Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $74,200 - Midpoint: $100,200 (Salaried E12)
Department/Organization: 200023 - General Education
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm
Job Summary: The First-Year Compass Course Program Director creates and implements programs and initiatives that support the successful transition, engagement, and retention of first-year students. Collaborates with academic departments, student affairs, the UA Teaching Academy (UATA), and other campus partners to seamlessly integrate the first-year experience into the overall student experience. Employs rigorous data collection and analysis methodologies to assess the effectiveness of first-year programs and initiatives. Utilizes insights gained to drive continuous improvement and innovation. Provides dynamic leadership and purposeful direction to steer the FYCC program, budget, and strategic planning for best outcomes.
Additional Department Summary: Develops, implements, and evaluates programs and initiatives tailored to support the successful transition, active engagement, retention and persistence of first-year students. Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive student success curriculum for first-year students, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, the general education curriculum, and student needs. Serves as an advocate for the needs and concerns of first-year students, championing their interests and ensuring their voices are heard within the university community. Stays current on trends and best practices in first-year compass course programming and student success. Seeks opportunities to enhance program effectiveness through innovative approaches continuously.

Recruits, trains, and builds a community of practice for qualified faculty and staff. Uses software product(s) for real-time feedback and improvements. Holds monthly meetings for building community, learning, self-assessment, and sharing teaching practice. Manages Graduate Student and Peer Leader (PL) programs. Manages Peer Leader course and pairings with compass sections. Provides Graduate Student training, supervision, community of practice. Analyzes course assessment/feedback at the end of each cycle
 
Manages array of courses and cohort-based sections. Creates and manages application approval process for faculty-led courses. Recruit for and manage cohorted sections based on identified areas of student need / retention goals

Works with the Associate Provosts of General Education to gather and assess data. Works with University Programs / the Division of Student Life to coordinate and track engagement activities. Works with CIT to integrate all assignments for the various course offerings into Blackboard. Manages an annual assessment cycle. Collects and analyzes quantitative data on course completion, grades, and retention according to course style, student risk factors, involvement/integration to campus, student retention, and GPA. Collects and analyzes qualitative data on student perception of belonging and learning, faculty perception of teaching and student outcomes, and Peer Leader perception of learning (in Peer Leader course) as well as feedback from within the classrooms in which they are placed.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of higher education experience; OR master's degree and four (4) years of higher education experience.
Skills and Knowledge: Strong leadership skills. Commitment to student success. Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students. Ability to motivate and inspire others. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Knowledge of current trends and best practices in FYE programming and student success. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively. Budget management and resource allocation skills.
Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree or higher in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or related field and five (5) years of higher education experience with a focus on first-year experience programs, student success, or related areas. Program development, implementation, and assessment experience.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster