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Executive Director, College Park Scholars
College Park Scholars is a nationally recognized academic community for select first- and second-year students that aims to support students in becoming discerning thinkers, active citizens, and engaged, empathic community members. Invited students matriculate into one of 13 interdisciplinary programs, each housed in the Cambridge Community of residence halls on North Campus. The curriculum and activities for each program—and for Scholars overall—provide the interpersonal benefits of a small college paired with the intellectual advantages of a major research university. Each Scholars program admits approximately 75 first-year students annually and is directed by a faculty member appointed by the sponsoring college’s dean. Students who successfully complete the program earn a citation on their transcripts.
The Executive Director of College Park Scholars oversees and manages the overall operations and strategic direction of this innovative two-year living-learning program. The successful candidate will be nimble, creative, eager to collaborate, and attuned to evolving student needs and interests and to changes within and across disciplines.
Responsibilities
The Executive Director works with faculty directors, staff, and students in 13 thematic programs, with some responsibilities shared jointly with each program’s originating college. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- program planning, review, and assessment;
- financial oversight and budgetary management;
- developing and administering compelling programs along with faculty directors and sponsoring colleges;
- managing operations of the central office and staff supervision;
- serving as the public face of the program to recruit talented students and build dynamic partnerships internally and externally;
- communicating with stakeholders, including on- and off-campus program alumni, parents, donors, and prospective donors.
The Executive Director holds regular meetings with faculty directors and staff and directly supervises seven staff members in the Scholars' central office. In addition, the Executive Director works closely with the offices of Admissions, Orientation, Resident Life, Student Financial Aid, University Relations, and sponsoring colleges. The Executive Director reports to the Associate Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Studies and is a member of the Undergraduate Studies Administrative Council. This is a 100%, 12-month position.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Current appointment as a faculty member at the University of Maryland
- Terminal degree in any area of study
- Academic leadership experience
Physical Demands:
Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items, to walk short distances, and drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials.
Preferences:
- Current TTK or PTK UMD faculty at the rank of Professor, Associate Professor, Principal Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Clinical Professor, or Associate Clinical Professor
- Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students from across the university, as well as with parents, alumni, and constituents at the campus, state, and national levels
- Demonstrated track record for excellence and productivity consistent with the demands, high visibility, and University-wide impact of this position
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong interest in undergraduate education
- A commitment to support and embrace belonging and community
- Ability to think and plan strategically
Best consideration date: Dec. 12, 2025
Full position description and minimum qualifications are published in Workday. Additional questions may be directed to the search committee chair, Katherine Russell.