Director of Graduate Studies

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TITLE: Director of Graduate Studies

DEPARTMENT: Office of Graduate Studies

REPORTS TO: Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD

WORK HOURS:

37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

The Interim Director of Graduate Studies provides strategic leadership and oversight for all graduate programs at Kentucky State University. This role is responsible for enhancing graduate education, supporting student success, ensuring academic excellence, and facilitating collaboration across academic units. The Interim Director works closely with academic departments, faculty, and university administration to develop policies, improve program offerings, and ensure compliance with accreditation and institutional standards.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic initiatives to enhance graduate education and student success.
• Design and develop graduate program policies, curriculum development, and academic standards in collaboration with faculty and department chairs.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, accreditation standards, and external regulatory requirements for graduate programs.
• Work with faculty and staff to improve graduate student recruitment, retention, and degree completion rates.
• Provide mentorship and guidance for graduate students, including support for academic and professional development.
• Collaborate with faculty to support research, interdisciplinary programs, and funding opportunities for graduate students.
• Manage the administration of graduate admissions, academic advising, and student support services.
• Work with Student Affairs and Career Services to enhance post‑graduate employment and career development initiatives.
• Monitor and assess graduate program outcomes, using data‑driven approaches to inform decision‑making and improvements.
• Organize workshops, orientations, and professional development activities for graduate students and faculty.
• Represent the university’s graduate programs at internal and external meetings, conferences, and recruitment events.

• Strong knowledge of graduate education policies, accreditation processes, and academic program development.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and university leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and team‑building skills.
• Experience with student assessment, retention strategies, and program evaluation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

May supervise graduate program coordinators and administrative staff.

Performs other duties as assigned or needed to support graduate education and institutional goals.

• Ph.D., Ed.D., or terminal degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in higher education administration, graduate program leadership, or a related academic setting.
• Demonstrated success in graduate program development, academic support services, and collaborative academic leadership.
• Familiarity with learning management systems, research funding opportunities, and instructional technology.

General Office Environment:
Primarily seated work with occasional periods of standing and walking. Technology Use:
Frequent use of computers and university software programs. Communication:
Regular communication via phone, email, and in‑person meetings. Travel:
Minimal travel may be required for conferences and professional development opportunities.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.