EHRA680P

https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/22989

Director

Director of Assessment - #002283

Office of Institutional Assessment

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Western Carolina University has been named to the 2022 “America’s Best Employers by State” list by Forbes, ranking 14 out of the top 100 employers in North Carolina. Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. WCU’s main campus is nestled in a beautiful valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 50 miles west of Asheville. WCU is located just 25 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, one of the nation’s most spectacular and most visited national parks. The entire region is known for its excellent quality of life and access to outdoor activities.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Paid vacation and sick leave accrual begin after first month of employment. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:
The primary purpose of the Office of Institutional Assessment is to support Western Carolina University’s mission and vision to become a national model for student learning and engagement. The Office supports student learning assessment in courses and programs as well as in non-curricular and co-curricular educational experiences, the Liberal Studies Program, and our Quality Enhancement Plan. The Office also leads assessment in administrative and student support units to collect, analyze, and use data to drive improvements in their areas. The Office is organizationally housed under the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs within the Provost’s Division.

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

This position will:

• Plan, organize and coordinate university assessment processes, including annual unit outcomes’ assessment reporting (continuous improvement reports).
• Supervise staff in the Office of Institutional Assessment.
• Oversee academic and support units’ program reviews.
• Identify, coordinate, and maintain appropriate assessment information systems and records in support of outcomes assessment.
• Collaborate with the Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness (OIPE) on university-level assessments (e.g., NSSE) as needed.
• Provide professional development and administrative support for the university-wide assessment and accreditation management system (currently Xitracs).

• Master’s degree required.
• Three years’ minimum experience in higher education setting.
• Three or more years’ experience in higher education assessment.

• Doctorate degree.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, team participation, team building, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with professional and discipline-specific accreditation (e.g., SACSCOC, AACSB, CAPTE, NC DPI) processes.
• Expertise in assessment theory and principles, data analysis, and educational outcomes.
• Knowledge and experience with outcomes assessment, institutional program review, and service area review processes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with variety of individuals.
• Demonstrated ability in effective organizational skills.
• Experience working with and analyzing educational assessment data.
• Ability to synthesize and analyze quantitative and qualitative data and prepare and present reports effectively.
• Ability to communicate technical and complex information clearly and concisely orally and in writing, for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently, and as part of a team.
• Personal integrity, honesty, and the ability to deal effectively with confidential information.
• Knowledge of advanced research methods, including research design, data integrity issues, and diverse numerical analysis as applied to curricular assessment.
• Excellent computer skills, including, but not limited to the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Power point, Outlook), and Microsoft Teams.
• Knowledge of regional, national, and specialized postsecondary accreditation standards, practices, and goals.

Permanent Full-Time

40

12

01/24/2023

Yes

To be considered, you must apply online. Please attach a cover letter, current resume, and a listing of at least three professional references (include complete contact information).

For questions or more information, please contact Dr. Brian Gastle, search committee chair, at bgastle@wcu.edu

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.