MathCEP Associate Director Position

MathCEP is excited to hire a new Associate Director.  Candidates interested in the position should read all of the information on this page, including the duties and required qualifications.

About the Center

The UMN School of Mathematics Center for Educational Programs (MathCEP) offers a variety of award-winning enrichment and outreach programs full of innovative activities for students throughout the academic year and summer.  MathCEP is dedicated to educational outreach.  Its mission is to develop educational materials and programs for mathematics students and instructors at all levels.  We interact with the broader mathematical community in a variety of ways, including:

  • Professional development and resources for instructors,
  • Enrichment and outreach programs for students,
  • Development of educational materials, curriculum and technology, and
  • Involvement in educational scholarship.

MathCEP has decades of experience in making complex mathematical ideas accessible to students of all ages.  MathCEP faculty and staff are strong advocates for open educational resources and for diversity and equity throughout mathematics.  In recognition of the center's programs, MathCEP received the Exemplary Program Award from the AMS in 2018.

For more information about MathCEP, visit https://cse.umn.edu/mathcep

About the Job

MathCEP is seeking a Associate Director with both an academic background in mathematics and administrative experience to carry out several key functions.  In addition to administrative duties, this person will teach academic courses within the department and in the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP).  This person will also be expected to take a leading role in the development and implementation of our enrichment programs during the academic year and summer, with a particular focus on increasing the diversity of the students in our programs, and providing opportunities to persons underrepresented in mathematics.

The Associate Director will hold the title of Lecturer within the School of Mathematics.

Job Duties

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Teaching (50% of Time)

The default teaching load for this position will be:

  • Teaching one course per semester in the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program (UMTYMP), including both large-group lectures and workshops with a smaller number of students.
  • Teaching one regular department course per year in the School of Mathematics.

The teaching load could be adjusted in the future if the administrative duties or enrichment program duties (described below) increase significantly.

Enrichment and Outreach Activities (15% of Time)

With the support of the MathCEP Director of Educational Programs, and in collaboration with other MathCEP staff (such as our Enrichment Coordinator and Student Recruitment Coordinator), this person will be expected to take a leading role in the development, implementation, and administration of MathCEP’s academic year and summer programs.  These duties include, but are not limited, to:

  • Writing enrichment curriculum.
  • Recruiting, hiring, training, and managing instructional staff for enrichment programs.
  • Maintaining existing programs and developing new programs in line with MathCEP’s strategic goals, including securing funding to support programs.
  • Developing relationships and partnerships for collaborative programs at the local level (other centers and departments within the University of Minnesota, or the CSE Office of Diversity and Outreach), regional level (e.g. school districts), and national level (other organizations focused on mathematics enrichment).
  • Publicizing programs to the appropriate groups.
  • Representing MathCEP and/or the School of Mathematics in appropriate University organizations and committees (e.g. the University’s Precollege Network of youth program leaders).

Although the base contract for the position is 9 months, summer support will be provided when this person is running programs during the summer months.

Other Administration and Management (20% of Time)

Assist in the overall administration of MathCEP programs.  Specific duties will vary depending on background and experience, but could include tasks from the following list:

  • Oversight of payroll for part-time enrichment and UMTYMP staff.
  • Participation in the budgeting process.
  • Oversight of MathCEP’s compliance with the University’s Safety of Minors policies and other required employee training.
  • Assisting the Director of Educational Programs with management of full-time and part-time staff.
  • Assisting the Director of Educational Programs with long-term strategic planning for UMTYMP and enrichment programs.
  • Supervision, mentorship, and evaluation of UMTYMP instructors.
  • Planning and implementation of events for UMTYMP students and families.
  • Answering high-level questions passed on from the full time staff members.
  • Coordinating/participating in parent-student-instructor conferences when needed.
  • Planning and running information meetings for parents, students, or teachers.
  • Evaluating scholarship applications for our programs, based on family tax information.
  • Working with Classroom Management, Parking and Transportation, and other University offices to ensure facilities are available.
  • Assist in the UMTYMP admission process: developing entrance exam materials, administration of the process, and participating in admissions decisions.
  • Assisting with registration and enrollment for UMTYMP and other programs.
  • Assisting other MathCEP faculty and directors with the administration of other center projects.
  • Ensuring final grades and comments have been completed; then combining, merging, printing out, and mailing student grades to families and to school grade contacts.

Other Academic and Service Activities (15% of Time)

The Associate Director will be expected to participate in other academic and service activities within MathCEP and the department, such as:

  • Educational scholarship / Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.
  • Supervision of undergraduate research projects and/or CLA capstone projects.
  • Mentoring and training of department teaching assistants and MathCEP postdocs.
  • Collaborating with other MathCEP faculty on scholarship and projects.

Required Qualifications

  • Masters or higher degree in Mathematics.
  • At least four years of experience and demonstrated excellence teaching undergraduate level courses (calculus and above).
  • Experience with enrichment and outreach programs.
  • Experience with supervision and administration of educational programs, and/or large lecture courses, and/or personnel supervision and office management.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications:

  • PhD in Mathematics.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusivity and engagement with diverse populations.  
  • At least six years of experience teaching mathematics.
  • Experience with lecturing and course supervision.  
  • Experience with the creation and supervision of enrichment programs.  
  • Experience teaching K-12 students in formal or informal settings.
  • Experience and familiarity with UMTYMP or other similar programs.
  • Demonstrated history of educational innovation.
  • Extensive experience with educational administration and office management.
  • Strong background in management of electronic files and data systems, and the ability to assist other staff in these aspects.
  • Budgetary and fiscal management experience.
  • Proficiency with spreadsheets, word processors and other standard office software.
  • Superior conflict resolution and mediation skills; ability to problem solve.
  • Excellent command of English language; superior verbal and written communication skills.  

Appointment Information

This is a full-time, 9-month, annually renewable position with a salary commensurate with qualifications and experiences.  The starting date for this position is no later than 8/31/21 but potentially earlier, depending on availability.  Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.  However, because MathCEP's programs involve minors, our employees must be in compliance with the University of Minnesota's Safety of Minors policies.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online on Mathjobs.org.  A full application will include:

  • A cover letter, describing your interest in the position and your relevant experience
  • A CV
  • A teaching statement
  • A service statement, describing your service to the profession, which could include outreach, enrichment, inclusion work, and other activities.
  • A list of references we can contact about your teaching and other relevant experience.

Consideration of applicants will begin on Friday, 3/5/21 and continue until the position is filled.