Department: Provost's Office

Contract type: Full-time

Job location: Yerevan

Reports to: Provost

About the American University of Armenia: Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia is committed to providing excellent education at the graduate and undergraduate levels. AUA’s mission is to bring American education to Armenia, preparing Armenian citizens and those of the region to address the needs of sustainable development in an environment that values academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, scholarship, innovation, leadership, and service to society. AUA is accredited by the US Department of Education, through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) regional accrediting body, and it benefits from a formal affiliation with the University of California system.

 

The American University of Armenia (AUA) seeks an experienced, innovative, and dynamic academic leader to serve as its Academic Director of General Education. This is a critical academic leadership role that offers the opportunity to shape and advance AUA’s distinctive liberal arts curriculum and to ensure its continued excellence.  The Academic Director will work collaboratively across AUA’s Colleges and Programs, strengthen the general education framework, and promote academic rigor, while ensuring that the curriculum aligns with both AUA's mission and global best practices. The Director will also take on the important responsibility of serving as the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) for the institution, overseeing the university's compliance with accreditation standards set forth by WASC.

 

Responsibilities

Curriculum Leadership

Provide strategic direction for the university’s General Education program, ensuring that it supports the academic mission, promotes the cohesiveness of the Colleges, and enhances student learning. Work closely with faculty, Colleges, Programs, and administrators to redesign and implement a robust, interdisciplinary general education curriculum that prepares students for a rapidly changing global environment.

Academic Excellence and Innovation

Ensure that the General Education program embodies academic rigor and relevance by incorporating innovative pedagogies, fostering critical thinking, and promoting intercultural competence. Engage with faculty across Programs to assess and refine the program in response to AUA’s Strategic Plan and emerging trends in higher education.

Accreditation and Compliance

Serve as the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) for AUA’s regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).  Lead the preparation of institutional self-studies, progress reports, academic program reviews, and accreditation-related documentation, ensuring alignment with WASC standards and compliance with the accreditation process.

Teaching

Teach one course per semester in candidate’s field. 

Faculty Development

Provide professional development opportunities for faculty involved in the General Education curriculum, fostering a collaborative teaching and learning environment. Equip faculty with the tools, resources, and support necessary to deliver an exceptional General Education experience.

Assessment and Continuous Improvement

Lead the development and implementation of assessment strategies for General Education, promoting learning outcomes that are clearly defined and regularly evaluated. Use assessment data to refine and improve the program, in line with the Strategic Plan, institutional mission and goals, and accreditation requirements.

Collaboration and Communication

Act as a liaison between various academic Colleges and Programs, student services, and administrative units to facilitate the integration of the General Education program with other curricular and co-curricular initiatives. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including faculty, students, and external partners, regarding program developments, outcomes, and achievements.  Coordinate with individual Programs for General Education offerings, each semester. 

Strategic Planning

Participate in long-term planning and strategic initiatives related to the university's academic vision, ensuring that the General Education program supports and aligns with AUA’s evolving mission and institutional goals.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess most or all of the following qualifications: 

• An earned Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) in a relevant academic field, with a strong background in liberal arts or interdisciplinary education.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in academic leadership, with substantial experience in curriculum development, faculty governance, and the administration of General Education programs at a regionally accredited US institution.
• Proven expertise as an Accreditation Liaison Officer or equivalent experience in managing the accreditation process, particularly in the context of WASC or other regional accrediting bodies.
• Minimum 5 years teaching experience in higher education, preferably at a regionally accredited US institution. 
• Experienced understanding of General Education curriculum design, the ability to redesign/restructure an existing General Education program and lead the integration of diverse fields of study within an overarching academic framework.
• A track record of successful collaboration with faculty, students, and administrators in academic program development and assessment.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, both within and outside the university, and to articulate the value and importance of General Education.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• A demonstrated commitment to student success, equity, and inclusion in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in international higher education, particularly in institutions with a focus on liberal arts and interdisciplinary learning.
• Familiarity with higher education systems in Armenia and/or other Eastern European countries.
• Experience with data-driven decision-making and the use of technology in academic assessment and curriculum development.

Additional information

Expectations:

• Leadership and Vision: The Director of General Education is expected to be a visionary leader who can guide the development of a forward-thinking General Education program that meets the needs of contemporary students while preserving the core values of liberal education.
• Strategic Thinking: A strong ability to engage in strategic planning and implementation, balancing long-term institutional goals with immediate academic priorities.
• Commitment to Excellence: A commitment to academic excellence and the ability to foster an environment of continuous improvement, both for the General Education program and for the broader academic community at AUA.
• Engagement in Campus Life: The Director should be a visible leader on campus, working collaboratively with the Deans of Colleges, fostering an inclusive academic environment and promoting cross-disciplinary dialogue that enriches the educational experience for students, faculty, and staff alike.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following materials:

1. A detailed CV that includes academic qualifications and professional experience.
2. A cover letter outlining the candidate’s interest in the position, relevant qualifications, and vision for the future of General Education at AUA.
3. A list of at least three professional references, with contact information.
4. Any additional supporting documents (e.g., sample syllabi, evidence of leadership in curriculum development or accreditation efforts, statement of teaching philosophy, etc).

 

Applications should be submitted by  January 15, 2025 to this link. For inquiries or additional information, please contact Office of Human Resources (hr@aua.am).

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled

The American University of Armenia is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative academic community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect.

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