What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Exercise Science Program position at Alvernia University?
About Alvernia University:
Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country.
Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for developing the mind, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model. We call our model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, and we believe this style of education transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage.
Alvernia University ranks in the top 100 among 2021 Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and we are recognized as a College of Distinction for our commitment to engaged experiential education.
Job Summary:
The Inaugural Program Director of the Exercise Science Program will be responsible for establishing and leading a dynamic and innovative program that meets the highest standards of academic excellence and professional practice. This leadership role involves the development and oversight of the curriculum, faculty recruitment, pursuit of and maintenance of program accreditation, and the implementation of policies and procedures to ensure the program's success.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in exercise science or a related field, experience with accreditation processes, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This role requires exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills to build a program that will serve as a cornerstone of the university's health and wellness initiatives.
Essential Functions:
1. Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the University as demonstrated by the University Ideal Characteristics. As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performance of their roles while demonstrating: service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability.
2. Development and submission of a comprehensive application and self-study for initial accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Exercise Science and the American College of Sports Medicine.
3. Ensure the curriculum aligns with accreditation standards.
4. Assure achievement of the program’s goals and outcomes.
5. Foster strong community partnerships and develop internship placements.
6. Be responsible for all aspects of the program, including the organization, administration, continuous review, planning, development, and general effectiveness of the program.
7. Represent the Program as a member of the CHS Leadership Team.
8. Provide supervision, administration, and coordination of the instructional staff in the academic and clinical phases of the educational program
9. Teach undergraduate courses in the Exercise Science program.
10. Oversee and organize recruitment and retention efforts.
11. Active involvement in scholarship and service to the University.
12. Apply best practices to facilitate teaching and learning processes and principles with a commitment to continuous quality improvement.
13. Document student learning, interpret outcomes, and record grades.
14. Maintain accurate and appropriate student, instructor, course, and program documentation.
15. Lead Programmatic Advisory Committee.
16. Comply with all duties outlined in the University Faculty Handbook.
Qualifications/Education:
1. Commitment to the mission statement, core values, and goals of Alvernia University.
2. Terminal Degree in Exercise Science or related field.
3. Experience in curriculum development, revision, and evaluation
4. Experience in Undergraduate Education.
Physical Requirements:
1. Attendance is required to perform the duties of this job.
2. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
3. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
