1058 Associate Director, Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

TITLE Associate Director, Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs

CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1058

GRADE 46

CLASSIFICATION Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Director, Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs and Partnerships

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Associate Director, Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs, plays a leadership role in the administration and success of the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) and Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) programs. This position oversees strategic program planning, curriculum development, student support services, and compliance with university and external regulations. The Associate Director is responsible for supervising program staff, driving recruitment and retention initiatives, assists with developing the programming budget and ensuring the integration of graduate certificates into interdisciplinary degree offerings. This role requires collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and a commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-impact academic environment.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A master’s degree is required. A terminal degree in a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.

Experience: At least five years of progressive experience in higher education program management, academic advising, or a related field, with a focus on graduate programs, is required. Demonstrated success in managing programs for international students, including compliance with visa and university regulations, is required. Experience with interdisciplinary program coordination, curriculum design, or recruitment strategy development is preferred At least two years of administrative or supervisory experience is required.

Skills: Advanced communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills are required, as well as exceptional organizational and analytical abilities. Proficiency in relevant software and systems (e.g., Argos, Degree Works, Brightspace, Banner) is preferred. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.

Other Requirements

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as required by program activities, and availability for domestic and international travel, including possession of a valid passport and experience in cross-cultural engagement is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leads the integration of graduate certificates into MPS and MSIS programs, collaborating with academic units to align offerings with institutional goals.

2. Oversees program operations, ensuring compliance with university policies and external regulations, particularly for international student cohorts.

3. Manages program evaluation and assessment, using data to guide improvements and enhance student outcomes.

4. Supervises academic advising and support services, ensuring students receive guidance on program requirements, academic progression, and professional development.

5. Oversees support for international students, providing resources and advising on visa compliance and cultural integration.

6. Directly supervises program staff, including graduate assistants and student employees, providing mentorship, and fostering professional growth.

7. Serves as Acting Director in the absence of the Director, Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs.

8. Develops and implements recruitment strategies to attract a talented student body, with a focus on increasing international enrollment.9. Represents the programs at university, national, and international events to enhance visibility and partnerships.

9. Ensures adherence to university policies and international student regulations, collaborating with the appropriate offices to maintain compliance.

10. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.

11. Remains current in the field through professional development, research, and participation in relevant training and conferences.

12. Performs additional duties as assigned by the Director, Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs.

SUPERVISION

The Associate Director, Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs supervises graduate assistants, student employees, and full-time and part-time program staff.

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

REVISED JANUARY 2025

JOB FAMILY 4

Factor 1: Professional Knowledge, Skill, and Technical Mastery

Level 5.0 - 3300 Points: Knowledge of the principles and methods of an administrative, managerial, or professional field such as accounting or auditing, financial management, information technology, business administration, human resources, engineering, law, social sciences, communications, education, or medicine. Knowledge permits employee to supervise projects and/or departments using standard methods to improve administrative and/or line operations. Knowledge also permits employee to plan steps and carry out multi-phase projects requiring problem definition and modified techniques, to coordinate work with others, and to modify methods and procedures to solve a wide variety of problems. Knowledge at this level requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree with substantial related work experience, including up to two years of administrative or supervisory experience. Alternatively, this level may require a professional or clinical degree beyond the Bachelor's degree with moderate related work experience; knowledge requirements include significant levels of related work experience.

Factor 2: Supervisory Responsibility

Level 3.0 - 270 Points: Supervision of a limited number of (a) operative, administrative support, or paraprofessional employees who do not exercise a full range of supervisory responsibilities over other full-time employees, (b) a very small number of professional employees, or an equivalent combination of (a) and (b). The incumbent performs a full range of supervisory responsibilities including performance reviews of subordinates. The incumbent is generally responsible for training, planning, and directing the work of permanent employees, and provides major input into hiring decisions. Supervisory responsibilities consume moderate amounts of work time and may include general work planning tasks.

Factor 3: Interactions with Others

Level 4.0 - 500 Points: Interactions with others are somewhat unstructured. The purpose may be to influence or motivate others, to obtain information, or to control situations and resolve problems. Interactions may be with individuals or groups of co-workers, students, or the general public, may be moderately unstructured, and may involve persons who hold differing goals and objectives. Individuals at this level often act as a liaison between groups with a focus on solving particular unstructured problems. Interactions at this level require considerable interpersonal skill and the ability to resolve conflict.

Factor 4: Job Controls and Guidelines

Level 4.0 - 850 Points: The employee operates under administrative supervision and makes decisions based on broadly-stated University objectives and available resources. Administrative guidelines are expressed in terms of project or program outcomes and deadlines with few comprehensive guidelines. Decisions are based on inadequate guidelines that require considerable interpretation and force the employee to plan all phases of the assignment. Assignments may be unrelated in function and the work requires many different processes and methods and a great deal of analysis to identify the nature and extent of problems. The work may require the employee to develop new methods and to deal with many variables, including some that are unclear or conflicting. Characteristic jobs at this level may involve directing large and/or complex programs, projects, or departments in which the work cuts across functional lines or requires dealing with unprecedented issues.

Factor 5: Managerial Responsibility

Level 4.0 - 1500 Points: Work involves the primary accountability for a smaller department, program, or process. Work activities involve managerial decisions that directly affect the efficiency, costs, reputation, and service quality of the department, program, or process. Work affects a limited range of professional projects or administrative activities of the University. Work activities have a direct and substantial impact on the department. While work activities do have some effect on the efficiency and reputation of the cost center, departments, programs, or processes at this level represent a relatively minor function within the cost center. Employees in jobs at this level may have responsibility for developing budgets, distributing budgeted funds, and exercising the primary control over a relatively small budget.