This full-time position involves facilitating active, experiential education that enhances classroom learning while addressing community issues. The Director will provide support, training, and resources to faculty, department-level and college-level professionals as well as to other University staff interested in the integration of service-learning into teaching, research, service, and engagement. The Director will also hold responsibility for helping to develop student leaders in the field of service-learning, cultivating relationships with community partners, and promoting community-based research and community-engaged scholarship at the University.
The Director will have an abiding concern for, and commitment to, serving the diverse needs of the University and surrounding communities, the active promotion of an inclusive environment, and passion for training and program development in the areas of academic service-learning, community-based research, and civic engagement. The Director will report to the Associate Vice Provost for Learning and Teaching and will join a team that works collaboratively to support the teaching, learning, research, and engagement missions of the University. It is likely that individuals best suited for this position will hold a doctorate. We recognize, however, that some individuals possessing a great deal of expertise and experience in this area might have a Master’s degree or ABD status in a doctoral program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s degree
• Two years of experience designing and implementing service‐learning courses at the postsecondary level
• Demonstrated knowledge of service learning theory and practice
• Demonstrated knowledge of theory and practice in the area of community‐based research or public scholarship
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline
• An understanding of the higher education environment
• Experience directing a service-learning program
• Experience teaching service-learning courses within the higher education environment
• Strong writing and interpersonal communication skills
• A record of publications and presentations relevant to the position
• Ability to work successfully with instructors and students
• Ability to facilitate groups and work collaboratively across an academically and culturally diverse campus and community
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative context
DUTIES
• Provide overall direction to and coordination of CSU’s Service-Learning program, including (1) conducting faculty training, faculty grant distribution, and award recognition; (2) facilitating community partner workshops and meetings; and (3) consulting with faculty, staff, students, and community partners regarding service-learning, community-based research, and/or community-engaged scholarship
• Work closely with departmental and college-level faculty and staff and with instructional designers and other staff within the Institute on initiatives to promote or expand experiential- and service-learning opportunities, community-based research, university/community partnerships, and other civic engagement opportunities.
• Oversee strategic planning, program design and implementation, and budget development and administration; seek funding from private and public sources; work closely with the Service-Learning Advisory Committee (made up of CSU faculty, college administrators, students, and community members) on programming design, program policy, mission and institutionalization issues.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of successful collaborations between local and community agencies, governmental organizations, and CSU to support the expansion of service-learning and community-based research courses and programs while meeting community needs; act as a liaison between the University and community partners for experiential, community-based learning opportunities.
• Maintain a strong partnership with the Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE) regarding the maintenance of community service partnerships and the placement of service-learning students in community projects and organizations.
• Oversee and instruct, in association with the Key Communities at the Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA), SLICE and the Key Service Residential-Learning Community 3-credit core course (IU 175: Public Problem-Solving through Service-Learning); including the supervision of student staff in placement of 150+ diverse first-year students in semester-long (25-30 + hour) service-learning projects in the greater Fort Collins area.
• Oversee and instruct the Public Service Scholars Program, a 2-semester, 4-credit experience designed to support a select group of sophomore/junior students interested in linking their passion for community action with academic study in their major.
• Participate in efforts to produce research and publish scholarship on CSU’s service-learning initiatives.
• Promote the visibility of CSU’s service-learning initiatives nationally and internationally.
• Engage in assessments of student and community outcomes for service-learning and research best practices and models at other institutions.
• Support academic departments interested in strengthening and acting upon their commitment to public work by engaging them in a process of developing strategic goals and actions plans for incorporating civic engagement into the curriculum and into faculty culture.
• Other duties as assigned.
SALARY
$50,000 per year (plus benefits)
POSITION DURATION
This is a permanent administrative/professional position; the employee will serve on an at-will basis.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
To apply for this position, please send an email message with attached letter of interest addressing qualifications and a résumé with three references to Amanda Purnell at Amanda.Purnell {at} ColoState(.)edu. Please attach application files in PDF or Word format. You will receive email confirmation when your application materials have been received. To receive full consideration, application should be received by May 16, 2011, 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Institute for Learning and Teaching advances research, promotes effective practices, and provides direct support to faculty and students to enhance learning, teaching, and student success. The Institute works to achieve its mission within the Colorado State University community by creating and supporting collaborative programs, initiatives, and activities among students, faculty, and staff in the divisions of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Enrollment and Access. Direct support for faculty, staff, and graduate student instructors is provided through programs that strengthen professional development in areas related to learning and teaching, scholarly inquiry into learning and teaching, course design and development, and the University’s instructional technology infrastructure. Direct support for students is provided through programs that strengthen advising for students who have not declared a major, intra-university students, and students pursuing careers in the health professions; learning programs and communities; engagement in undergraduate research and artistry; preparation for graduate and professional schools; academic engagement with communities beyond the University; orientation, transitions, and retention; and effective use of learning technologies.
Colorado State University is a Carnegie RU/VH institution and land-grant university.
Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or genetic information. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search or motor vehicle history.
