Director of Extension

Department: AUA Extension Contract type: Full-time Job location: Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia

Description

The American University of Armenia (AUA) seeks a forward-thinking and creative academic administrator to be the next Director of Extension (EP). The position reports to the Provost.

The Extension Program is the outreach arm of AUA, serving the lifelong learning needs of individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including professionals and employees of corporations, the government, and non-governmental organizations. EP offers a comprehensive range of courses and certificate programs, including language classes, professional development courses, and test preparation classes. EP designs tailored corporate programs and implements outreach initiatives. EP is also a testing center, administering international tests for college and university applicants, as well as those seeking professional certification. Through centers in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Dilijan, Yeghegnadzor, Goris, and Kapan, EP serves the needs of local communities throughout Armenia. EP provides fee-based education, as well as tailored sponsored programs for thousands of enrolled students.

Building on the solid foundation of EP, the Director is expected to reimagine and facilitate the development of the next phase of the Extension Program. S/He must have demonstrable experience in building and growing university extension, continuing education, or similar programs at a leadership level. The successful candidate must demonstrate a thorough understanding of current best practices in Extension. A graduate degree is required.

The Director is expected to be a strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial approach to create, envision, and take calculated risks. S/He must be a collaborative and tactful leader to integrate EP programs with academic programs across the university. S/He needs to be an agile and adaptive manager to solve problems, make decisions, and inspire individuals and groups, along the way. The Director is also expected to have financial and operational acumen to oversee a dedicated staff, manage funder relations, and ensure the sound management of the Program's finances. The Director is expected to visit and oversee the EP sites in the regions, as needed.

This is a unique position that enables the successful candidate to contribute to the advancement of Armenia in a most meaningful way.

Job Responsibilities

1. Develops the long-term vision of Extension to advance it to its next phase and implements its execution plan.
2. Oversees the design and execution of continuing education courses and training workshops for the broader public.
3. Meets with outside constituents in the private sector, government, and non-governmental organizations to design sponsored programs for specific groups of professionals.
4. Works closely with the AUA deans, chairs of academic programs, and center directors to identify and collaboratively design new program opportunities and EP course offerings.
5. Identifies funding sources, develops relationships with these sources, and applies for grants, as needed.
6. Develops marketing and promotion strategies, plans, and campaigns to advance Extension.
7. Works closely with the Faculty Senate's Extension Committee to make sure all the new offerings of the EP meet quality standards.
8. Oversees the evaluation of courses offered through the EP program and adapts changes to improve them.
9. Oversees all external communication related to the EP.
10. Contributes to the strategic planning of AUA by rethinking the ways in which EP can contribute to the fulfillment of the University's role in Armenia.
11. Creates a positive work environment for instructors, faculty, students, staff, collaborators, and partners working with EP.
12. Oversees the administration of contracts and grants in compliance with university policies and procedures. S/he is responsible for financial reports.
13. Submits annual administrative and stewardship reports.
14. Performs other related duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Provost.

Qualifications

• Experience in university extension or continuing education program at the level of a director or equivalent.
• Graduate degree in an academic field relevant to AUA Extension programs.
• Experience designing fee-based training and development opportunities.
• A team leader with demonstrable experience in staff management, financial management, promotion and marketing of fee-based training and development programs.
• Readiness and ability to travel to various regions of Armenia.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Armenian and English.
• Multitasking and problem-solving skills.

Additional Information

Please submit your resume, a cover letter, and the names and contact information of three references here .

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The position is open until filled.

AUA is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to an active non-discrimination program within the institution.