Valdosta State University
Chief Officer (Executive Director) - Terry Center for Experiential Learning
Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia, United States, 31601
Overview
Job Title:
Chief Officer (Executive Director) - Terry Center for Experiential Learning Location:
Valdosta State University Regular/Temporary:
Regular Full/Part Time:
Full-Time Job ID:
291195 Valdosta State University (VSU) is a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, dedicated to serving our communities with diverse heritages. The university emphasizes excellence in teaching, research, and service, and upholds the core values of civility, integrity, and citizenship as part of the Blazer Creed. Job Summary: VSU seeks an innovative, dynamic, and data-driven leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director for the Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track administrative position reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, with a dotted line to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs. Appointment date is negotiable with hire by July 1, 2026. The Terry Center will coordinate signature experiential learning (EL) activities for students, in and out of the classroom, and for the community. The center will foster evidence-based practice, curriculum development, assessment of experiential learning for credit-bearing EL, and strong community partnerships. The Executive Director will contribute to shaping the future of a new unit aligned with VSU’s Strategic Plan and collaborate with key campus partners including Academic Affairs, Enrollment & Student Affairs, and the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact (SGRI). This position is funded in part by an endowment for the Terry Center; therefore, the University will incur no salary obligation for the portion funded by the endowment. For full consideration, applications should be submitted by November 17, 2025. For more information contact Dr. Laura Wright, Search Committee Chair, via email lbwright@valdosta.edu. Application materials should include: CV, Letter of Interest, Transcripts (unofficial), and a list of at least three professional references with contact information (including email). Based on the Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B), VSU will not sponsor new H-1B petitions at this time. Responsibilities
Department Summary The Executive Director will be responsible for the following: Provide leadership to develop a mission, vision, and strategic plan for the Mary Virginia Terry Center with key stakeholders involved in experiential learning (EL) activities across campus and the community, including a timeline, goals, and assessments to ensure plan goals are met. Use existing university and USG data to inform decisions about EL programming and growth. Formalize a student-centered, centralized hub for experiential learning opportunities on campus, including course activities, programming in Enrollment and Student Affairs (e.g., BlazerReady), and opportunities identified by the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact. Supervise, coordinate, and/or collaborate with those involved in internships/practicums/apprenticeships, co-ops, study abroad/away, service learning, and related groups (e.g., Undergraduate Research Council, Experiential Learning Advisory Committee). Identify methods to recognize students who complete EL opportunities. Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate experiential learning in Core IMPACTS curriculum and academic programs, both in-person and online, as well as out-of-class programming. Monitor student progress and provide guidance to ensure successful learning outcomes, including developing an assessment schedule for EL courses/programs. Ensure equitable access to opportunities for all students (traditional, non-traditional, online, and commuters). Conduct assessments and compile reports on program effectiveness; apply for public and private grants and pursue external funding to enhance EL activities. Stay informed about current trends and best practices in experiential education; lead day-to-day coordination of the Terry Center; manage the budget; chair a Terry Center Advisory Board; cultivate collaboration with SGRI; and perform other duties to fulfill the Center’s functions. Typical Allocation of Duties Leadership, direction, and supervision - 25% Provide executive-level leadership and direct supervision to personnel within the area. Administration - 20% Administer a major department or unit with full authority in that area. Subject-matter expert - 15% Serve as the university’s subject-matter expert for experiential learning. Department representative - 10% Represent the University to external stakeholders at events and on committees. Manage budget - 10% Develop, monitor, and administer a substantial budget. Compliance - 10% Interact with federal, state, and local entities to ensure compliance with statutes and regulations. Policy and Procedure - 10% Establish and administer policies and procedures for the department, initiative, or unit. Qualifications
Required Master’s degree with 10 years of work experience related to teaching and experiential learning; or terminal degree with 7 years of related experience. Seven years of supervisory and/or leadership experience. Preferred Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, internal and external partners Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development Demonstrated ability to secure grants and external funding Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Developing and managing experiential learning programs Proven track record of program assessment and evaluation Strong organizational and project management skills Compensation and Additional Information
Salary:
Commensurate with experience. USG Core Values:
Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. Details available at the USG policy manual. Equity:
Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It does not discriminate based on age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Conditions of Employment
Applicants are required to provide professional references, documentation of academic credentials, and employment history. The University reserves the right to disclose criminal record history for positions of trust, view social media, and remove job postings without further notice. Employment is contingent upon successful background checks, reference checks, and, if applicable, credit checks, MVR, drug testing, and credential confirmation. After hiring, required training includes orientation and annual compliance training, plus USG cybersecurity training and job-specific trainings. Accommodations
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills at croark@valdosta.edu. Note:
This refreshed description preserves the essential information while presenting it in a clean, accessible structure with the allowed HTML tags.
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Job Title:
Chief Officer (Executive Director) - Terry Center for Experiential Learning Location:
Valdosta State University Regular/Temporary:
Regular Full/Part Time:
Full-Time Job ID:
291195 Valdosta State University (VSU) is a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, dedicated to serving our communities with diverse heritages. The university emphasizes excellence in teaching, research, and service, and upholds the core values of civility, integrity, and citizenship as part of the Blazer Creed. Job Summary: VSU seeks an innovative, dynamic, and data-driven leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director for the Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track administrative position reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, with a dotted line to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs. Appointment date is negotiable with hire by July 1, 2026. The Terry Center will coordinate signature experiential learning (EL) activities for students, in and out of the classroom, and for the community. The center will foster evidence-based practice, curriculum development, assessment of experiential learning for credit-bearing EL, and strong community partnerships. The Executive Director will contribute to shaping the future of a new unit aligned with VSU’s Strategic Plan and collaborate with key campus partners including Academic Affairs, Enrollment & Student Affairs, and the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact (SGRI). This position is funded in part by an endowment for the Terry Center; therefore, the University will incur no salary obligation for the portion funded by the endowment. For full consideration, applications should be submitted by November 17, 2025. For more information contact Dr. Laura Wright, Search Committee Chair, via email lbwright@valdosta.edu. Application materials should include: CV, Letter of Interest, Transcripts (unofficial), and a list of at least three professional references with contact information (including email). Based on the Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B), VSU will not sponsor new H-1B petitions at this time. Responsibilities
Department Summary The Executive Director will be responsible for the following: Provide leadership to develop a mission, vision, and strategic plan for the Mary Virginia Terry Center with key stakeholders involved in experiential learning (EL) activities across campus and the community, including a timeline, goals, and assessments to ensure plan goals are met. Use existing university and USG data to inform decisions about EL programming and growth. Formalize a student-centered, centralized hub for experiential learning opportunities on campus, including course activities, programming in Enrollment and Student Affairs (e.g., BlazerReady), and opportunities identified by the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact. Supervise, coordinate, and/or collaborate with those involved in internships/practicums/apprenticeships, co-ops, study abroad/away, service learning, and related groups (e.g., Undergraduate Research Council, Experiential Learning Advisory Committee). Identify methods to recognize students who complete EL opportunities. Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate experiential learning in Core IMPACTS curriculum and academic programs, both in-person and online, as well as out-of-class programming. Monitor student progress and provide guidance to ensure successful learning outcomes, including developing an assessment schedule for EL courses/programs. Ensure equitable access to opportunities for all students (traditional, non-traditional, online, and commuters). Conduct assessments and compile reports on program effectiveness; apply for public and private grants and pursue external funding to enhance EL activities. Stay informed about current trends and best practices in experiential education; lead day-to-day coordination of the Terry Center; manage the budget; chair a Terry Center Advisory Board; cultivate collaboration with SGRI; and perform other duties to fulfill the Center’s functions. Typical Allocation of Duties Leadership, direction, and supervision - 25% Provide executive-level leadership and direct supervision to personnel within the area. Administration - 20% Administer a major department or unit with full authority in that area. Subject-matter expert - 15% Serve as the university’s subject-matter expert for experiential learning. Department representative - 10% Represent the University to external stakeholders at events and on committees. Manage budget - 10% Develop, monitor, and administer a substantial budget. Compliance - 10% Interact with federal, state, and local entities to ensure compliance with statutes and regulations. Policy and Procedure - 10% Establish and administer policies and procedures for the department, initiative, or unit. Qualifications
Required Master’s degree with 10 years of work experience related to teaching and experiential learning; or terminal degree with 7 years of related experience. Seven years of supervisory and/or leadership experience. Preferred Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, internal and external partners Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development Demonstrated ability to secure grants and external funding Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Developing and managing experiential learning programs Proven track record of program assessment and evaluation Strong organizational and project management skills Compensation and Additional Information
Salary:
Commensurate with experience. USG Core Values:
Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. Details available at the USG policy manual. Equity:
Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It does not discriminate based on age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Conditions of Employment
Applicants are required to provide professional references, documentation of academic credentials, and employment history. The University reserves the right to disclose criminal record history for positions of trust, view social media, and remove job postings without further notice. Employment is contingent upon successful background checks, reference checks, and, if applicable, credit checks, MVR, drug testing, and credential confirmation. After hiring, required training includes orientation and annual compliance training, plus USG cybersecurity training and job-specific trainings. Accommodations
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills at croark@valdosta.edu. Note:
This refreshed description preserves the essential information while presenting it in a clean, accessible structure with the allowed HTML tags.
#J-18808-Ljbffr