"Professor of Practice and Director of Doctoral Academic Support"

Job Details

Merrimack College is a selective, private college in a beautiful, residential setting — just minutes from Boston, Massachusetts.

Position Overview:

The Professor of Practice and Director of Doctoral Academic Support provides curricular instruction and academic support to students to ensure their academic success and timely completion of the Doctorate of Education (EdD), as well as limited academic support for other graduate programs as needed. In conjunction with dedicated graduate support coaches, the director also contributes to strategic and operational initiatives to support the academic success, retention, and timely completion of EdD students. This individual in this role collaborates with other faculty, administrative leaders, and related student services to develop, implement, and assess programs that promote academic excellence and student well-being. This position is expected to teach 4-6 EdD courses annually (including summer terms, as needed) and is on an open-ended-term, 12-month, annual appointment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Academic Support & Advising
  • Develop and oversee doctoral level academic support services, including workshops, writing programs, dissertation/thesis coaching, and time management strategies.
  • Partner with faculty to support course advising and track registration in conjunction with graduate success coaches.
  • Provide individual consultation to doctoral students on academic challenges, degree milestones, and professional development.
  • Coordinate support for students at risk of academic delay or attrition.
• Program Development & Leadership
  • Design and manage initiatives to support writing, research, and scholarly identity development through Merrimack’s SuccEeD platform.
  • Develop and lead virtual doctoral academic success “boot camps,” skill development sessions, and accountability groups.
  • Support the integration of inclusive/transformative pedagogical and mentoring practices.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration
  • Serve as a liaison between doctoral students and related student services programs and units, including the writing center, counseling services, and O’Brien career development staff.
  • Partner with faculty advisors, the assistant dean of graduate programs, and directors of graduate study to enhance advising practices and mentoring.
• Assessment & Reporting
  • Assist the Program Director in evaluating program effectiveness through regular student feedback and institutional data.
  • Assist the Program Director in reporting on trends, needs, and outcomes related to doctoral student success and retention.
  • Lead efforts to close gaps in doctoral education outcomes.
• Policy and Compliance
  • Support students in navigating university policies regarding progress to degree, leaves of absence, and academic standing.
• Teaching Responsibilities
  • Teach EdD courses in research methods, leadership, and in one or more of the program’s four concentration areas, as needed based on program enrollment.

Qualifications

Required:

• Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) from an accredited institution, preferably in education or related social science.
• 5+ years of experience in academic support, graduate education, or higher education administration.
• Strong understanding of graduate student experiences, doctoral student identity development, and the structure, function, and purpose of relevant graduate programs.
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering student support initiatives with a proven track record of improved student outcomes and retention.
• An established record of graduate teaching experience and success.

Preferred:

• Experience with data analysis and program evaluation.
• Experience supporting specific student populations, including first-generation, adult learners, international, and underrepresented students.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Strategic thinking with ability to develop and manage long-term projects.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to navigate sensitive academic and personal issues with discretion.
• Commitment to belonging, equity, and access in graduate education.
• Familiarity with online learning systems.
• Experience gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to improve program effectiveness.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.