"ISI Scholars Director"

ISI Scholars Director

Company:
North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category:
Other Administrative Positions

Type:
Full-Time

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Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The Director of the ISI Scholars Program will serve as the strategic and operational leader for this cornerstone initiative within the Integrative Sciences Initiative (ISI) at NC State University. The ISI Scholars Program will provide a fully integrative, inquiry-driven educational experience for undergraduate students beginning in Fall 2028. This includes immersive active-learning courses, leadership development in team science, mentorship and internship opportunities with industry partners in RTP, and research assistantships in Woodson Hall.

The Director will have primary responsibility for designing, launching, and sustaining the ISI Scholars Program. This includes program development prior to launch, directing its implementation once operational, and establishing assessment and evaluation frameworks to ensure continuous improvement and long-term impact. The Director will represent the program across campus and externally, cultivating strategic partnerships that enhance the student experience and ensure program sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Serve as the chief architect and leader of the ISI Scholars Program, providing vision and strategic direction for all academic, co-curricular, and experiential components.
• Lead the multi-year development process leading up to program launch in 2028, including recruitment strategy, curriculum design, and partnership development.
• Establish a comprehensive program assessment framework to evaluate student outcomes, program effectiveness, and long-term impact.
• Collaborate with campus leaders, faculty, and external partners to align the ISI Scholars Program with NC State's institutional goals and the mission of the Integrative Sciences Initiative.
• Represent the ISI Scholars Program to internal and external stakeholders, serving as its primary ambassador and advocate.

Academic & Co-Curricular Programming

• Oversee the development and delivery of the Gateway to Integrative Sciences course in collaboration with ISI faculty.
• Partner with the Shelton Leadership Center and other campus units to design and deliver a four-year leadership development curriculum.
• Develop programming that fosters a sustained learning community and promotes student belonging, engagement, and success throughout the undergraduate experience.
• Identify and integrate academic enrichment and high-impact practices, such as study abroad, research assistantships, alternative spring breaks, and interdisciplinary field experiences.
• Coordinate with the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs, the University Honors Program, and other scholars programs to create shared opportunities for students.

Teaching and Curriculum Innovation

• Teach courses in the Integrative Sciences curriculum, with a focus on interdisciplinary learning, research integration, and leadership development.
• Contribute to the design, instruction, and assessment of the Gateway to Integrative Sciences course and related first-year experiences.
• Develop and pilot innovative instructional models that integrate active learning, experiential education, and real-world problem-solving.
• Mentor faculty and teaching assistants involved in ISI courses and support professional development in integrative teaching methods.
• Promote and model student-centered pedagogy consistent with ISI's educational mission.

External Engagement & Development

• Partner with University Advancement and Development to secure external funding and establish sustainable financial support for ISI Scholars, including scholarships and program endowments.
• Cultivate relationships with industry partners, alumni, and foundations in the Research Triangle region and beyond to expand internship, mentorship, and research opportunities.
• Represent ISI Scholars in communications, media, and events that enhance the visibility and impact of the program.

Student Success & Advising

• Provide strategic oversight for academic advising, mentoring, and career development programs for ISI Scholars.
• Supervise the ISI course learning assistant program and ensure coordination with faculty instructors.
• Promote a learning environment that supports varied students in STEM and interdisciplinary fields.

Staff Leadership & Management

• Provide vision, leadership, and operational direction for ISI Scholars staff and student support.
• Supervise and mentor professional staff, ensuring high performance, collaboration, and professional growth.
• In partnership with other supervisors on campus (e.g. College of Sciences STEM Ed Director, Biotechnology Program), provide scientific and professional mentorship to postdoctoral research scholars in alignment with their research and career goals.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and evaluation of staff; cultivate a positive workplace culture aligned with NC State's values.
• Oversee workload planning, performance management, and continuous improvement processes.
• Facilitate opportunities for skill development, including grant writing, teaching, project management, and leadership.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and steward the ISI Scholars Program budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and fiscal responsibility.
• Oversee expenditures, vendor agreements, and contracts in accordance with university policy.
• Partner with ISI leadership and the Provost Office finance team to plan for long-term financial sustainability.
• Identify opportunities to optimize resources and secure additional funding through partnerships and philanthropy.

Other Work/Responsibilities:
Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Minimum Experience/Education:
Ph.D. in a science discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or related field) or a Ph.D. in discipline-based science education research, with experience in a university environment preferred.

Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in a STEM discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, a related field, or a Ph.D. in discipline-based education research), with experience in a university environment strongly preferred.
Proven track record of supporting student success, primarily in first year and/or transfer students
Experience developing or supporting co-curricular high impact experiences is desired
Demonstrated excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary academic environment

Preferred Qualifications:
N/A

Required License or Certification:
N/A

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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