Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All qualified applicants for these positions must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of the university.

Basic Responsibilities

A. Provide high-quality instruction, direction, and mentorship for assigned students throughout all phases of the dissertation process.
B. In the Chair role, manage and supervise the committee members and methodologists of assigned students.

Essential Duties include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

A. Provide high-quality instruction, direction, and mentorship for assigned students throughout all phases of the dissertation process.
1. Provide timely and supportive mentoring throughout the student’s process of developing, researching, writing, and revising the dissertation.
2. Direct and instruct the student with the goal of producing high-quality research.
3. Participate in the Defense process of a student’s Prospectus. Offer timely and constructive feedback to facilitate revisions towards the completion of a successful Dissertation process/project.
4. Participate in the Defense process of a student’s Dissertation. Offer timely and constructive feedback to facilitate revisions towards a final and thorough defense.
5. Collaborate with the student’s full committee. Committee members: be willing to follow the lead of the dissertation committee chair regarding interaction with the student.
6. Comply with all pertinent policies and procedures outlined in Abilene Christian University’s Dissertation Handbook, Faculty Guidelines, and those specified by ACU’s College of Leadership and Professional Studies.

B. In the Chair role, manage and supervise the committee members and methodologists of assigned students.
1. Facilitate the successful completion of all IRB protocols. Ensure that your own IRB training is current and meets university and research requirements.
2. Guide the student through the development of the Problem of Practice, Concept Proposal, the Prospectus, and the completed dissertation manuscript. Advise the student regarding necessary changes to the dissertation content and research.
3. Supervise the completion of data collection. Advise the student regarding necessary changes to collection methods and/or processes.
4. Provide feedback to the Dissertation Manager regarding any student and/or committee member challenges, issues, or problems.
5. Make recommendations to students regarding the utilization of university resources, as needed.

Professional Development Requirements:

A. Skills
1. Attention to detail.
2. Time management skills.
3. Maintain confidentiality.
4. Computer proficiency.
5. Excellent verbal communication, written communication, and interpersonal abilities.
6. Excellent mentorship and high support to students while maintaining academic standards at the doctoral level.
7. Ability to collaborate or work independently as the situation requires.

B. Training Modules Required
1. Microsoft Word, Excel, Access
2. Google Calendar, Mail, Sheets and Docs
3. Canvas (on-Line Learning Platform)

Physical Demands:

A. Majority of work is performed in front of a computer and on the telephone; must have the ability to use the computer and remain stationary for long periods.
B. Manage conversations in person, online, and by telephone.
C. Work well under pressure and manage stress well.
D. Communicate clearly: speak, read, write, and hear clearly to perform essential functions.

Qualifications:

A. Professional
1. Doctorate degree from an accredited institution in Education, Leadership, or related fields [e.g. Conflict Resolution, Higher Ed, K-12 Administration, Learning Technologies, Health Care Administration, Business Administration, Pastoral Leadership, Human Resource Development, Positive Leadership,
etc.].
2. A minimum of three years of postdoctoral experience in higher education is preferred but not required.
3. Prior experience as a chair/supervisor/mentor overseeing doctoral students.
4. Experience in research design/methodology.
5. Evidence of quality research completed in the last ten years [e.g. publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, program evaluation reports, etc.].
6. Online instructional experience and working in a virtual team environment are preferred.
7. Service as dissertation chair or co-chair for students who have successfully completed their dissertations is preferred.
8. Computer literate in software and internet-based applications.

B. Personal
1. Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
2. Ability to view and manage roles and responsibilities in relation to larger mission, goals, and perspective of the University.
3. Collaborative nature, with the ability to build consensus.
4. Outstanding organizational and project management skills. 5. Self-motivated and solves problems, asking for input and initiating solutions as appropriate and reasonable.
6. Capacity to quickly learn new software applications.
7. Willingness to receive additional training and/or faculty mentoring.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets.  Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.