Essential Studies Program Director

Essential Studies Program Director

497278

Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States

Undergrad Student Success

Other

Full-time Staff

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

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:

Applications received by end of day Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, 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 and Lauren Merriam at

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.

Please note, all employment postings close at 11:55pm CST.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, annual & sick leave in addition to 10 paid holidays.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here

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Full-time Staff

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Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States

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Additional Information

Find out why Grand Forks is Cooler.

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

Need help?

Please email the Human Resources Department at or contact us by phone at If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation to participate in any portion of the University's employment process, including completion of the online application process, please contact our office in advance of your participation or visit.

Veteran's Preference

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or a copy of NGB 22 from National Guard or Reserve (with a unit located in ND) or certification from the applicant's unit command that the individual is expected to be discharged or released from active duty in the uniformed services under other than dishonorable conditions not later than one hundred twenty days after the date of the submission of the certification. If claiming disabled veteran status, proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 and a current letter of disability dated within the past year.

Confidentiality of Application Materials

Pursuant to NDCC , applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three or more finalists who will be invited to campus.

EEO Statement

The University of North Dakota is an equal opportunity employer (veteran/disability). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristic. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.