Senior Director of Academic Affairs, Madrid Center

Position Title & Department:

 Senior Director of Academic Affairs, Madrid Center; International Affairs Posting #

5419

Department Description:

The Madrid Center is the centerpiece of the University of San Diego’s global footprint.  Residing in the International Center, it works in close collaboration with the Office of International Studies Abroad (OISA). The Madrid Center receives over 220 undergraduate students during the academic semesters, hosts short-term graduate courses from across the university, and supports faculty conferences and professional workshops.  A dedicated team of six full-time staff members provides comprehensive university services to all program participants, manages facility maintenance and operations, and supports approximately 20 local faculty.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.

Detailed Description:

This recruitment is open to current University of San Diego employees only. Only current USD employees are eligible to apply and be considered for this position.

The Senior Director of Academic Affairs of the USD Madrid Center, in collaboration with the Associate Provost, is responsible for the recruitment, supervision, scheduling, and evaluation of adjunct faculty teaching within the program. This role involves recommending course offerings, ensuring they align with USD’s academic standards, and continuously monitoring program quality. The Senior Director also provides academic advising to faculty, students, engages with parents when necessary, and upholds the academic integrity of the program while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants.

The Senior Director is responsible for planning and overseeing a range of academic events, including lectures, conferences, and guest speaker engagements, ensuring they support the objectives of the programs hosted at the USD Madrid Center. A central function of this role is to act as the primary liaison between USD and its academic partners, including the Comillas Pontifical University and other higher education institutions in Spain. The Senior Director plays a critical role in fostering strong institutional relationships, facilitating academic collaborations, and ensuring that all initiatives align with USD’s educational mission and strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Faculty staffing and academic administration for the USD Madrid Center 

Provides administrative and professional support functions 

• Supports the Associate Provost in attaining goals and objectives related, but not limited to:
• Hire, evaluate, and retain a professional, efficient, and productive adjunct faculty, serving as their main point of contact.
• Assures the academic integrity and rigor of the Madrid Center Undergraduate and Graduate Programs (semester, summer, and intersession).
• Reviews proposals for potential courses and makes recommendations to the Associate Provost for International Affairs and OISA.
• Continuously assesses programs and recommends solutions regarding program quality control issues and student/faculty feedback.
• Meet regularly with faculty to ensure academic quality, meeting their required office hours, following USD guidelines and policies, etc.
• Leads on-site faculty orientations.
• Oversees the planning and execution of diverse academic events, including lec