(posted 4/19/24)

Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia seeks applications for a Director of the Center for Learning Excellence.

About the Role

The Director of the Center for Learning Excellence (CLE) plays a pivotal role in fostering student academic success at Hollins University. This position oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of comprehensive tutoring, peer learning, supplemental instruction, and academic support programs across various disciplines including math, writing, biology, chemistry, psychology, languages, and other areas. They will help implement a shared vision of the center as an inclusive space of growth, learning, and skill development fostering a culture in which learning support serves all students. The director will lead with a collaborative, student-centered approach, working closely with faculty, staff, and students in an environment that empowers students to reach their full potential. This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Student Success and supervises approximately 20 student peer tutors and learning assistants.

Specific duties include the following:

• Program Development and Management:
• Design and implement a comprehensive learning assistance program that aligns with the university’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Establish and maintain effective policies, procedures, and assessment strategies to ensure high-quality tutoring services.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify areas of academic need and develop targeted support programs, including supplemental instruction and embedded tutoring models.
• Oversee the budget and resource allocation for the tutoring program.

• Student Staff Recruitment, Training, and Supervision:
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate a diverse team of student peer tutors.
• Provide ongoing learning opportunities for student tutors, focusing on best practices, effective pedagogy, and sensitivity to students’ diverse learning needs.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and supportive work environment within the tutoring center.

• Student Outreach and Engagement:
• Develop and execute marketing and outreach strategies to promote tutoring services to students across all academic levels.
• Establish strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff to understand students’ needs and to increase utilization of tutoring services.
• Collaborate with faculty and student services to identify and proactively support students who may require additional academic assistance.

• Data Analysis and Reporting:
• Utilize tutoring management software to track student engagement, utilization, and outcomes.
• Analyze usage data to guide continuous improvement of tutoring services and inform broader academic initiatives.
• Prepare regular reports on program effectiveness for college leadership and relevant stakeholders.

Position Qualifications

Successful applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, teaching, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in tutoring program development, management, and/or instruction in a higher education setting.
• Training or significant experience in intercultural or cross-cultural competency, sustainable pedagogy, reducing stereotype threat, culturally responsive teaching, and other inclusive practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of effective tutoring methodologies, learning theories, and student development.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Data-driven mindset and experience in utilizing data to inform program assessment and improvement.
• Commitment to fostering student success and a culture of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and belonging.

Preferred candidates will have the following:

• Master’s degree in education, teaching, or a related field.
• Experience working within a liberal arts college environment.
• Certification through the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA) or a similar professional organization.
• Experience working with a diverse student population including first-generation, neurodivergent, and international students and those from historically marginalized groups.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to hollinshr@hollins.edu. Candidates are encouraged to comment in their cover letter on how their contributions will further the university’s efforts to ensure the success and inclusion of all members of its community. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Semi-final candidates will be asked to submit contact information for three references. Once the selected candidate accepts a contingent employment offer, a criminal history background check will be conducted.

About Hollins

Hollins University is dedicated to academic excellence, creativity, belonging, and preparing students for lives of purpose. Hollins provides an outstanding and academically rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education for women and entrepreneurial and innovative graduate programs for all in a gender-inclusive environment. The university promotes opportunities for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and offers real-world experience through global internships supported by an extensive alumnae/i network.

An equal opportunity employer, Hollins fosters diversity and inclusiveness at every level of the university. Persons of all genders, gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation; persons with disabilities; persons of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; and first-generation college graduates are encouraged to apply.

Visit www.hollins.edu for more information.