Job Details

Assistant Director in the Office of Certification and Accreditation - College of Education and Community Innovation

Position Number: 6512657
Location: Allendale, MI
Position Type: Assessment, Accreditation, and Compliance

Assistant Director in the Office of Certification and Accreditation - College of Education and Community Innovation

Grand Rapids, MI (Pew Campus)
Full Time
R103526

Join our dynamic team and make a direct impact on the next generation of educators. As Assistant Director, you play a key role in supporting teacher certification programs, managing student recruitment and retention, and ensuring GVSU's future teachers are well-prepared for the classroom.
Required Qualifications and Education:

Bachelor's degree in a related field
Proven experience in database management
Track record of success in student retention and program development
Strong collaborative skills with a commitment to excellent customer service
Experience working with diverse populations in educational settings
Technology proficiency and comfort with learning new systems
Excellent communication, organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills
Ability and willingness to work with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)
Thrives in a fast-paced environment requiring multi-tasking, problem-solving, and critical thinking
Experience with website, marketing, and social media content management and design

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

Master's degree in Education, or related field
Knowledge of current Michigan Department of Education (MDE) teacher certification criteria
Demonstrated leadership experience and project management skills
Familiarity with student information systems, web-based records, and registration programs
Understanding of data collection for statistical purposes and reporting
Experience in higher education

Key Responsibilities:

This role provides leadership support to the Office of Certification and Accreditation (OCA) and serves as backup to the OCA Director and Associate Director.
You will provide administrative support for the Education programs' recruitment and retention. (NOTE: Occasional evening and/or weekend travel required.)

Supervision

Supervise, train, and evaluate Professional Support Staff (PSS) and graduate assistant.

Coordination

Manage teacher education program websites and social media content and accessibility.
Partner with university admissions, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) and College of Education and Community Innovation (CECI) advising, and external partners to coordinate:
- Undergraduate teacher education program recruitment and retention
- Student advising guides and marketing materials.
- Promotional events and initiatives for GVSU's undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs.
Manage undergraduate clinical field experience applications, candidacy files, communications, and intake processes.
Develop apprenticeship and internship registration schedules and guides.

Support

Serve as a resource for prospective and current students' questions about initial teacher certification programs.
Assist with undergraduate and Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) clinical field experience application intake.
Participate in state-level meetings such as DARTEP (Directors and Representatives of Teacher Education Programs).
Attend university meetings related to undergraduate advising, recruitment, and retention.
Support assessment system communications and respond to related questions.
Provide support for CECI accreditation needs.
Assist with registration override approvals.

Salary: $62,000-$64,000, commensurate with experience

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Campus: City Campus, Grand Rapids, MI.

How to Apply: Required documents include:

(1) Cover letter addressing the qualifications listed above
(2) Resume
(3) Three references: Names and contact information
(4) Copy of unofficial transcripts

Applications missing required documents will not be considered. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Annukka Thelen thelenan@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline: Application closes on September 9, 2025. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

To apply, visit https://gvsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Grand-Rapids-MI-Pew-Campus/Assistant-Director-in-the-Office-of-Certification-and-Accreditation---College-of-Education-and-Community-Innovation_R103526