Director of Academic Effectiveness

Department

Academic Effectiveness

Status

Full-Time

Time Period

40 hours/12 months

Available

June 1, 2026

Description

The Director of Academic Effectiveness leads institution-wide efforts to support the continuous improvement of teaching, curriculum, and student learning. This role provides strategic direction and practical leadership in academic assessment, program review, and faculty development—ensuring that CIU’s academic programs are mission-aligned, outcomes-based, and student-centered.

Serving as a collaborative partner to deans, program directors, and faculty, the director helps academic leaders design and use learning assessment systems, improve instruction, and cultivate a culture of reflective practice. This role also serves as CIU’s official liaison to ABHE and SACSCOC, ensuring timely and accurate communication related to accreditation expectations. This position is ideal for a scholar-practitioner who is passionate about supporting faculty and strengthening educational quality within a Christ-centered academic community.

Responsibilities

1. Academic Assessment & Program Improvement

Guide academic programs in the development and implementation of student learning outcomes and curriculum mapping.
Coordinate the collection, interpretation, and use of assessment data to improve learning and support continuous improvement.
Assist academic leaders in documenting assessment findings and integrating results into program-level planning and review.
Provide consultation and coaching to schools and departments in areas of academic effectiveness, including course design, assignment alignment, and instructional strategies.

2. Faculty Development & Instructional Leadership

Facilitate faculty development opportunities that enhance effective teaching, student learning, and the use of data in the classroom.
Support new faculty onboarding and mentoring with tools and resources that promote strong instructional practices.
Collaborate with the Provost, Deans, and Program Directors to support a culture of academic excellence and mission integration.
Develop workshops, guides, and digital resources to strengthen faculty engagement with student learning and improvement strategies.

3. Program Review Leadership

Support academic programs in conducting self-studies and program reviews that integrate evidence of student learning and program outcomes.
Partner with Deans and the Provost’s Office to review data trends and identify opportunities for innovation or revision.
Contribute to a long-term cycle of academic quality assurance and mission alignment.

4. Accreditation Liaison Responsibilities

Serve as the institutional liaison to ABHE and SACSCOC, coordinating correspondence, reporting, and compliance tracking.
Stay current with accreditation expectations and support campus units in preparing reports and submissions.
Assist in compiling institutional narratives and evidence for reaffirmation and interim reports.

5. Technology & Resource Oversight

Oversee the implementation and support of Xitracs (or equivalent platform) as a tool for assessment documentation and academic improvement.
Create user-friendly templates, guides, and dashboards to help faculty and programs engage with data in meaningful ways.

Qualifications

Strong understanding of educational assessment, accreditation, and improvement cycles.
Deep knowledge of teaching and learning strategies in higher education.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.
Proficiency with academic support platforms (e.g., Xitracs, Canvas, assessment dashboards).
Commitment to CIU’s mission and values, with a passion for Christ-centered education and excellence.
Significant experience in academic assessment, curriculum development, and faculty development.
Prior experience with institutional accreditation or serving as a liaison preferred.
Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) required.

Benefits

CIU provides a benefits package that includes:

Health Plan;
401(k) plan with match opportunity;
Employer provided group life insurance;
Long term disability insurance;
Vacation days, holidays, sick leave, family leave;
Educational benefits: tuition reduction for PreK3-Graduate.