Title: Director of Learning Commons

Institution: Volunteer State Community College

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Director of the Learning Commons has the primary responsibility for providing leadership for academic student support services designed to enhance student learning and promote student success. This includes tutoring services, academic coaching, academic-related early alert facilitation, testing support, faculty tutor coordination, and other ongoing instructional support initiatives. This position directs the academic support programs in the Learning Commons at all Vol State campuses with guidance from academic departments and regional center directors.

Job Duties:

Provide leadership to the development and implementation of innovative collegewide learning support initiatives that lead to improved retention and graduation rates. Direct the daily operations and scheduling of the Learning Commons at all Vol State campuses, including providing direct supervision to the Coordinator of the Learning Commons, Senior Administrative Assistant, full-time Specialists, and part-time instructional assistants and tutors. Coordinates professional development opportunities and on-going training to ensure Learning Commons staff are providing quality academic and customer service to students. May support the Deans in offering professional development to faculty in relation to tutoring and other academic support related areas. Partner with academic departments and support units to assess the needs of students and develop and implement innovative academic support programs and strategies that support student learning in the classroom and evolving student needs, including working collaboratively with faculty to develop content-specific programming and support materials. Develop, establish, implement, and review policies and protocols for various academic initiatives, e.g., Ed Ready, high dosage tutoring, STEM and placement test preparation, and pre-requisite support. Encourage faculty involvement in the Learning Commons, to include overseeing faculty participation in student-focused service tutoring opportunities. Facilitate the College’s academic-related early alerts. Develop and standardize procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of Learning Commons’ programming, including the development and submission of annual continuous improvement plans, thereby providing leadership for long- and short-term planning, priorities, and goals. Work as a liaison with the IT department and software vendors to assist with technical issues in the Learning Commons. Prepare and manage budgets and record keeping. Address and evaluate accreditation compliance related to academic support services at all Vol State campuses. Prepare reports as needed for the department/division and the Office of Research, Assessment, and Special Initiatives. Develops and implements standardized reporting practices to ensure accurate and consistent monitoring and tracking of student tutoring usage. Prepares reports for college leadership providing assessments of tutoring services and their impact on students successfully completing coursework and achieving academic success. Participate in professional development activities and serve on college committees. Keeps abreast of current research on learning, academic support strategies, and academic success. Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree.
Five years of related experience.
Supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree.
Experience in an educational setting in the area of tutoring and/or instructional support.
Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
Experience with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must be a willing advocate of the mission of the college.
Excellent interpersonal skills using tact, courtesy, and patience.
Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with multiple populations.
Ability to coordinate projects with other administrators and staff to offer effective services to students.
Ability to problem solve.
Ability to create and manage budgets.
Ability to make data-informed decisions.
Knowledge of adult learning theory and practices which promote effective teaching and learning.
Knowledge of tutoring best practices, including high dosage tutoring.
Knowledge of best practices in tutoring, advising, and student support software.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Possess the ability to be innovative, enthusiastic, creative, and flexible.
Thorough knowledge of tutoring/learning best practices, including high dosage tutoring.

Pay Rate: $62,385 - $77,981 annual salary depending on experience

Volunteer State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance:  Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in Health)
• Educational Assistance:  Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options:  State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401K with up to $50/month match, 403b, and 457
• 14 Paid Holidays/Year
• Annual Leave (if applicable)
• Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Applicants may be subject to a background check.