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 Zaven & Sonia Akian College of Sciences and Engineering (https://cse.aua.am) is one of the founding colleges of AUA and, through its rigorous academic training, multiple internships, and industry-focused research projects, offers Master’s degrees in Computer & Information Science and Industrial Engineering & Systems Management as well as Bachelor’s programs in Computer Science, Engineering Sciences, Data Science, and Environmental & Sustainability Sciences.  CSE serves roughly 100 graduate and 1,000 undergraduate students, with its 17 full-time and 78 part-time instructors.  The College oversers two research centers: The Engineering Research Center (ERC) and The Akopian Center for the Environment (ACE). 

ERC fosters collaboration among AUA scientists, engineers, visiting faculty, and students on internally and externally funded projects to drive innovative research focused on Armenia's economic development. ERC has partnered with companies and foundations in France, Germany, and Armenia, as well as academic institutions in the USA, New Zealand, and India.  ACE promotes the protection and restoration of the natural environment through research, education, and community outreach.  Among its areas of research interest and function are: IT and the environment, water, responsible mining, sustainable energy, climate solutions, disaster resilience, and so forth.  ACE boasts multiple, simultaneous projects (several funded through the Horizon Europe Program) with both local and international partners from around the globe. 

Description

The American University of Armenia (AUA) seeks a forward-thinking and creative academic  administrator to be the next Director of Extension (EP). The position reports to the Provost. 

The Extension Program is the outreach arm of AUA, serving the lifelong learning needs of individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including professionals and employees of corporations, the government, and non-governmental organizations. EP offers a comprehensive range of courses and certificate programs, including language classes, professional development courses, and test preparation classes. EP designs tailored corporate programs and implements outreach initiatives. EP is also a testing center, administering international tests for college and university applicants, as well as those seeking professional certification. Through centers in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Dilijan, Yeghegnadzor, Goris, and Kapan, EP serves the needs of local communities throughout Armenia. EP provides fee-based education, as well as tailored sponsored programs for thousands of enrolled students. 

Building on the solid foundation of EP, the Director is expected to reimagine and facilitate the development of the next phase of the Extension Program. S/He must have demonstrable experience in building and growing university extension, continuing education, or similar programs at a leadership level. The successful candidate must demonstrate a thorough understanding of current best practices in Extension.  A graduate degree is required.

The Director is expected to be a strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial approach to create, envision, and take calculated risks. S/He must be a collaborative and tactful leader to integrate EP programs with academic programs across the university. S/He needs to be an agile and adaptive manager to solve problems, make decisions, and inspire individuals and groups, along the way. The Director is also expected to have financial and operational acumen to oversee a dedicated staff, manage funder relations, and ensure the sound management of the Program’s finances. The Director is expected to visit and oversee the EP sites in the regions, as needed.    

This is a unique position that enables the successful candidate to contribute to the advancement of Armenia in a most meaningful way.