Specific Responsibilities Include, but Are Not Limited To, the Following

The College of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Central Florida invites applications for the Director of Interdisciplinary Studies. The director will strengthen a longstanding interdisciplinary studies (IDS) program that began in 1970. Currently a popular major, IDS has produced more than 13,000 alumni and graduates approximately 700 students a year. The program offers multiple tracks including environmental studies and women’s studies as well as minors and certificates ranging from leadership studies to geographic information systems.

The director reports to the Vice Provost of Teaching & Learning and Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies and leads a staff of faculty instructors (full-time and adjunct), academic advisers, and office staff. The unit’s strategic plan includes increasing the number of degree programs, developing greater collaborations with graduate programs at the university, and transitioning to a higher profile to support the university’s numerous interdisciplinary initiatives.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Advance the IDS department’s mission, vision, and strategic plan to further enhance the student experience;

- Implement and assess curriculum to develop, growth, and strengthen current and future degree programs;

- Develop innovative incubator degree programs;

- Strengthen partnerships with faculty, staff, and administrative colleagues;

- Manage the departmental budget;

- Hire and supervise faculty and staff members;

- Represent IDS on appropriate university-wide committees related to curriculum and academic policies;

- Serve on the college’s leadership team;

- Serve as the UCF liaison with the Learning Institute for Elders (L.I.F.E.) program; and

- Other duties as assigned by the Vice Provost and Dean.

Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF and its 13 colleges provide opportunities to more than 64,000 students, more than 52,000 of whom are undergraduates. For addition details about the University of Central Florida, please visit This position is based on the Orlando campus and is a 12-month appointment. The desired start date is July 2017. Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience and will include benefits.

Position Minimum Qualifications:

An earned doctorate or terminal degree (or international equivalency) from an accredited institution. Experience as a tenured faculty member with interdisciplinary teaching expertise and a record of scholarly accomplishments suitable to the rank of Professor. Administrative experience within an academic unit such as a department, school, or college. Evidence of promoting diversity and inclusion in a university setting.

Preferences:

- Demonstrated experience in designing and leading new initiatives or programs to advance the mission of an interdisciplinary academic department or school.

- Evidence of substantial and substantive administrative experience including budget management, mentoring faculty, supervising professional staff, developing and implementing strategic plans, and promoting development goals.

- Evidence of collegiality, collaboration, and transparency in decision making.

Applicants are required to complete an application and submit supporting documents online at Supporting documents to be uploaded include a cover letter, curriculum vita, statement of administrative philosophy within an interdisciplinary environment, and the names and contact information of three professional references.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be attached at that time. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents at a later date.

The position is open until filled. Review of applications will begin November 11. All applications submitted prior to the closing of this position will be reviewed and considered. Please contact Dr. Keisha Hoerrner, Search Committee Chair, at with questions about this position.

UCF is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.