Chief Officer (Executive Director) - Terry Center for Experiential Learning

Job Title : Chief Officer (Executive Director) - Terry Center for Experiential Learning

Location : Valdosta State University

Regular / Temporary : Regular

Full / Part Time : Full-Time

Job ID : 291195

About Us

As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship .

Job Summary

Valdosta State University (VSU) seeks an innovative, dynamic, and data-driven leader to serve as the inaugural Executive Director for the Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning. This is a transformational opportunity to coordinate signature experiential learning (EL) activities for our students throughout their college careers, both in and out of the classroom, and for our community.

We are looking for an individual with a passion for applied learning who excels in a dynamic environment, embraces change, and leads with vision and integrity. This is a full-time, non-tenure track faculty ranked, administrative position.Rank based on credentials. Position will report to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs with a dotted line to the Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs. Appointment date is negotiable with hire date no later than July 1, 2026.

Located in South Georgia, VSU is a regional, comprehensive public university known for its welcoming campus culture, strong academic programs, and commitment to student success. The Terry Center will establish continuity, coordination, and growth of experiential learning at VSU while also providing financial support for students and relevant faculty needs. One critical role of the Center Executive Director is to ensure rigor and to provide guidance in evidence-based academic practices, curriculum, and assessment of experiential learning for credit-bearing EL while balancing EL opportunities in Enrollment and Student Affairs as vital to graduating career-ready individuals. Equally essential is the Center's role in fostering strong community partnerships that expand learning beyond the classroom and connect students with real-world challenges and opportunities in the region.

The Executive Director of the Terry Center will play a key role in shaping the future of a new unit which will implement several areas of VSU¿s Strategic Plan including the Blazer Summer Research Institute, the Undergraduate Research Symposium, a new Experiential Learning Exposition, study away opportunities in our region, and other experiential learning initiatives recognized through VSU's Quality Enhancement Plan. The successful candidate will bring creativity, leadership, and enthusiasm to grow the experiential learning campus and community culture. They will work collaboratively with key partners across campus including units within Academic Affairs (e.g., Center for International Programs), Enrollment & Student Affairs, and the Center for South Georgia Regional Impact (SGRI).

This position is considered a 'soft money' position, as it is partially funded by an endowment provided to the University specifically for the Mary Virginia Terry Center for Experiential Learning; therefore, the University will incur no salary obligation for that portion of salary beyond funding derived from this source.

For full consideration applications should be submitted no later than November 17, 2025.For more information contact Dr. Laura Wright, Search Committee Chair, via email lbwright@valdosta.edu .

Application materials should include :

• CV
• Letter of Interest
• Transcripts (unofficial)
• List of at least three professional references with contact information (to include email address)

Based on the recent Proclamation : Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B) , VSU will not be sponsoring any new H-1B visa petitions until further notice.

Responsibilities

Department Summary

The Executive Director will be responsible for the following :

Include a timeline, goals, and assessments to ensure strategic plan goals are being met

Typical Allocation of Duties :

Leadership, direction, and supervision - 25%

Provide executive-level leadership and direction to other leaders within an area of the university. Assign, direct, and supervise the work of personnel.

Administration - 20%

Administer a major department, initiative, or unit with full authority of that area.

Subject-matter expert - 15%

Serve as subject-matter expert for a specific area for the university.

Department representative - 10%

Represent the University to external stakeholders at events and on various committees.

Manage budget - 10%

Develop, monitor, and administer a substantial budget of a department, initiative, or unit.

Compliance - 10%

Interact with federal, state, and local entities to ensure compliance with appropriate statutes and regulations.

Policy and Procedure - 10%

Establish and administer policies and procedures for department, initiative, or unit.

Required Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Proposed Salary

Commensurate with experience.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section8 / C224 / #p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https : / / www.usg.edu / policymanual / section6 / C2653 .

Conditions of Employment

Applicants are required to provide :

Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to :

Employment is contingent upon :

Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position :

After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training :

USG Ethics Policy

Job-specific training such as : FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.

Background Check

Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu .