - $48,000 Work Schedule40 hours per week, Monday- Friday, 8am- 5pm. Some evening work hours required. Application Review Begins10-Jan-2022 Anticipated Start Date21-Feb-2022

Organization

Working at the University of Kansas 

Join the University of Kansas, and you’ll become part of a Jayhawk family that spans the globe. Wear your KU shirt in London, Istanbul, Buenos Aires, Nairobi or anywhere else, and you will likely hear a resounding “Rock Chalk!” from a stranger. Of course, the appropriate response is an enthusiastic “Jayhawk!” Because, after all, they’re not really strangers, they’re family.

The Jayhawk community is united by more than 150 years of tradition and by our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, transforming the academic experience, and creating solutions through innovative research. KU’s mission is to lift students and society by educating leaders, building healthy communities and making discoveries that change the world.  

The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university and one of just 66 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). We consistently earn high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university.

KU faculty and staff embrace our role as the state’s flagship university, AAU member and R1 institution that serves the state, nation and world. We celebrate the energy and compassion that infuse the Jayhawk spirit; and, we remain true to KU’s historic values: the elevating force of education, the transformative power of research and the healing power of service.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

The University of Kansas is committed to a learning and workplace environment that is representative of our nation and global society, accepts and values everyone, appreciates our common humanity and understands that our multiple differences are the cornerstone of academic preparation, professional excellence and distinction. KU must be a place where all people feel they belong and have access to resources and support that help them attain their educational and professional goals.

We recognize there are inequalities and privileges generated by historical and persistent intersecting differences by race, ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, abilities, religion, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status and nationality. And we hold ourselves accountable for policies, processes and programs that appreciate these and other differences and create more fair, safe and just learning, working and living environments for KU students, faculty and staff.

Instruction 

KU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate study programs, and we fulfill our mission through academic and research programs of international distinction, coupled with outstanding libraries, teaching museums and information technology. These resources enrich the academic experience for students from all 50 states and 112 countries, and provide enrichment resources for KU faculty and staff.

Research 

The university attains high levels of research productivity and recognizes that faculty are part of a network of scholars and academicians that shape a discipline as well as teach it. KU staff are integral to our research success, participating in and supporting discoveries that expand knowledge and improve lives.

Service 

The university and our employees serve society through research, teaching and the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. KU's academic programs, arts facilities and public programs provide cultural enrichment opportunities for the larger community. And, KU offers educational, research and service programs throughout the state. KU employees are encouraged to participate in and serve the campus and surrounding communities in a way that is meaningful to them.

International Dimension 

KU offers more than 100 programs of international study and cooperative research for KU students and faculty at sites around the world. The university offers teaching and research that draw upon and contribute to the most advanced developments throughout the United States and abroad. At the same time, KU's extensive international ties support economic development in Kansas.

Values 

The University of Kansas, our students and employees are committed to excellence. We foster a multicultural, inclusive environment in which the dignity and rights of individuals are respected. Intellectual diversity, integrity and disciplined inquiry in the search for knowledge are of paramount importance.

Our City and State 

KU sits atop Mt. Oread in the center of Lawrence, a town full of natural beauty and culture. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine named Lawrence one of the best college towns in the United States. Lawrence is home to more than 100,000 people, and has a charming, Midwestern friendliness that welcomes visitors and celebrates diversity. In addition to KU, Lawrence is home to Haskell Indian Nations University, the premiere tribal university in the United States.

Lawrence’s historic and thriving downtown features restaurants, nightlife and local shops offering unique finds that you won’t find anywhere else. The town has more than 50 parks, an encompassing mixed-use trail, and quick access to biking/hiking trails along the Kansas River and around Clinton Lake. A five-minute drive from Lawrence, Clinton Lake offers fishing, boating, beaches, camping and other outdoor activities.

Located just 40 minutes west of Kansas City, Lawrence offers the appeal of a mid-size, suburban town with quick access to the amenities of a large city, including an international airport. The Kansas City metro area is home to world-class museums and cultural activities, Jazz clubs and other nightlife venues, expansive shopping options, and exciting professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting KC.

Kansas is in the center of the country, making it convenient and cost effective to fly or drive to destinations throughout the United States. Far from flat, the Flint Hills, just 90 minutes from Lawrence, offer panoramic vistas that showcase the breathtaking beauty of America.

Making KU Your Home 

Something about Lawrence is magnetic. Long-time residents are never surprised when a KU student or employee from out of state decides to make Lawrence their permanent home. And, even those who do leave often find themselves returning to “the nest” at some point in the future. In fact, Lawrence has been named by several publications as one of the best places to retire.

At the University of Kansas, you’ll join a global Jayhawk family and find a place to call home.

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