Assistant Director of Doctoral Programs - Helms School of Government

Liberty University•Lynchburg, VA

4d•$50,000 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Doctoral Programs oversees the daily operations of the Helms School of Government’s doctoral support team, including supervising support staff. Reporting to the Associate Dean, the position works closely with Online Department Chairs to help students progress into and through the dissertation sequence in accordance with university and departmental policies. Responsibilities include recruiting faculty for dissertation and capstone committees, pairing students with qualified committee members, coordinating timely registration, monitoring student progress, addressing concerns raised by students and faculty, and maintaining departmental policies and handbooks in consultation with departmental leadership. The role also maintains records related to enrollment, committee composition and compensation, defenses, and other doctoral graduation requirements. The position supervises two support coordinator roles and potentially several student positions. It is full-time and onsite. The work is typically performed in a climate-controlled, well-lit setting with moderate noise, and may occasionally include facilitating outdoor events. Travel may be required; driving for work may require use of a personal or university vehicle and the specified driving credentials and insurance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Two years of experience in student support roles.
Demonstrated experience collaborating with faculty, especially faculty serving on capstone or dissertation committees.
Demonstrated experience managing projects and processes.
Ability to communicate effectively and clearly both verbally and in writing.
Ability to understand, speak, and write English professionally.
Public communication skills suitable for professional representation of Liberty University.
Strong organizational skills.
Computer skills, including Microsoft 365, Canvas, and various Liberty University systems.
Ability to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve routine and complex problems.
May be required to travel.
When driving for work, a valid driver’s license, acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance are required.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily, subterm, semester, and annual operations of the Helms School of Government’s doctoral programs.
Develop, communicate, implement, and update doctoral program policies in consultation with departmental leadership, faculty, and university support departments.
Regularly review and update Capstone/Dissertation Handbooks.
Maintain the Helms School of Government’s Doctoral Community as a repository of information for students in or preparing for the dissertation sequence.
Coordinate with university support departments on processes for student registration in the dissertation sequence.
Ensure dissertation and capstone faculty are trained on departmental policies, procedures, and expectations.
Maintain departmental records related to dissertation-sequence enrollment, committee composition and compensation, proposal and dissertation defense scheduling and completion, and doctoral graduation requirements.
Review student progress regularly and identify students who are not meeting departmental or committee expectations.
Work with Department Chairs to implement course changes in the dissertation sequence.
Respond rapidly to student questions, concerns, and complaints.
Supervise doctoral program staff, including two support coordinator positions and potentially several student positions.
Perform other responsibilities as required.
Adhere to Liberty University policies and represent the University in an exemplary manner.
Work effectively as a team member while embracing and fostering the University’s Christian model and mission.