Director, Language and Thinking Program

Bard College is seeking applicants for Director of the Language and Thinking Program, an intensive introduction to the liberal arts and sciences attended by all incoming Bard students during the last three weeks of August (and in an abbreviated form for transfer students in January).

Established at Bard College in 1981, Language and Thinking fosters robust interdisciplinary study, innovative pedagogy, and writing across a wide range of genres. Students read extensively, work on a variety of projects in writing and other formats, and meet throughout the day in small groups and in one-on-one conferences with faculty. The work aims to cultivate habits of thoughtful reading and discussion, clear articulation, accurate self-critique, and productive collaboration. Central to all of this is an examination of the link between thought and expression. The Program is an introduction to the intellectual and creative life of the College and to the Bard campus and community.

The Program Director is responsible for all facets of the program and reports directly to the Director of the Institute for Writing and Thinking, working in close collaboration and consultation with the Dean of the College, the Dean of Studies, and the Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs to ensure the overall success of the program. The successful candidate will have a strong academic and administrative background, demonstrated success in programming and imaginative leadership; have a strong interest in general education, and be an effective communicator with an intellectual generosity that exceeds disciplinary boundaries. Experience with budgeting and personnel management is necessary.

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• With the Dean of the College, the Dean of Studies, the Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, and the Center for Civic Engagement to create a schedule that includes all necessary components of both an academic and orientation program for incoming first year students based on its current August program model.
• Oversee Program budget and expenditures.
• Organize, plan, and execute robust recruitment activities in consultation with the Dean of the College, the Director of IWT, and other college programs and offices.
• In consultation with the College and Language and Thinking faculty create a challenging and rewarding academic component of the Program that introduces first-year students to an interdisciplinary approach to learning through a diverse range of texts (collected in an anthology) and writing and reading-rich activities that prepare students for collegiate study.
• With DOSA and the Center for Civic Engagement ensure that the social and civic activities both support and complement the academic curriculum and student orientation.
• With the Associate Deans of the College and the Dean of Inclusive Excellence, offer faculty support through inclusive pedagogies and ongoing development and refinement of the program curriculum.
• Actively engage in Institute for Writing and Thinking programming and promote the Language and Thinking Program throughout Bard network.
• Teach one course in area of expertise each semester.

Qualifications:

• Terminal Degree required. PhD. preferred.
• Experience with Writing Across the Curriculum or Writing Studies is encouraged.

Skills:

• Excellent training and facilitation skills
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate across multiple offices and student groups
• Knowledge of project management
• Demonstrated ability to implement new initiatives
• Experience working with senior leadership
• Knowledge and experience in developing signature programs
• Excellent organization and communication skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Manage finances effectively
• Considerable experience with training and support of personnel.

To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, CV, three reference letters, writing sample and teaching evaluations by following this link to Interfolio:  http://apply.interfolio.com/134447

Compensation:  $75,000 - $80,000
This salary range reflects the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting. Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.