Executive Director for Graduate Studies

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

In 2022, UNC Chapel Hill launched the School of Data Science and Society ( SDSS), a new school devoted to data science teaching, research, scholarship, service, and creativity. The SDSS vision is to be a leader in shaping the field of data science through an interdisciplinary and rigorous grounding in theory and methods with a human centric approach to the entire data life cycle. The mission of SDSS is to empower a diverse community of faculty conducting research in the fundamentals and/or the applications of data science. The school is training undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to be the next generation of data science leaders with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this data-driven world. The SDSS will serve the state, the nation, and the world through premier data science educational programs and innovative research directed to advancing the public good with human-centric and ethical applications. The core elements of the SDSS include porous borders - leveraging our low-walled collaborative Carolina culture to solve major societal problems. Interdisciplinary research clusters that cross disciplines and school boundaries are a vital element of the school. The SDSS is focused on students and education - the emphasis is not just on data science majors but on all students becoming data literate. The school's culture has an open and transparent structure, governance, and business model.

The Executive Director for Graduate Studies plays a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the academic experience for students and faculty. This position involves assisting faculty with course content development and instructional technology, as well as leading course evaluation and review efforts. The Executive Director serves as an academic advisor, guiding students on course plans, graduation tracks, and academic success. Additionally, they oversee course scheduling, registration processes, and ensure accurate course catalog records. The role includes managing admissions processes, from initial application reviews to communicating decisions, and planning student programming events. The Executive Director also supervises a team that supports student services and academic advising, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive educational environment. This position reports directly to the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities related to the development or administration of academic standards or curricula, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Strong communication skills. The Executive Director must be able to successfully engage with individuals at various levels, including faculty, department chairs and administration, staff, and students.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Master's degree in Education or related discipline, as well as having at least one year of experience in supporting academic program management in higher education. Previous supervisory experience is preferred. Knowledge of best practices and current research in the areas of instructional design, curriculum development, and student support and engagement is preferred.

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The University is an equal opportunity, employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.