Director of Honors and Graduate Studies

Nevada State University invites applications for the position of Director of Honors and Graduate Studies. In this evolving role, we estimate that 60% of responsibilities will focus on designing, implementing, and managing a campus-wide undergraduate honors program; 40% will involve coordinating campus-level graduate studies policies and processes. As the honors program and graduate portfolio develop and expand, there will be opportunities to re-evaluate the position to determine the appropriate balance of responsibilities and priorities. This position does not include teaching responsibilities.

The Director of Honors and Graduate Studies will have a key role in enhancing the culture of inclusive academic excellence on campus. Reporting to the Vice Provost of Faculty Affairs & Research, this position will lead development of policies and procedures for operating the honors program, including building entry points for students in their first year and transfer students later in their degree path. The Director will manage Honors recruitment, admissions, and special programming.

The Director of Honors and Graduate Studies will also coordinate development of campus-level policies and procedures to meet emerging needs as our graduate programs mature and grow. This position will serve as a liaison between the graduate program directors (there are currently 3 graduate programs at Nevada State University) and campus administrators and offices, including the Registrar, Admissions & Recruitment, the Bursar, and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, and this position will make decisions on graduate student waivers, petitions, and appeals. The Director will not develop or oversee the academic curriculum but will work with program directors to inform prospective and enrolled graduate students about general requirements, such as residency requirements and how to apply.

An ideal candidate will bring an attitude of curiosity and will be disposed to ongoing professional learning and improvement. Useful skills and attributes include creativity and independence, the ability to give constructive feedback, professionalism and focus while at work, communication skills that make one a persuasive leader and colleague, and the self-discipline to manage time and work responsibilities effectively. This position will join a student- and faculty-facing team that values respectful collaboration and curiosity about the perspectives of colleagues who may disagree on an issue.

About the institution: Nevada State University, a four-year Minority Serving public institution with a statewide mission, is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning and committed to the advancement of a diverse and largely underserved student population. Designated a Hispanic Serving (HSI) and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPI), Nevada State is a university where teaching and student support are valued above all else.

Nevada State University continues to grow as an institution of higher education. In Fall 2024, the enrollment surpassed 7,500, with 7,464 undergraduate students and 85 graduate students. A majority of our students are first generation, racial/ethnic minorities, parents, and/or returning students, of which 41% are Hispanic, 13% are Asian/Pacific Islander, 9% are Black/African American, 22% are White, and 6% are multiracial.

We celebrate the storied backgrounds of our campus community. We operate with a shared commitment to represent and serve the diverse population of Nevada and to encourage the exchange of ideas that respects and honors the lived experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. We foster a culture of inclusive excellence so our members can live authentically, fully engage, and flourish. In order to strengthen the university and progress its mission, the university dedicates itself to intentional and ongoing reflection to meeting the evolving needs of Nevada State University, the surrounding communities, and the State of Nevada.

We seek applicants who are passionate about working with this promising student population and collaborating with faculty and staff across departments to make a lasting impact in developing our institution and our community. We encourage you to highlight your background in fostering an inclusive campus culture and supporting the success of students who are historically underrepresented in higher education.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the founding Director of Honors. Lead development and implementation of policies and processes for a campus Honors program that is inclusive and celebrates our students' strengths.
• Develop and manage processes for Honors admissions, curriculum coordination, and program assessment.
• Lead recruiting and support of a diverse community of Honors students.
• Approach management of resources and operations with a clear understanding of the constraints and opportunities available at a public teaching institution.
• Collaborate with deans, faculty, and staff to develop and support a sustainable Honors course schedule and faculty teaching assignments.
• Work with the Academic Faculty Senate to develop and/or revise academic policies and the Honors curriculum.
• Organize relevant campus events, such as an Honors research symposium.
• Advocate for resources for the Honors program and campus-level graduate studies support, including working with the Advancement team to develop compelling fundraising materials.
• Collaborate effectively with internal and external constituents and partners (such as advisory boards, the HSI-Honors Consortium, the National Collegiate Honors Council, graduate program directors, and peer or partner institutions).
• Remain current in relevant research and emerging trends/issues and use that knowledge to guide decisions and innovations.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience successfully expanding enrollment or participation in a student-facing program.
• Commitment to leading meaningful program assessment and continuous improvement.
• Understanding of the mission and role of a mid-size public regional comprehensive university.
• Ability to work collegially and professionally with coworkers and students, including maintaining confidentiality.
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship (Nevada State does not sponsor employment-related visas).

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent terminal degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience working within an honors program or graduate education.
• Vision for how an honors program can enhance student engagement, graduation, and career success.
• Experience building or launching new academic programs or initiatives, with the ability to build structures, policies, and partnerships from the ground up.
• At least one year of administrative or program oversight/leadership experience in higher education.
• Knowledge of best practices in inclusive academic excellence.

Salary & Benefits: Budgeted salary for this position is $86,445. Nevada State University offers excellent benefits, including 19.25% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.