"Executive Director for Learning Assistance and the Academic Excellence Centers"

Position Summary

Rutgers University–Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution located in Newark, New Jersey- a city of promise, is seeking an Executive Director for Learning Assistance and the Academic Excellence Centers. Reporting to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, this role is responsible for managing and directing all aspects of the Academic Excellence Centers at Rutgers–Newark.

The Executive Director will oversee and deliver Learning Center programs, procedures, policies, and budgets; lead ongoing program assessment; develop new programs and services; and create co-curricular and curricular activities that support student learning. This role also includes recruiting, training, and evaluating professional staff; preparing and delivering professional development opportunities for learning assistance staff across schools and offices; collaborating with the P3 Collaboratory, Graduate School Newark and academic departments across campus to support student learning and provide instructional resources for faculty; and preparing reports.

This position is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Oversee all campus-wide initiatives, programs, activities, and services associated with the Learning Center.
• Establish programs, services, policies, procedures, and priorities to ensure the effective functioning of Academic Excellence Centers across Rutgers–Newark.
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of the Chancellor-Provost and academic support offices across RU-N related to learning assistance programs and services, and manage the Learning Assistance Coordinating Council.
• Represent the Office of the Chancellor-Provost on committees and task forces focused on learning assistance and instructional support.
• Provide leadership and vision for comprehensive learning support services that help students develop the skills and strategies needed to become independent, active learners and achieve academic success.
• Act as a visionary intellectual and flexible, creative thinker attuned to emerging pedagogical trends; inspire learning center professionals; build partnerships with faculty; establish collaborative relationships with University colleagues; and enhance undergraduate engagement in learning and scholarship.
• Serve as a collaborative and cooperative partner within the Office of the Chancellor-Provost, both vertically and horizontally.
• Support staff in identifying learning outcomes that align with Rutgers' broader institutional learning outcomes.
• Develop assessment tools and practices to measure the effectiveness of learning center services and programs, and continuously assess initiatives to ensure alignment with current and emerging trends in higher education.
• Maintain familiarity with theories and models used in learning centers nationwide and with the College Reading and Learning Association certification process.
• Present to and advocate with faculty on how pedagogical changes impact learning, ensuring transparency with University administration, academic departments, and faculty regarding the role of learning centers in supporting instructional practices.
• Collaborate with academic advisors across the curriculum, address the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds, and support undergraduates in developing effective college-level study and learning strategies.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's degree required.
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience teaching or providing learning assistance to students in a college-level setting.

Equipment Utilized

Oracle Discoverer, IMS-TSO; ImageNow, RUData Repository, MS Office Suite; Cornerstone, Canvas, EAB Navigate360.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Some travel required and evening/weekend availability.