Assistant Director, Individualized and Interdisciplinary Studies Program

University of Connecticut; Storrs (CT); On-site; USD 76,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Connecticut in Storrs is seeking an Assistant Director for the IISP to develop and deliver content for the IMJR, University Scholar Program, and interdisciplinary minors. You will advise undergraduate students, coordinate curricula, and lead committees to advance program goals.

The role requires strong project management, collaborative leadership, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives across campus and regional campuses.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in counseling, education, or relevant academic field with four years of undergraduate advising or teaching experience.
• Experience planning, coordinating, and implementing program services and activities.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with interdisciplinary learning or research.
• Experience compiling data and generating reports.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the “second in command” for the IISP.
• Develops and coordinates efforts toward new programs and structured major curriculum requirements.
• Instructs the IMJR Gateway course and supports IMJR-related courses and curriculum.
• Manages IISP application cycles, outreach, and selection processes.
• Advises students on individualized plans of study and related options.
• Coordinates programs and events for IMJR students and collaborates with campus offices.
• Maintains files and generates program effectiveness reports.

Skills

Written and oral communication skills

Interdisciplinary learning experience

Organizational skills

Advising undergraduate students

Data reporting

Education

Master’s degree in counseling, education, or relevant academic field

Degree in an interdisciplinary field

Job description

Assistant Director, Individualized and Interdisciplinary Studies Program

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of the Individualized and Interdisciplinary Studies Program (IISP), the Assistant Director will develop and deliver program content for the Individualized Major (IMJR) Program, University Scholar Program, and several interdisciplinary minors. The core of the Assistant Director’s work will involve developing and coordinating program content and delivery; advising pre- and current individualized majors; collaborating with faculty and academic administrators; leading and coordinating committee meetings and projects; monitoring student progress toward degree completion; and coordinating a wide range of services and activities for students served by the office’s programs.

The Assistant Director will be a highly experienced higher education professional, well-informed about the range of undergraduate courses and programs available at the University. The Assistant Director will also be an effective problem solver, accustomed to working independently, and capable of managing academically oriented administrative tasks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the “second in command” for the Individualized and Interdisciplinary Studies Program (IISP).
• Develops, plans, and coordinates efforts towards establishing new programs, including leading various committees dedicated to developing structured major curriculum requirements and assessing program rigor.
• Serves as an instructor of the IMJR Gateway course for students interested in the Individualized Major Program; provides support to IISP Director on other IMJR-specific courses and curriculum.
• Administers the Individualized and Interdisciplinary Studies Program (IISP) application cycles throughout the academic year, including student outreach and recruitment and coordination of application and selection processes.
• Assists the Director in leading the expansion of IISP and IMJR programs on the regional campuses, assisting with developing strategic plans for addressing individual campus needs in collaboration with campus leadership and faculty.
• Advises students in developing individualized plans of study; may advise regarding alternative options for majors, complementary plans of study, and consistency with graduate school and career goals.
• Coordinates programs and events for IMJR students and collaborates with campus offices on joint programming efforts.
• Maintains appropriate files and records in order to compile and generate statistical reports related to program effectiveness and audit student records for IMJRs and IISP-administered minors to determine progress toward meeting academic requirements and to assess eligibility to graduate.
• Assists Director in planning and implementing scheduling and registration activities, orientation programs, and other activities, as assigned.
• Serves as a primary resource for students, faculty, parents, and others with questions about programs or academic policies; make referrals as appropriate.
• Assists in writing and/or editing informational and publicity materials for print, website, and social media platforms.
• Serves as communications liaison with IMJR Admissions Committee and faculty advisors, providing them with regular updates on student progress.
• Assists in the supervision of IISP student employees, interns, and/or peer advisors.
• Serves as a liaison with other university offices and external partners to provide enrichment opportunities – such as education abroad, internships, research, and professional development – for students served by IISP.
• Represents IISP and/or Enrichment Programs at UConn events, which may require occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Complete other duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in counseling, education, or relevant academic field AND four (4) years’ experience working with undergraduate students in a professional advising, counseling role, and/or teaching role.
• Two (2) years of experience must be serving as an advanced or lead team member.
• Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, and implementing program services and activities.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with interdisciplinary learning or research.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage multiple short- and long-term projects, including the proven ability to manage and perform administrative functions.
• Experience working with diverse, underrepresented, and/or first-generation students.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully advise undergraduate students and to interpret educational records and data related to student academic performance and progress.
• Experience compiling data and generating reports.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in an interdisciplinary field.
• Professional work experience at a large university.
• Demonstrated experience prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice.
• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level.
• Experience with supervision of student staff.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot problems that interfere with students' academic progress and experience in working to resolve them effectively.
• Experience with assessment and program evaluation.
• Experience with database management.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The hiring range for this position is $76,000 to $83,000. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.

For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves header at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources. As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA) and look for information specifically identified for UCPEA, as provisions may vary by employee group.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits , including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on November 6, 2026.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.

Advertised: Oct 16 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Nov 06 2026 Eastern Standard Time