Director of the Office of Academic Support for Undergraduate Students at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants please attach a cover letter and resume in PDF format.

Position Summary:

The Director will lead a new Office of Academic Support for Undergraduate Students (OASUS). Specifically, the Director will lead implementation of new learning support resources for undergraduates, including centralized, course-specific peer-led tutoring and peer-assisted learning, academic skills coaching by learning specialists with disciplinary expertise, workshops and modules (in-person and online) on learning and instructional strategies, and training and professional development for peer educators and student teaching assistants (TAs). The Director will oversee and expand activities already underway, including the Drop-in Study Center, an equity-minded peer-tutoring program launched in January 2024. The incumbent will also a) engage with faculty members in the development of new resources and programming to advance student learning outside of the classroom; b) build and maintain partnerships with Rice's academic schools (Architecture, Business, Engineering, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences) and departments to identify academic support needs and ensure that appropriate faculty members are appropriately consulted and involved in OASIS efforts; c) oversee the day-to-day management of OASUS operations, programming, and staff; d) promote and lead assessment of OASUS activities and programs; e) play a lead role in the search and hiring processes for OASUS staff; and, f) collaborate with staff colleagues in other student learning support units to contribute to a campus-wide culture of integrated support and equity-minded practices.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The successful candidate will 1) be a dynamic, visionary educator whose professional record demonstrates a commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and student success; 2) demonstrate deep knowledge of research, leading practices, and new initiatives regarding student learning, peer education, and academic support in higher education; and 3) possess expertise in STEM education. Desired start-date is July 15, 2024.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in-person, Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5:30pm. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree
• Four (4) years of professional experience in providing student academic support in a college or university setting.
• Teaching experience in a four-year college or university setting.
• Three (3) years of experience supervising professional staff and/or faculty.
• Experience leading and managing teams in a professional setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of inclusive education and equity-based practices in higher education, including retention and sense of belonging frameworks and applications.
• Experience assessing programs through quantitative and qualitative metrics.
• STEM education expertise and experience providing academic support to students pursuing STEM degrees.
• Experience and record of successfully collaborating with faculty from a range of disciplines.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.

Skills:

• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Ability to identify the processes necessary to get things done; organizes people and activities well; and sees opportunities for synergy and integration
• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities and take initiative in a dynamic, fast paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of colleagues and serve as a representative of the department and division.
• Ability to lead complex projects from initiation to implementation.

Preferences:

• Ph.D. or Ed.D.
• Degree in a STEM field and or in STEM education.
• Experience working with high-achieving students.

Essential Functions:

• Under the general direction of the Senior Associate Provost and/or Associate Provost for Strategic and Educational Initiatives, lead creation and implementation of new learning support resources within a central office.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with leadership and faculty in Rice's academic schools
• Engage faculty members in the development of academic resources and programming that complement existing efforts
• Ensure OASUS efforts align with student learning outcomes set by academic departments; respond to disparities of student outcomes identified by the Task Force on Student Success; contribute to normalizing a culture of help-seeking among undergraduates; and, enhance students' academic efficacy and sense of belonging.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of OASUS operations, programming, budget, and staff.
• Establish protocols and timelines for assessment of OASUS activities and programs, and lead execution of assessment protocols and regular reporting of assessment outcomes.
• Maintain knowledge of research, leading practices, and new initiatives regarding student learning, peer education, and academic support in higher education.

Additional Functions

• Serve on university committees, task forces, and/or working groups as assigned.
• Lead searches for OASUS staff positions.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

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