STEP Senior Director

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Job Title:
STEP Senior Director

Department:
Undergraduate Education | Academic Enrichment

Position Overview

The STEP Senior Director reports to the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Enrichment in the Office of Undergraduate Education and provides leadership and strategic direction for the Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) at The Ohio State University.  This will be a regular, 60% full-time equivalency (FTE) appointment. Sponsorship is not offered for this position.

Performance Objectives and Duties

• In partnership with the Program Director, provides oversight for the STEP Administration Team and serves as a member of the STEP Executive Leadership. 

• Provides faculty insights to Office of Academic Enrichment (OAE) leadership related to high-impact practices in curricular and co-curricular programming across OSU campuses. 

• Develops overall strategy for STEP that aligns with strategic initiatives within the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of Student Life. 

• Cultivates strategic relationships and partnerships across, and outside of, the university to further the mission and operations of STEP. 

• Partners with the Center for the Study of Student Life and other university research offices to help lead local and national research and dissemination related to STEP.

• Strategizes STEP integration into university initiatives. 

• Leads faculty recruitment, retention, professional development, and curricular aspects of STEP while, in partnership with Student Life, supports student recruitment, retention, and curricular programming. 

• Supervises STEP positions within the Office of Undergraduate Education. 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Additional Information:

Education and Experience Requirements

Required:

• Terminal degree and eligibility for full professor ranking in a tenure track at The Ohio State University
• Previous experience with supervision, tracking budget expenses, performance management, fostering teamwork, and giving feedback
• Experience with strategic long-term planning
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively 
• Evidence of a sustained commitment to inclusive practices in the workplace that reinforces Ohio State University’s ethical culture and Shared Values

Desired:

• Several years’ experience as a STEP Faculty Mentor or equivalent experience in a scholastic mentorship role characterized by interacting with students one-on-one and in groups, and providing advice and mentoring that will help students develop meaningful academic and intellectual engagement
• Experience partnering with a variety of stakeholders, particularly in an academic or university setting, including faculty, staff, students, and senior leadership
• Experience crafting executive level communications such as talking points for leadership,  process and steering documents, and peer reviewed articles 
• Experience working with high impact practices that apply student development theories to curricula and programs

How to Apply

You will be presented with the opportunity to attach documents in the Application Documents section. Please include the following:

· Attachment 1: Cover Letter: 1-2 page letter, which should include a brief summary of your background, why you are interested in this opportunity and how your relevant experience prepared you for this position. Please pay particular attention to the qualifications listed above when writing this letter.

· Attachment 2: CV (Curriculum Vitae): Detailed overview of your relevant experiences, including your research experience, teaching and mentoring experience, service, funding, publications, etc.

You may be asked for references upon request.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Search Committee Chair, Ola Ahlqvist at [email protected] .

Applications will be accepted through May 10, 2024.

The Program

The Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) represents a unique opportunity for second-year students to explore their academic, personal and professional goals under the guidance of a Faculty Mentor. Through engagement in small-group cohort meetings and other specialized programming, student participants develop skills in financial literacy, career exploration and wellness. The program culminates in the pursuit of a STEP Signature Project in one of the following categories: Creative and Artistic Endeavor, Education Abroad, Internship, Leadership, Service-Learning or Undergraduate Research, for which eligible transformational experiences may receive up to $2,000 in STEP Funding. Afterwards, students present their projects at the STEP Expo, a showcase of experiential learning. Over the lifespan of the program, STEP has enhanced student retention and has propelled students’ development as individuals, scholars and aspiring professionals.

The Department

The Office of Academic Enrichment (OAE) promotes student academic success and community engagement through access to high-impact experiential learning opportunities. We are dedicated to the academic enrichment of all Ohio State undergraduate students.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Enrichment, the Executive Director of STEP has the unique opportunity to continue the success of this award-winning and nationally recognized program, while having a direct impact on the experiences of the nearly 3,000 second-year students across all of Ohio State’s campuses and over 170 faculty mentors STEP serves annually.

The University

Each day, Buckeyes across the state and around the world make a lasting impact. The Ohio State University sets the stage for academic achievement and innovation. It's where friendships are forged, tradition is brought to life and a better global community is built. Our mission is as clear today as it was 150 years ago: to illuminate a pathway to education, research and health care that creates vibrant futures. Faculty, staff, and students build the incomparable Buckeye spirit through collaboration, a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our strength comes from our ability to bring out the best in people and learn from Buckeyes of all backgrounds, passions, and talents.

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow.

The Ohio State University is committed to enhancing academic excellence. Recruiting, supporting, and retaining faculty of the highest caliber is a core component of this commitment. The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) has established Dual Careers and Faculty Relocation (DCFR) to focus on supporting new and prospective faculty and their loved ones. Service offerings include dual careers partner consultations, identifying potential employers and/or employment opportunities, consultation and resources related to relocation, as well as identifying opportunities to engage on campus and in the surrounding community. While employment opportunities are not guaranteed, resources and consultation are provided to support the partners of new and prospective faculty as they are considering or transitioning to The Ohio State University.

In addition to being responsive to dual-career opportunities, we strongly promote work-life balance to support our community members through a suite of institutionalized policies. Ohio State is an NSF ADVANCE institution and a member of the Ohio/Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC) .

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. In addition to its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to Ohio State ATI in Wooster.

Location:
Student Academic Services (0160)

Position Type:
Regular

Scheduled Hours:
24

Shift:
First Shift

The Ohio State University believes in diversity in people and ideas. What Ohio State does matters. And how we do it matters. When we are at our best, we make a real difference to people. Our size, breadth, geography, history and standard of excellence position us to drive the future of higher education. We believe that the university should be a place where people can work and learn together in a safe environment, free of violence, harassment, discrimination, exploitation, or intimidation. As such, finalists for any faculty position that carries tenure must sign an authorization and disclosure form, which will allow current or prior employer(s) to share information to the University regarding any findings of employment-related misconduct or disciplinary proceedings against a candidate and/or any pending investigations related to alleged misconduct. Such information shall include findings and pending investigations with respect to sexual harassment, violence, or harassment; research misconduct; financial fraud or misconduct; foreign influence violations, grant misuse or misconduct; and/or any other type of finding or pending investigation relating to a candidate’s employer’s policies and rules governing faculty conduct that may reasonably be expected to affect a candidate’s appointment. If the University becomes aware of any past finding of misconduct or pending investigations that were not disclosed, Ohio State will treat that as a serious omission and reserves the right to rescind an offer or terminate employment.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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