Senior Director of Academic Affairs and Research Education

I. Purpose 

Leads strategic initiatives that strengthen academic and research education in communication sciences and disorders (CSD), support career development of faculty and researchers, and promote the value of science and research in advancing the discipline and ASHA’s mission.

II. Key Responsibilities 

1. Direct the Association’s Academic Affairs and Research Education (AARE) program, which supports academic programs, faculty-researcher career development, research and clinical education, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and the advancement of science and research in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). 
2. Provide technical and management leadership of the AARE team and for other National Office units and volunteer leaders (including boards and councils) on matters relating to academic affairs and research education. 
3. Provide leadership in shaping long-term vision and anticipating future trends in higher education and research and in developing ASHA's efforts impacting academic and research preparation and capacity building in the discipline.
4. Collaborate on the development of resources and opportunities that support academic programs and faculty, clinical and research education, research funding, career development of faculty and researchers, and elevating awareness of the value of science and public policy that affects higher education and the discipline. 
5. Lead and manage the AARE team fostering a high-performance culture through coaching, priority setting, and professional development.
6. Serve as liaison to external organizations related to higher education and analyze trends in higher education that relate to the discipline of communication sciences and disorders and the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology.
7. Oversee the Association’s grants that provide support for programs within ASHA’s Academic and Research Mentoring (ARM) Network.
8. Serve as the ex officio to the Academic Affairs Board (and ad hoc committees as assigned) and fulfill associated responsibilities for this role.
9. Develop and manage operational budgets and ensure alignment with ASHA’s and AARE’s strategic goals.

IV. Autonomy & Decision Making: 

Operates with significant independence in leading academic and research education strategy. Sets programmatic direction and priorities in alignment with ASHA’s strategic plan. Empowered to make high-level decisions impacting national academic and research policy in communication sciences and disorders. Collaborates with senior executives and volunteer governance bodies and provides thought leadership across ASHA teams and with external stakeholders.

V. Qualifications & Skills

Qualifications: Knowledge typically acquired through:

• Experience in academic leadership positions within CSD and in developing long term vision and anticipating future trends in higher education and research
• Experience in teaching and research in audiology or speech-language pathology and in using data, trend analyses, and evaluations to guide decision-making.
• An earned research doctorate in audiology, speech-language pathology, or related discipline.

Skills

• Experience with writing and managing Federal grants.
• Experience practicing inclusive and transparent leadership and leading through organizational change. 
• Experience fostering collaboration and building partnerships across disciplines, institutions, and professional roles. 
• Experience cultivating high-performing, mission-driven teams by setting clear expectations, providing individualized coaching, and ensuring strategic alignment.

VI. Universal Expectations of ASHA Staff

At ASHA, we believe in working together to make well-informed decisions that will advance the association and the discipline of human communication sciences and disorders; teamwork is vital to achieving our mission, vision, and maximizing impact. As committed stewards of the organization, we care deeply about our professions, members, and staff, and build a strong and welcoming community. We strive to ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued. We are dedicated to helping each other grow and innovate by encouraging open communication and continual learning. Our focus is on delivering excellent service and value to members, advancing equity, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and the power of science and research. 

VII. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

ASHA is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is ASHA’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard for race, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation or LGBT status, genetic information, citizenship, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ASHA's Bylaws. This policy applies to recruiting, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation and benefits, upward mobility, training and development, access to facilities, termination, and other personnel actions. 

VIII. Disclaimer

This job description reflects the primary responsibilities of the job but is not a detailed description of all duties which may be required of someone in the position. All ASHA staff are expected to take on additional responsibilities from time to time and to help their colleagues.