Interim Assistant Director

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Description

SUMMARY

The Emory University's Master's in Development Practice (MDP) is a two-year interdisciplinary professional degree program that prepares students for careers in global and local development. We are seeking an Interim Assistant Director. Responsibilities include program leadership, student affairs, recruitment, and communications, The successful candidate will work closely with the Program Director, collaborating with a small, dynamic, committed team to operationalize the MDP program's mission and vision. They may serve as Director of Graduate Studies, depending on qualifications and experience. The role involves direct engagement with stakeholders, including students, faculty, and administrators across Emory University as well as alumni, instructors, partner organizations, community leaders, and potential donors. The position is based in the Laney Graduate School, where the MDP program is institutionally located, and has the potential of becoming long-term after the first year.

JOB DESCRIPTION

A. Program Leadership

• Works closely with the MDP Director in all program leadership functions, especially on academic aspects, providing input and support as needed;
• Represents program on key committees, meetings, and events on campus and beyond; contributes to relevant university-wide and community-facing initiatives;
• Directs program evaluation, learning outcomes assessment, collection and analysis of relevant data, production of reports, databases, and documents.

B. Teaching and Student Support

• Teaching
  • Teaches 1-2 core courses per academic year (e.g., research and applied methods);
  • Supervises independent student research and studies as needed;
• Curriculum Development
  • Engages and coordinates external instructors to ensure integration with existing MDP pedagogy;
  • Oversees organization of skill-based workshops and additional learning opportunities;
  • Spearheads curricular changes, including proposals for submission to LGS Executive Council;
• Student Support
  • Approves program requirement completion and requests for course exemptions and substitutions;
  • Manages grievances, probation, insolvency, and emergencies, facilitating contacts with appropriate Emory units and monitoring progress towards resolution;
  • Provides career advising and mentoring to students and alums; writes letters of recommendation for student internships and employment.

C. Recruitment, Admissions, and Outreach

• Develops and executes annual recruitment efforts working closely with the MDP Director, including those targeting specific groups (Peace Corps Volunteers, partner organizations, etc.)
• Identifies and pursues opportunities for partnership and scholarship programs to support MDP students;
• Manages admission process, refining and updating scoring rubric and parameters for granting scholarships in ways that balance competitiveness with financial viability;
• Leads information sessions during recruitment, ensures proactive communication with admitted applicants; oversees organization of admission events and campus visits;

D. Communications

• Leads program communications component, including regular social media postings and website updates;
• Oversees production and develops content and assets for communication materials (presentations, brochures, posters, emails, etc.), coordinating with relevant Emory and LGS staff;
• Supervises consultants and students, approves workplans, timesheets, and payments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's in a related field;
• Five years of experience in global/community development or in relevant sector.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in a related field;
• Six or more years of experience in global/community development or in relevant sector.
• Exceptional leadership skills, strategic thinking, collaborative spirit;
• Competencies in research methods, analytical approaches, and knowledge management systems;
• Experience in teaching, training, and mentoring, including in an academic setting;
• Outstanding communication skills, including effective writing and public speaking;
• Talent for thought leadership and outreach through digital media (social media, websites, etc.);
• Work or volunteer service abroad, especially in Global South countries a plus.

NOTE: This position tasks are required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to the employee.

TO APPLY

• Applicants will be considered on a rolling basis with a first review date of Aug 15, 2026, until the position is filled.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

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