Salary/Position Classification

• $120,000+ commensurate with experience and discipline, Annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

The University of North Dakota is seeking candidates for the position of Essential Studies Director.

The UND Search Committee is being assisted by Search Firm. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultant Dr. Gabriel Esteban, Senior Consultant at Gabriel.Esteban@academicsearch.org.

Director of Essential Studies

The director will provide leadership and facilitate an environment for accomplishing strategic goals, as well as aligning the functioning of the Essential Studies curriculum  with UND’s broader academic integrity and strategic planning: UND LEADS.

The Director of Essential Studies provides vision and leadership for this program, and advocates for excellence in general education for all undergraduate students at UND. The Director coordinates the program; collaborates with academic units in the development and ongoing validation of a broad array of Essential Studies courses; works closely with faculty, staff, and advisors to inspire innovative teaching and campus-wide understanding of the program; and communicates the value of the liberal arts and supports student success in interactions with individual students and the larger campus.

Working collaboratively, the Director will develop strategic initiatives and promote innovation across the undergraduate Essential Studies curriculum while ensuring its academic quality and integrity. In addition, the Director of Essential Studies provides support and leadership for a variety of initiatives and programs related to the undergraduate experience at UND, and participates, in cooperation with leadership in both Academic and Student Affairs units, in the shaping and leadership of first year experience programs and related student success efforts.

A successful candidate will start no later than July 1, 2026.

Additional Position Information

Required Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate and engage with students and colleagues of varying backgrounds
• Knowledge and understanding of current developments in general education reform and exemplary models of practice
• Working understanding of assessment methods, curriculum development, assessment design and implementation, and program evaluation
• Strong leadership skills to coordinate and facilitate efforts among a wide range of individuals and departments
• Proficiency in Qualtrics and CourseLeaf software programs
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts
• Experience with change management

Minimum Requirements 

• Terminal Degree in an Academic Field represented at UND
• Three years of full-time teaching experience at an accredited institution of higher education, with experience teaching in the undergraduate curriculum
• Documented experience teaching general education courses at the undergraduate level
• Successful Completion of Criminal History Background Check

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of full-time teaching experience at an accredited institution of higher education
• Five or more years of experience teaching undergraduate curriculum, including courses in a general education program
• Experience teaching in a variety of modalities-in person, online, hybrid, and/or hyflex platforms
• Experience with higher education program review, assessment, and reporting
• Administrative experience, including having served as program director or in a similar role

To Apply

Applications must include:

• A substantive cover letter addressing the expectations of the University and the position of Essential Studies Director
• Current curriculum vitae (CV)
• Five professional references with contact information and a brief description explaining the working relationship of each to the applicant. References will not be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate.

Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to: UNDEssentialStudiesDirector@academicsearch.org

Applications received by end of day Monday, January 1, 2026, are assured consideration.

The UND Essential Studies Director Search Committee is being assisted by consultants from the search firm Academic Search. Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Gabriel Esteban at gabriel.esteban@academicsearch.org and Lauren Merriam at Lauren.Merriam@academicsearch.org.  

Supplemental University Information

• University Profile - Learn more about the position, University strategic plan, points of pride, the budget model, the Greater Grand Forks community and state of North Dakota
• Benefits Package - From fully-paid family health plans to tuition waivers, UND employees are provided with benefits that make great careers even better.
• UND YouTube Channel - View a plethora of videos including campus tours, Leaders in Action feature stories, life as a UND student, research, athletics, and much more.