Assistant Director of English Language Programs and Community Education

About Framingham State University:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good.  At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry.  FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them.  Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it.  Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast. 

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs.  Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers .

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Assistant Director is responsible for providing academic and administrative leadership and assisting the Executive Director of English Language Programs and Community Education in designing, implementing, coordinating, evaluating and expanding continuing education programs at Framingham State University (FSU).  The Assistant Director assists with the academic and operational leadership of FSU's English Language Programs (ELP), including the academic intensive Academic English Language Program (AELP), Community English Language Program (CELP), and English language tutoring for professionals. Approximately 20% of this position will include overseeing FSU's Adventures in Lifelong Learning Program and other lifelong learning programs in collaboration with the Framingham Public Library.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports to the Executive Director of English Language Programs and Community Education.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Assists executive director in supervising ELP faculty and contractors and Adventures in Lifelong Learning Program contractors. Supervises student workers in both programs.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist executive director in developing, implementing, coordinating, staffing and evaluating all English Language Programs.
• Research, write, and submit proposed changes in curriculum guidelines according to best standards within the discipline of TESOL and applied linguistics, standards of the Council of English Language Accreditation (CEA), and FSU's ELP and Office of Continuing Education. 
• Assist with training of instructors to meet curriculum requirements and innovative classroom practices that enhance student learning.
• Supervises student workers.
• Work with FSU academic community to identify opportunities and methods for developing pathways for ELL students to matriculate and participate in the broader academic community. 
• Provide academic consulting and mentorship of instructors, and work with the executive director to provide professional development opportunities for instructional staff.
• Assist executive director with recruiting and hiring faculty members, and making informed instructor and course assignments. 
• Coordinate and conduct staff meetings and trainings for instructors and student support. 
• Help instructors determine the best selection of class materials, textbooks, etc. and provide coordination for obtaining course supplies. 
• Coordinate information sessions, registration assistance and testing, and placement of all students at the start of each class session.
• Coordinate with ELP staff and the Office of International Education to provide new student orientation and advising for international students. 
• Coordinate experiential learning opportunities through school events, invited speakers, and field trips. 
• Coordinate with support staff to ensure administration of student evaluations, completion certificates, and maintenance of a viable student records system.  
• Monitor program website and oversee updates; monitor and oversee staff input into social media especially, but not exclusive to, student recruitment.
• Assist as needed with marketing, community engagement, and student recruitment.    
• Coordinate FSU's Adventures in Lifelong Learning program at designated times throughout the year, including program planning (with a program committee), instructor recruitment and selection, course registration, program membership, annual events, and fundraising.
• Collaborate closely with the Framingham Public Library in coordinating space and refreshments for Adventures in Lifelong Learning and the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series. 
• Administer, collect and analyze course evaluations for Adventures in Lifelong Learning; share summary of evaluations with Planning Committee; develop and monitor program budget.
• Accountable for ensuring that affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.
• Responsible for reporting to the Equal Opportunity Officer or Title IX Coordinator knowledge or receipt of reports of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation from students or other members of the university community.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Flexibility in schedule is necessary; requires some evening and weekend work.
Occasional travel for training, conferences, and recruitment may be required.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree
• Knowledge of adult learning theories and at least three years of experience working with and teaching adult English language learners.   
• At least two years of experience in program design, planning, development, implementation and evaluation in an educational environment, preferably in a multicultural environment with diverse populations and age-groups of adult learners. 
• Experience maintaining accurate record-keeping systems.   
• Knowledge and experience with marketing educational services.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, website management, and social media.  
• Ability to handle multiple demands in an organized and calm manner. 
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or Applied Linguistics is required.  A Master's Degree in a related field with specific course work in second language acquisition or methodology for teaching English to speakers of other languages also meets this minimum qualification.
• Conversational abilities in one or multiple languages such as Portuguese or Spanish.
• Knowledge of techniques for spreadsheet preparation and data collection.
• Knowledge of educational technologies. 
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, DHS regulations pertaining to student visas.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Assistant Director. The starting salary range is $58,000-62,500.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Equity and Inclusion Statement*,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

*The Equity and Inclusion Statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the university's efforts to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidate application materials.

For best consideration, please submit application materials by February 25, 2024. 

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or [email protected] .