Compass Program Director

Position Overview

Merrimack College has an immediate opening for a Compass Program Director starting summer 2026. This staff position combines teaching and individualized academic coaching in support of students enrolled in Compass. This position will oversee the Compass Academic Success Coaches as well as the graduate fellows and peer leaders associated with the program. This position will provide general oversight for the enrollment, retention and support of all students in the Compass Program.

In the fall, the Compass Program Director will teach multiple sections of the Compass first-year support course (or potentially a section of First-Year Seminar, depending on program needs). In the spring, the primary responsibility will shift to academic success coaching, with ongoing student support and program collaboration in addition to supervising the Compass Academic Success Coaches. This is an in‑person, on‑campus position.

The Compass Program Director will report to the Assistant Dean, Student Success and Director of Academic Progress.

Compass provides coordinated academic support to students during their first two years at Merrimack College – a critical developmental window for establishing strong learning practices, academic habits, and personal accountability. Compass students participate in structured, individualized academic coaching and a first‑semester course grounded in the science of learning and human performance.

The Compass Program Director will teach the Compass course and serve as a central partner in students’ academic development. The Compass course emphasizes both practical academic skill development and the theoretical foundations that support sustained performance and growth. Areas of focus in the course will include topics related to the science of learning.

Students are expected to apply course concepts directly to their academic work, receive structured feedback, and refine their strategies over time. Peer Leaders will also attend the course and work closely with compass students and the instructor.

Teaching

• Teach multiple sections of the Compass first-semester course in the fall semester (or First Year Seminar, as needed)
• Design and facilitate hands‑on, applied learning experiences
• Provide timely, developmental feedback on student work
• Maintain high academic standards while supporting student growth

Program Oversight and Supervision

• Oversee all staff associated with the Compass program
• Supervise Student Peer Mentors
• Responsible for the enrollment, retention and support structure for all Compass students
• Work with students and families on student support and case management

Lead Academic Success Coach

• Plan and assign incoming students to coaches and coordinate coaching outreach
• Help students develop effective learning strategies, academic planning skills, and performance habits
• Monitor student progress and promote accountability
• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, and student support offices as needed
• Coach compass students who need extra support
• Oversee the Compass Academic Coaches, who also serve as academic advisors, to deliver coordinated student support services
• Participate in assessment, continuous improvement efforts, and initiatives to increase student retention, satisfaction, and progress toward degree completion
• Work with Student Success throughout the year and summer, as needed, to register incoming students, participate in summer orientation, etc.
• Work with Assistant Dean of First Year Experience to ensure that Compass student schedules are set up for academic success
• Be available to attend enrollment recruitment efforts such as open houses, admitted student days, and other outreach to prospective students.

Other duties as assigned

• Master’s degree with demonstrated college/university administration or teaching experience required
• Preferred experience teaching first-year or transition‑focused courses
• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching
• Ability to teach a hands‑on, applied course grounded in theories of learning, motivation, self‑regulation, and human performance
• Demonstrated creativity in assignment design that…