Southwestern University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the Director of the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship.

Established in 1840, Southwestern University (SU) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution located in the greater Austin area. SU enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 12 to 1. SU provides a highly interdisciplinary and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, such as study abroad, internships, and faculty-student research. As of the fall 2020 semester, 40% of students enrolled at Southwestern are members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The University is committed to increasing the diversity of SU students, faculty, and the curriculum and strengthening its support for all. A member of the recently formed Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance, Southwestern University is committed to fostering a diverse educational environment and encourages applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in academia.

The Position

Reporting to the Dean of the Faculty and serving on the Academic Affairs leadership team, the Director will provide dynamic leadership that fosters the growth of Southwestern faculty through excellent teaching and research/creative work that supports SU’s diverse student body. Working collaboratively with the faculty and the Dean of Faculty, the Director will continue improving existing programming (e.g., new faculty orientation, faculty reading, writing groups, and diversity training for faculty hiring). The Director also will assess faculty professional development needs and create, implement, and assess appropriate programming. The Director will oversee an endowed budget earmarked for programming and have the opportunity to hire two new positions defined in the University’s tactical plan: a Diversity and Inclusion Pedagogy Specialist and a Faculty Grants and Sponsored Programs Coordinator. This is a campus-based twelve-month appointment with staff benefits and opportunities for professional development. Southwestern is reviewing its hybrid work policy.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of best practices in curriculum development, assessment, innovative and inclusive pedagogies, and faculty professional development within the liberal arts context. Successful candidates must possess a combination of experience in faculty development leadership (e.g., as a Center for Teaching Excellence Director, Assistant Director, or fellow); scholarship and teaching in a liberal arts discipline or extensive work with faculty in a liberal arts context; and an established network and record of research in the professional development field. Successful candidates will have demonstrated leadership, planning, and change management skills; advanced analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent interpersonal skills, discretion, and judgment; and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with multiple constituencies and diverse groups of individuals. Candidates must share a commitment to Southwestern University’s core values and demonstrate the vision, dedication, and energy needed to pursue excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to enhancing diversity, inclusion, and equity across campus. A doctoral degree and accomplishment as a scholar and teacher of innovative and inclusive pedagogies within a liberal arts context are preferred; candidates with a master’s degree and significant professional development leadership experience will be considered.

Candidates with significant teaching and research experience may qualify for an appointment as “staff with faculty rank.” Successful applicants who have earned tenure at a peer institution may undergo an expedited tenure review for a faculty appointment. However, the primary and majority responsibilities are assigned to the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship.

Application and Nomination

Review of applications will begin March 24, 2023 and continue until the position is filled. A resume or CV with an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Sharon Meagher at smm@spelmanjohnson.com. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Southwestern University website at https://www.southwestern.edu/ .

Southwestern University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer EOE/M/F. All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of the University’s Background Check Policy process.