Associate Director, Distance Learning

Position Summary

The University of Georgia’s Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education ( MIHE ) seeks a highly organized and collaborative professional to serve as the Associate Director (AD) of distance learning to include the Executive Doctoral Program in Higher Education Management, the Online Master of Education in Higher Education Administration, and the Governors Teaching Fellows programs. The AD will hold the faculty rank of Academic Professional Associate.

The Executive EdD program serves middle and upper-level administrators from post-secondary settings using a cohort model for program delivery that spans two calendar years. Courses are held in Atlanta, with occasional meetings in Athens, and two summer intensive programs (one international and one in Washington, DC). The AD position will work closely with the Executive Director of the EdD program who provides programmatic leadership, oversight, and direction.

The Online MEd in Higher Education Administration introduces students to the field of higher education through fully asynchronous coursework and experiences designed to examine critical issues in the field and develop skills aimed at addressing them. The program is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort to start in Fall 2025, with a priority deadline of April 1, 2025. The AD position will work alongside the graduate coordinator to lead the new Online MEd program.

The Governor’s Teaching Fellows ( GTF ) program was established in 1995 by Governor Zell Miller to offer instructional and faculty development for higher education faculty in public and private postsecondary institutions across the state. GTF is a cohort-based program offered in the academic year or in a concentrated Maymester format. Over 30 years, the program has served over 700 faculty members across 63 institutions. The AD position will work closely with the GTF Program Director who provides programmatic leadership, oversight, and direction.

The AD, in collaboration with the MIHE Director, EdD Executive Director, and GTF Program Director, will assume responsibility for the operations of each program, including interacting with applicants, enrolled students, participants, alumni, and MIHE staff and faculty. Responsibilities include:

• Logistics and Operations. The AD will have responsibility for all logistics, including schedules, classrooms, housing and meals, and course arrangements. For the in-person programs, the AD attends all program sessions (including international trips) and provides continuity and oversight between the face-to-face meetings.
• Marketing and Recruitment. The AD will collaborate with MIHE staff and the Office of Online Learning to create publications and other communications for student and participant recruitment, maintain current and accurate information for applicants, and conduct recruitment activities. The AD will be responsible for respective marketing plans and processes for the programs.
• Instruction and Instructional Support. The AD will hold teaching responsibilities for courses in the Executive Doctoral and Online MEd programs. Further, the AD will assist faculty and guest lecturers with the timely preparation and delivery of courses and modules; implementation of course modules both face-to-face and in the electronic learning commons (eLC); evaluation of academic courses and programs. The AD will provide regular feedback to the faculty on student progress and student issues associated with the curriculum and graduate programs. The AD will serve as the instructor of record and primary contact for practicum support and evaluation during the initial development of the Online MEd program.
• Student Services. In collaboration with program faculty and staff, the AD will serve as a contact and resource in student services, including requirements associated with enrollment, progression, and graduation, as well as assistance with UGA and MIHE processes and policies. Regular communication, in person and online, with students is an important aspect of program success.
• Liaison to MIHE Standing Committees and Staff . The AD will collaborate with MIHE standing committees, faculty, and staff to implement policies and procedures required of each program.
• Financial Management. The AD will work collaboratively with the MIHE director, program directors, and MIHE business manager to oversee expenditures and management of financials for each program.
• Alumni Relations . The AD will collaborate with the MIHE External Affairs Coordinator to maintain and build alumni networks and will engage participants, students, and alumni in MIHE activities that go beyond the programs.
• Strategic partnerships. The AD will work to develop strategic partnerships with institutions and agencies that are aligned with the purposes and mission of the programs.

The AD will be expected to engage fully with all the programs, committees, and activities of the MIHE and to participate with other activities and duties as assigned by the Director. While the position is primarily administrative, teaching in the programs will be determined by program needs and the candidate’s areas of expertise. The position is based in Athens, GA, but requires some travel.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three references. Other queries may be directed to Academic Professional Search Committee at ihe@uga.edu.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2314P

Working Title

Associate Director, Distance Learning

Department

SRVPAA-Institute of Higher Ed

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education

College/Unit/Department website

ihe.uga.edu

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

04/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

02/26/2025

Job Closing Date

03/28/2025

Open until filled

No

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Academic Professional AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Academic Professional Associate

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

• Terminal degree in the field of higher education or a related social science discipline.

Additional Requirements

• Minimum of two years of experience in program development and/or management in a higher education or comparable setting.
• Ability to work with faculty and students in a professional and collegial environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide leadership to all aspects of the program.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Minimum of five years of experience in program development and/or management in a higher education or comparable setting.
• Familiarity with online learning formats, and/or experience with hybrid educational programs.
• Background in teaching at the postsecondary level is preferred.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of UGA systems, policies, and procedure.

Physical Demands

• Building has no elevator so frequent stair climbing is involved.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to travel to program locations in Atlanta and to other remote learning locations.

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents