Director of Speech Support

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Speech Support oversees speech support services within the Weinstein Learning Center at the University of Richmond. This position creates, implements, and leads various speech support services and innovative programs to support all students. Services include supporting all students in preparing for presentations, public speaking, broadcasting, and many more. This role will supervise a Speech Consultant team consisting of trained peer educators. Reporting directly to the Executive Director of the Weinstein Learning Center, the Director of Speech Support will contribute to the overall mission and strategy of the Weinstein Learning Center in providing best-in-class academic support for all students. This position collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to meet student and campus needs related to speech and communication support.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with a passion for peer education, an innovator in providing speech support, and a strong collaborator who can manage many services and programs.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Provide vision, leadership, and daily management of speech support within the Weinstein Learning Center.

• Oversees the assessment and evaluation of speech support services and programs - reporting results to stakeholders, including the President's Cabinet, Executive VP and Provost, Executive Director of Weinstein Learning Center, faculty, staff, and students.

• Prepares annual reports and other administrative reports for use in planning new initiatives and SACS Accreditation.

• Provide support to campus leaders and faculty in speech and communication support trends, strategy implementation, and curriculum building to effectively incorporate speech support initiatives

• Designs and leads training in speech support practices and peer education.

• Support the Executive Director of the Weinstein Learning Center in developing and implementing comprehensive academic support services for students.

Program Development and Execution

• Develop and implement speech and communication support programming tailored to undergraduate and graduate students.

• Plans and ensures that speech support is offered via appointments, drop-ins, and other formats as necessary.

• Develop and create resources for students to strengthen their speaking and communication skills across various disciplines and modalities.

• Partner with faculty to integrate speech support into course curricula and provide speech and communication support for students based on faculty needs.

• Evaluate program outcomes and use data to inform improvements and future planning.

• Collaborate with the WLC team to ensure seamless execution of programming and events.

Training and Capacity Building

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student speech consultants.

• Develops and facilitates a speech consultant peer educator program that aligns with best practices such as CRLA ITTPC certification.

• Fosters a supportive and professional environment within the speech support team and the Weinstein Learning Center.

• Create a campus-wide leadership development program focused on inclusive practices.

Data and Metrics

• Assess and enhance speech support services through data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Develop and maintain evaluation tools to measure the effectiveness of speech and communication support initiatives.

• In collaboration with the Executive Director of the Weinstein Learning Center, use assessment findings to inform strategic planning and program improvements.

• Prepare reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting progress and opportunities.

Collaboration and Engagement

• Serve as the main WLC liaison for speech support across campus, including committees and working groups.

• Collaborate with academic departments, student services, and campus organizations to promote the use of speech support services.

• Develop and implement outreach initiatives to engage students and faculty

• Collaborate with faculty across multiple disciplines to understand the needs of speech support within their curriculum.

• Promote an inclusive and diverse support environment that serves students from various backgrounds and disciplines.

Culture and Community Building

• Promote a positive and welcoming learning environment for students, peer educators, and all Weinstein Learning Center stakeholders.

• Promote open communication and encourage feedback to enhance inclusivity continuously.

Administrative Oversight

• Oversee speech support team-specific budgets and administrative processes within the Weinstein Learning Center.

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, establish and execute annual labor hour budgets for academic years.

• Supervise student staff and locations where support occurs.

• Work closely with the WLC administrative staff to align administrative and operational functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Office environment with some evening and weekend work required for events and programs.

• Opportunities to represent the university externally and engage in professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expert knowledge and practical experience in speech and public speaking support, including peer educator training.

• Experience with CRLA Peer Educator Certification or other relevant certifications and accreditations.

• Proven experience in program management, strategic planning, and data analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners

• Strong leadership, facilitation, and dialogue skills.

• Ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into actionable strategies.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and build collaborative relationships across diverse constituencies.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Terminal degree in a related field (e.g. rhetoric and communications, English language and literature, social sciences) is preferred. An equivalent combination of academic or teaching experience and education (master's degree) will be considered.

• 5 years of experience in speech center, learning center, or academic support leadership.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• Full-time, exempt position

• Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm; 7.75 hrs./day; 38.75 hrs./week; some evening and weekend work may be required for events and programs

PAY GRADE:

Pay Grade 9 ($74,672.00 to 113,868.00 annually)