POSITION SUMMARY:

In the role of Director of Research, this individual is responsible for preparing and submitting the primary institutional-level data reports, such as IPEDS. This includes coordination of campus offices to provide data, and retention of copies of the submissions. This role also includes responding to special requests for data.

In the role of Director of Assessment, this individual is responsible for conducting formal academic program reviews and assessments of student learning that conform to the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools, and promotes faculty development in the area of assessment and evaluation.

In the role of Accreditation Liaison, this individual is responsible for serving as the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) to the Higher Learning Commission and the Association of Theological Schools, as defined by each of those organizations.

In the role of Director of Academic Programming, this individual serves as the supervisor of academic operations, ensuring that academic policies and processes are effective and serve both the institution and the students. This involves participating in curricular development, supervising preparations of the annual course schedule, and applying academic policies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Responsibilities:

• Prepares, submits, and retains these reports:
  • IPEDS (role: Keyholder)
  • ATS (role: Keyholder)
  • HLC (role: Data Coordinator)
  • NC-SARA data
• Submits the annual application for renewal of membership in NC-SARA
• Responds to additional data requests, either by creating the report or by referring the requester to the appropriate campus office

Assessment Responsibilities:

• Maintains an effective Learning Assessment Plan that addresses all academic programs and meets HLC and ATS requirements and expectations
• Engages the faculty in establishing learning outcomes, rubrics, and related assessment features
• Leads the professional growth of the faculty in the area of assessment and evaluation (in coordination with the Dean of Faculty)
• Participates (as appropriate) in implementing academic improvements as identified by the learning assessments
• Maintains the master documentation of all learning assessment setups, processes, and results
• Serves as the institutional Foliotek Administrator by performing all setups, communicating with participants as needed, managing data collection, and reporting results to the AAA Committee and as needed
• Maintains an effective Academic Program Review Plan that addresses all academic programs and meets the HLC and ATS requirements and expectations
• Coordinates scheduling of formal program reviews, participates in reviews, and retains reports for use in accreditation
• Manages course evaluations by scheduling data collection and reporting results to administrators upon request

Accreditation Liaison Officer Responsibilities:

• In coordination with the President and Provost, corresponds with the HLC and ATS and responds to them on behalf of the institution when appropriate
• Maintains a permanent repository of documents and reports from and to the HLC and ATS
• Maintains current knowledge of HLC and ATS accreditation requirements and processes, and federal regulations that affect the academic programs
• Advises decision-makers regarding how to remain in compliance with the HLC and ATS
• Maintains the documentation needed to prepare accreditation reports
• Oversees the preparation of the HLC Assurance Argument and the ATS Self-Study in preparation for official visits or reviews
• Oversees the preparation of interim reports and miscellaneous responses to the HLC and ATS as needed

Academic Programming Responsibilities:

• Supervises the Registrar’s Office and the Curriculum Office, providing consultation and guidance as needed
• Prepares Academic Probation reports and sends notifications to students
• Evaluates academic transcripts to support the Admissions Office and makes decisions regarding transfer credit (responsibility shared with the Registrar)
• Participates in processes to create and revise academic policies
• Participates in curriculum revision projects
• Collects and retains all course syllabi and retains them in an online repository
• Serves as a consultant to faculty members and program directors regarding difficult decisions
• Participates in the following committees:
  • AAA
  • Admissions
  • MFSCC
• Participates in discussions with other institutions regarding dual degree programs and other cooperative academic efforts.
• Serves as the primary contact to the LCMS First Vice President to establish plans of study for those preparing to fulfill the directives of the LCMS Pastoral Colloquy Committee

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Registrar, Curriculum Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ordained minister on roster of LCMS (preferred)
• 5 years of higher education experience (experience in curriculum and assessment preferred)
• Familiarity with a student information system, an online course management system, and academic assessment software or a demonstrated aptitude for understanding and using online higher education software systems
• Intermediate-level competence in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Master or doctoral level study in a field directly related to seminary studies
• Demonstrated competence in academic administration and communication