Executive Director of the Department of Academic Excellence

Job Title: Executive Director of the Department of Academic ExcellenceLocation: UWG Recruiting LocationRegular/Temporary: RegularFull/Part Time: Full-TimeJob ID: 298632About UsSince 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation.Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.LocationOur campus is located at 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118.Faculty and staff members are expected to be physically present on campus as needed to support the in-person educational experience and on-campus vitality at the University of West Georgia. Depending upon teaching assignments and student demand, this could include the Carrollton or Newnan campuses.Job SummaryAs a University College member, the Executive Director for Academic Excellence will provide strategic leadership and vision as well as oversight of business and human resource activities and program administration for the Department of Academic Excellence. This specific unit works to enhance students¿ academic success, retention, and graduation rates at the University of West Georgia. This member will lead the day to day operations of a team of full-time staff, administrative assistants, graduate assistants, and undergraduate student employees in the Center for Academic Success (tutoring, academic coaching, supplemental instruction), University Advising, and Academic Partnerships (dual enrollment and Jump!-Summer Bridge Program).Responsibilities-Collaborate with faculty, department chairs, academic deans, strategic enrollment management partners, and student affairs units on issues and initiatives integral to student success and RPG. Manage and report program-wide assessment and evaluation results that measure university and state objectives, including advisor delivery outcomes, and overall usage and effectiveness of services for all units within the department. Collaborate and work with Strategic Enrollment Management, Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment, and Information Technology Systems to utilize predictive analytical tools to prioritize proactive interventions designed to impact student success and retention of first-year students, but each cohort of UWG students.-Assist in designing and developing materials for programs and utilization of EAB Navigate and/or related IT tools intended to increase the persistence and retention of UWG students. Analyze institutional data related to student progression to identify students most at risk for attrition based on a broad range of demographic, academic, and socioeconomic attributes. Maintain knowledge of best practices in student success, academic advising, tutoring, coaching, and learning assistance, as well as retention and progression.-Oversee the department¿s budget and serve as the fiscal agent for the Department and its respective units. Recommend various personnel actions including, but not limited to, hiring, terminations, transfers, promotions, performance appraisals, and vacation work schedules.-Represent the Department of Academic Excellence at Provost Council and on the Student Success Council. Be a designated Clery Act Campus Security Authority Be a resource for academic policy, student success behaviors, and other duties as assigned.Physical Requirements Lifting ¿ up to 15lbsOffice Environment - Work normally performed in a typical interior work environment.Required QualificationsRequired EducationMasters DegreeRequired ExperienceAt least 12 year¿s experience in higher education instruction or academic support. Knowledge and experience within academic support units and/or academic advising. Knowledge of methods to manage personnel, budget and organization of an academic/ student support department. Excellent written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills required. Ability to create and maintain a team-oriented work environment.Preferred QualificationsPreferred Education Doctorate / PhdPreferred ExperiencePrior collegiate tutoring/coaching/ advising and/or teaching experience. Prior supervision and directorships of an Academic Success Center and/or Advising unit.Proposed Salary$90,000-$95,000 Annually. Paid on a Monthly Basis.USG Core ValuesThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.Conditions of EmploymentOffers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.Equal Employment OpportunityEqual opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.Other InformationThe mission of the University of West Georgia is to enable students, faculty, and staff to realize their full potential through academic engagement, supportive services, professional development, and a caring, student-centered community. The institutional mission and daily operation of the University of West Georgia are guided by our values that support our vision to be the best place to work, learn, and succeed: ACHIEVEMENT, CARING, COLLABORATION, INCLUSIVENESS, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and WISDOM.