Associate Director of Outreach

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The Division of Outreach and Continuing Education consists of ten departments and over 100 employees. The mission of the Division of Outreach is to create innovative and accessible pathways to academic, personal, and professional enhancement for a diverse body of learners through collaboration with our community, regional, and national partners. The Division values integrity, quality, and efficiency in the creation and implementation of innovative educational strategies to enrich lives through exploration, engagement, and transformation. 
 
Please visit https://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/ to read more about the Division’s programs. 

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -  Administration 

Sub-Family - Program Coordination

Career Track / Level - M4

Grade - 15

Role Summary

Oversees program development and implementation, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to achieve programmatic and institutional goals.

The Associate Director of the Division of Outreach supports the Director of Outreach in leading and aligning outreach initiatives across the division to ensure strategic consistency with institutional goals. The Associate Director collaborates closely with departmental leaders and staff to coordinate, evaluate, and refine outreach efforts, ensuring a unified approach across various teams and projects. Key responsibilities include organizing staff training, workshops, and team-building events, as well as overseeing assessment, evaluation, and data reporting for institutional use. 

Examples of Work Performed

• Responsible for providing leadership to the offices of Pre-College Programs; College Programs; Testing Services; Professional Development, Events and Services; and Outreach Marketing and Communications. 
• The role involves helping develop and promote credit and non-credit programs for both traditional and non-traditional learners in the University community and the community at large. 
• Provides leadership to ensure the alignment of Division of Outreach’s mission with academic and administrative units university wide. 
• Coordinates and supports research, assessment, and evaluation activities and annual reporting to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement. 
• Represents the division on university committees, communicates institutional priorities, and ensures outreach activities contribute to student success and community engagement where appropriate. 
• In close consultation with the Director of Outreach, specific duties include providing strategic direction and oversight for budget preparation for the above program offices. 
• Manages funding requests for Outreach support. 
• Coordinating research activities between Outreach program offices and the University. 
• Ensures consistency of initiatives and communication between Outreach administration and the Outreach departments (for example facilitating the monthly Directors’ meeting). 
• Manages division-wide professional development workshops, team building events, and training. 
• Performs related or similar duties as required or assigned. 

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Develops and executes a strategic vision and plan for the academic program, working closely with senior leaders and other stakeholders to align program goals and objectives with broader institutional priorities and strategic plans.
2. Oversees program budgeting and financial planning, working closely with finance and other departments to ensure that programs are financially sustainable and aligned with institutional priorities.
3. Ensures the academic program meets institutional and accreditation standards.
4. Oversees program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts, working closely with faculty and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.
5. Leads the development and maintenance of  relationships with external partners, such as industry organizations, professional associations, and community groups.
6. Represents the program at conferences, events, and other external forums, presents on program content and outcomes.
7. Leads and manages program staff, providing leadership, guidance, and support as needed to ensures high-quality program operations and strong employee engagement. This includes overseeing program coordinators, advisors, and administrative support staff, as well as providing mentorship and support to junior faculty and other academic staff.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience:  (10) Ten Years Experience, (6) Years Supervisory Experience

Preferred Qualifications

•    Supervisory experience in higher education or nonprofit
•    Master's degree or higher 
•    Candidates should possess strong leadership and effective communication skills 
•    Candidates should demonstrate detail-oriented management and administrative skills 

Resume and Cover Letter are required.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.