Francis Marion University and the Center for Autism Studies (FMU CAS) invite applications for a Director. The purpose of FMU CAS is to train students in best practices for providing comprehensive educational services to Autistic individuals and their families in the Pee Dee Region and across the state of South Carolina. Graduates of the Autism Studies program will earn initial teacher licensure in Multi categorical: Autism Studies with the opportunity to seek certification as a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA). To accomplish this purpose, the FMU CAS will establish and expand undergraduate teaching education through a multidisciplinary educational approach which includes education, psychology, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology.

The Director is responsible for the successful day-to-day operations of the FMU CAS, including administrative functions, financial operations, program management, and community engagement consistent with the policies and programs of the organization as established by the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board is comprised of the Dean of Education, Dean of Health Sciences, and Chair of Psychology. The Director works with the Supervisory Board to accomplish the goals and administer the programs. The Director handles detailed, complex concepts and problems; balances multiple tasks simultaneously; establishes strong and appropriate beneficial relationships; plans and meets deadlines; maintains a flexible schedule to meet the demands of executive management; and conveys a professional and positive image.

With oversight by the Supervisory Board, and working in collaboration with various University offices, the Essential Job Functions of the Director include:

Program Development and Operation

• Identifies the needs and opportunities for collaborative programs focused on the goals of the FMU CAS.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with appropriate entities.

Administration

• Manages the scholarship program, including review of applicants, tracking of student progress, and maintenance of records.
• Develops and administers the programmatic, organizational, and financial plans of the FMU CAS.
• Maintains official records and documents; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ensures organizational adherence to partnerships, agreements, and contractual relationships.
• Recruits, employs, develops, evaluates, and supervises professional and support staff as appropriate and within the approved budget.
• Adheres to all University policies and procedures.

Communication and Engagement

• Serves as the central point of communication on behalf of the FMU CAS.
• Establishes activities to strategically engage individuals and entities to further the mission of the FMU CAS through expanded financial resources, operational partnerships, and collaborative support.
• Prepares reports that demonstrate program effectiveness and supports the allocation of resources.
• Ensures that the Board is aware of issues relating to the FMU CAS in a timely fashion.

Budget and Finance

• Develops and maintains sound financial practices in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Ensures that financial records are maintained effectively and within professional accounting guidelines.
• Manages financial accounts according to practices for governmental bodies as appropriate.
• Prepares an annual budget for consideration and implementation.
• Provides regular financial updates as directed.
• Manages accounts payable and receivable in consultation with the Accounting and Purchasing Offices, in a timely fashion.

Francis Marion University (FMU) is a state-supported, regional university located in Florence, South Carolina. FMU has been named a “Great College to Work For” since 2013, as determined by the Chronicle of Higher Education-sponsored survey of higher education institutions. In addition, it has been recognized for its excellence in education by several national ranking agencies, among them the US News and World Report survey, which has named FMU as one of its top regional universities in the south for more than a decade.

Candidates will find Florence, South Carolina to be an excellent place to live. Florence enjoys award winning schools, affordable cost of living, excellent healthcare, and robust recreational programs including sports, community events, and festivals. Florence is a growing city with a vibrant arts culture. Within a few-hours’ drive are several metropolitan areas, including Columbia, South Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia, and less than 90 minutes’ drive, the northeastern South Carolina beaches. Florence’s thriving downtown was recently awarded the prestigious Great American Main Street Award, which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization.

The Center of Autism Studies will be in the Luther F. Carter Center for Health Sciences, which is home to FMU’s Graduate Nursing, Graduate Psychology, and Occupational Therapy programs. Located directly across the street in the Hugh and Jean Leatherman Medical Education Complex is the FMU Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program and an in-house Psychology and SLP clinic that provides services for clients with assessment, intervention, counseling, and speech-language needs.

Essential Skills and Experience

Education

• Minimum requirement is a graduate degree in health care, education, psychology, management, administration, or another related field.

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience and training working with Autistic individuals.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience with managing people, projects, and budgets.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in program development, including grant writing.
• Strong capacity for success in relationship building with educational institutions, health care, government, and regulatory entities.
• Basic understanding of issues relating to the administration of education and health care programs.

Other

• Must be located in or willing to relocate to the Pee Dee region of South Carolina.
• Must be willing to travel within the state of South Carolina.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Subject to a comprehensive background check.
• Proficiency with suitable office software.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Materials:

1. Letter of Interest (referencing position number (24-22);
2. The names, addresses (both mail and email), and telephone numbers of three references
3. Resume;
4. Copies of all transcripts (official transcripts will be required of the successful candidate) and;
5. FMU Staff Application.

To obtain the FM Staff Application, please click here

Mail completed application packet to: Dr. Charlene Wages, Vice President for Administration and Planning, Francis Marion University, PO Box 100547, Florence, SC 29502-0547.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

As Francis Marion University has continued to be recognized for its diverse student body, it especially welcomes applicants who can affirm and enhance its mission.

Applicants honorably discharged from a branch of the United States Armed Forces, who meet the minimum training and experience requirements, are given employment preference by all State agencies and higher education institutions in SC.

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution