Director of the Honors Experiential Learning Initiative

Position Summary

Upper Iowa University (UIU) seeks a dynamic and highly organized individual to serve as the Director of the Honors Experiential Learning Initiative. This faculty position is pivotal in developing, directing, managing, teaching, and organizing the comprehensive honors program that integrates rigorous academic coursework with practical work experiences. The successful candidate must be credentialable in at least one program of study offered by UIU, demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, and possess the ability to collaborate across various departments and with community partners.

Position Responsibilities

Program Development and Management

• Lead the development and continuous refinement of the Honors Experiential Learning curriculum.
• Oversee the implementation of the program’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with UIU’s mission and vision.
• Develop and manage partnerships with local businesses, industry leaders, and community organizations to provide students with diverse practical work experiences.
• Coordinate on-campus job assignments, summer work programs, internships, and co-op opportunities.

Teaching and Mentorship 

• Teach honors courses and workshops, including the Honors First-Year Seminar, leadership, community service, and discipline-specific courses.
• Guide students in their senior projects, ensuring integration of academic learning with practical work experience.
• Mentor honors students, providing academic and career advice and fostering their personal and professional growth.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Work collaboratively with faculty across various departments to integrate experiential learning components into the honors curriculum.
• Engage with industry partners to align program offerings with labor market demands and provide students with relevant job-ready skills.
• Foster a supportive and engaging learning environment through mentorship programs, professional development workshops, and community service opportunities.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and implement assessment plans to measure program effectiveness, including tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as student retention, graduation rates, job placement rates, and employer satisfaction.
• Use data from assessments to make informed decisions and improvements to the program.
• Maintain reflection journals and regular assessments to ensure meaningful connections between academic studies and practical work experiences.

Marketing and Recruitment 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and recruitment plan to attract high-achieving students.
• Collaborate with the admissions office to promote the program through digital and print marketing, information sessions, college fairs, and webinars.
• Engage alumni as ambassadors and mentors, leveraging their networks for recruitment and program support.

Financial and Resource Management 

• Manage the program’s budget, including managing funding from the Csomay Honors Endowment, additional donors, grants, and corporate partnerships.
• Develop and oversee financial plans to ensure the program’s sustainability and alignment with UIU’s strategic goals.

Qualifications 

Educational Background

• Master’s Degree required, Doctorate (Ed.D., Ph.D., or equivalent) preferred, in a related field.
• Credentialable in at least one program of study offered by UIU.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing academic programs.
• Proven track record of teaching at the collegiate level and mentoring students.
• Experience in building and maintaining partnerships with businesses and community organizations.
• Strong background in experiential learning and honors education.

Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop and manage budgets and secure funding.