Director of Graduate Studies

TITLE: Director of Graduate Studies 

DEPARTMENT: Office of Graduate Studies

REPORTS TO: Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Interim Director of Graduate Studies provides strategic leadership and oversight for all graduate programs at Kentucky State University. This role is responsible for enhancing graduate education, supporting student success, ensuring academic excellence, and facilitating collaboration across academic units. The Interim Director works closely with academic departments, faculty, and university administration to develop policies, improve program offerings, and ensure compliance with accreditation and institutional standards.

 ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Develops, implements, and evaluates strategic initiatives to enhance graduate education and student success.
• Designs and develops graduate program policies, curriculum development, and academic standards in collaboration with faculty and department chairs.
• Ensures compliance with university policies, accreditation standards, and external regulatory requirements for graduate programs.
• Works with faculty and staff to improve graduate student recruitment, retention, and degree completion rates.
• Provides mentorship and guidance for graduate students, including support for academic and professional development.
• Collaborates with faculty to support research, interdisciplinary programs, and funding opportunities for graduate students.
• Manages the administration of graduate admissions, academic advising, and student support services.
• Works with Student Affairs and Career Services to enhance post-graduate employment and career development initiatives.
• Monitor and assess graduate program outcomes, using data-driven approaches to inform decision-making and improvements.
• Organizes workshops, orientations, and professional development activities for graduate students and faculty.
• Represents the university’s graduate programs at internal and external meetings, conferences, and recruitment events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong knowledge of graduate education policies, accreditation processes, and academic program development.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and university leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Experience with student assessment, retention strategies, and program evaluation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• May supervise graduate program coordinators and administrative staff.

OTHER DUTIES: 

• Performs other duties as assigned or needed to support graduate education and institutional goals.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D., Ed.D., or terminal degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in higher education administration, graduate program leadership, or a related academic setting.
• Demonstrated success in graduate program development, academic support services, and collaborative academic leadership.
• Familiarity with learning management systems, research funding opportunities, and instructional technology.

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Technology Use: Frequent use of computers and University software programs.
• Communication: Regular communication via phone, email and in-person meetings.
• Travel: Minimal travel may be required for conferences and professional development opportunities.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.