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Position Description:

Mercy University’s School of Education seeks a highly organized, student-centered Assistant Professor and Program Director to support the launch and ongoing implementation of the Suzanne McGraw Scholars Program, an exclusive pathway preparing future educators who will teach at the early childhood education level. This faculty/administrative position focuses on program operations, cohort coordination, communication, and data tracking, working collaboratively with faculty, PACT academic advisors, and a dedicated Placement Coordinator. It also includes some teaching responsibilities. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
Suzanne McGraw Scholars receive full financial tuition support beyond state and federal aid, paid classroom placements, a structured cohort experience, faculty mentorship, and continued professional development. The goal is to create dual certified teachers in special education and early childhood education so that they can educate both general and/or special education student populations at the early childhood education level. The Program Director serves as the central operational hub to ensure these components are delivered smoothly and consistently.

Primary Responsibilities:

Teaching:

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in early childhood/childhood education and/or special education, including instructional methods, foundations, and curriculum design
• Teaching assignments will be prioritized so that the Program Director will teach sections reserved for Suzanne McGraw Scholars
• Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, and departmental initiatives as needed
• Maintain a commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive, and evidence-based instruction
  Program Operations & Coordination
• Coordinate day-to-day operations of the Suzanne McGraw Scholars Program, ensuring alignment with program goals and timelines
• Manage student onboarding, orientation, and ongoing communication with scholars
• Maintain program calendars, events, meetings, and cohort activities
• Track scholar participation, progress, and milestones from admission through post-graduation support

Student Recruitment & Cohort Support:

• Collaborate with Admissions and the School of Education to support recruitment and application review
• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective and current scholars
• Coordinate cohort-based programming, orientations, workshops, and professional development sessions
• Communicate program expectations and connect students with appropriate supports, including PACT advisors

Partnerships & Placements

• Work collaboratively with the Placement Coordinator to support paid classroom placements
• Assist with communication and coordination related to placement logistics and compliance
• Track placement participation and required documentation

Financial & Administrative Support

• Coordinate with Student Accounts and university offices to track scholarship awards and covered expenses (e.g., tuition gaps, certification testing fees)
• Maintain accurate records related to scholar funding, placements, and program outcomes
• Support reporting and documentation for internal and external stakeholders, including donors

Data, Assessment & Reporting

• Collect and maintain data on recruitment, retention, graduation, certification, and employment outcomes
• Assist with assessment of program effectiveness and continuous improvement efforts
• Prepare summaries, dashboards, and reports for academic leadership and advancement partners

Post-Graduation & Alumni Engagement

• Support continued mentoring and professional development activities for graduates
• Track scholars’ one-year service commitment following graduation
• Assist with alumni engagement, networking, and program storytelling

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in education or a related field
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in program coordination, student services, education, or a related area
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and equity in education
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners
• Familiarity with teacher certification standards and state education requirements, particularly in New York
• Commitment to equity, access, and culturally responsive education

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience teaching in higher education
• Experience with cohort-based programs, teacher preparation, or student success initiatives
• Experience organizing professional development and support initiatives for pre-service and new teachers
• Familiarity with field placements, certification pathways, or K–12 partnerships
• Familiarity with special education as well as early childhood/childhood education
• Experience with basic data tracking, reporting, or assessment