What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Professional and Experiential Learning position at Georgia Southwestern State University?
The Director of the Office of Professional and Experiential Learning (PEL) is a visionary leader responsible for designing, implementing, and enhancing programs that prepare students for successful careers and meaningful global experiences. This role involves leading efforts in career development, internships, externships, micro-internships, study away and study abroad programs, and high-impact practices (HIPs). The Director will foster partnerships with external and internal stakeholders to ensure students receive comprehensive support and opportunities that integrate academic learning with real-world experiences.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Internships, Externships, and Micro-Internships Develop and manage programs offering practical, hands-on experiences in students' fields of study. Collaborate with academic departments to integrate experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum, ensuring appropriate academic credit. Monitor and evaluate placements to ensure alignment with educational and professional standards. Expand opportunities through partnerships with businesses and organizations. Facilitate workshops to prepare students for workplace success.
Study Away and Study Abroad Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of study away and study abroad programs, ensuring diverse and inclusive opportunities. Establish and maintain exchange programs and partnerships with international institutions. Develop domestic study away programs in major U.S. cities. Provide pre-departure orientations, ongoing support, and re-entry programs to maximize students' experiences. Ensure compliance with university policies and international regulations, prioritizing safety and well-being.
High-Impact Practices (HIPs) Promote and support HIPs such as undergraduate research, service learning, learning communities, and capstone projects. Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate HIPs into curricular and co-curricular activities. Assess the effectiveness of HIPs and use data to improve and expand these practices. Develop resources and best practices to support faculty and staff in implementing HIPs. Chair the HIPs Grant Committee and the Global Engagement and High Impact Practices Committee.
Career Development Oversee comprehensive career programs, including career counseling, job search strategies, resume and cover letter workshops, and interview preparation. Build relationships with employers, alumni, and industry partners to create meaningful internship and job opportunities. Organize career fairs, networking events, and employer information sessions. Develop innovative resources and tools to support students career planning and job search efforts. Collaborate with businesses locally, nationally, and internationally to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. Participate in professional organizations to stay informed about industry trends.
Required Qualifications
Experience in career development, experiential learning, or international education. Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners. Experience in a higher education setting. Experience with program development, assessment, and continuous improvement. Experience managing a departmental budget.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of current trends and best practices in career development, experiential learning, and international education. Experience leading study abroad programs or working abroad. Experience securing external funding.
Required Documents to Attach
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
List of three references
Contact Information
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at 229-931-2000 or by email at hr@gsw.edu .
For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at 877-251-2644 or support@usg.edu .
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating eligibility for employment with Georgia Southwestern State University, as determined by Georgia Southwestern State University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check and drug screen.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Georgia Southwestern State University is an equal opportunity employer. As such, the University takes affirmative action to preclude discrimination in recruiting, transferring, training and terminating of employees because of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, veterans status, disability or any other reason in accordance with applicable state and federal statutes, executive orders and other regulations which prohibit discriminatory employment practices.
Other Information
Position Impact:
The Director of PEL will play a vital role in shaping a vibrant, student-centered environment that bridges academic learning and professional readiness. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence the trajectory of students¿ careers and global experiences, enhancing the institution's reputation as a leader in experiential education. The Director will be a dynamic and innovative leader, fostering collaboration across the university and beyond to support student success and lifelong learning.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Internships, Externships, and Micro-Internships Develop and manage programs offering practical, hands-on experiences in students' fields of study. Collaborate with academic departments to integrate experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum, ensuring appropriate academic credit. Monitor and evaluate placements to ensure alignment with educational and professional standards. Expand opportunities through partnerships with businesses and organizations. Facilitate workshops to prepare students for workplace success.
Study Away and Study Abroad Lead the planning, promotion, and execution of study away and study abroad programs, ensuring diverse and inclusive opportunities. Establish and maintain exchange programs and partnerships with international institutions. Develop domestic study away programs in major U.S. cities. Provide pre-departure orientations, ongoing support, and re-entry programs to maximize students' experiences. Ensure compliance with university policies and international regulations, prioritizing safety and well-being.
High-Impact Practices (HIPs) Promote and support HIPs such as undergraduate research, service learning, learning communities, and capstone projects. Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate HIPs into curricular and co-curricular activities. Assess the effectiveness of HIPs and use data to improve and expand these practices. Develop resources and best practices to support faculty and staff in implementing HIPs. Chair the HIPs Grant Committee and the Global Engagement and High Impact Practices Committee.
Career Development Oversee comprehensive career programs, including career counseling, job search strategies, resume and cover letter workshops, and interview preparation. Build relationships with employers, alumni, and industry partners to create meaningful internship and job opportunities. Organize career fairs, networking events, and employer information sessions. Develop innovative resources and tools to support students career planning and job search efforts. Collaborate with businesses locally, nationally, and internationally to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. Participate in professional organizations to stay informed about industry trends.
Required Qualifications
Experience in career development, experiential learning, or international education. Demonstrated leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external partners. Experience in a higher education setting. Experience with program development, assessment, and continuous improvement. Experience managing a departmental budget.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of current trends and best practices in career development, experiential learning, and international education. Experience leading study abroad programs or working abroad. Experience securing external funding.
Required Documents to Attach
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
List of three references
Contact Information
For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at 229-931-2000 or by email at hr@gsw.edu .
For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at 877-251-2644 or support@usg.edu .
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Conditions of Employment
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating eligibility for employment with Georgia Southwestern State University, as determined by Georgia Southwestern State University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check and drug screen.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Georgia Southwestern State University is an equal opportunity employer. As such, the University takes affirmative action to preclude discrimination in recruiting, transferring, training and terminating of employees because of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, veterans status, disability or any other reason in accordance with applicable state and federal statutes, executive orders and other regulations which prohibit discriminatory employment practices.
Other Information
Position Impact:
The Director of PEL will play a vital role in shaping a vibrant, student-centered environment that bridges academic learning and professional readiness. This position offers an exciting opportunity to influence the trajectory of students¿ careers and global experiences, enhancing the institution's reputation as a leader in experiential education. The Director will be a dynamic and innovative leader, fostering collaboration across the university and beyond to support student success and lifelong learning.
