Position Summary
The Secretary for Academic Governance is a position formally established in the Bylaws for Academic Governance. The Secretary for Academic Governance plays a key role in faculty and academic staff governance by facilitating and coordinating the work of its committees, liaising with the Provost, President, and the Secretary to the Board of Trustees on governance matters, and by generally ensuring that its processes run effectively in a shared governance model. The Secretary for Academic Governance serves as an ex-officio member of several university-level committees: University Council, Faculty Senate, The Steering Committee and Academic Congress.This position serves those bodies as Parliamentarian and must be fluent in Robert's Rules of Order. Additionally, the Secretary is an ex-officio voting member of the University Committee on Academic Governance, guiding that committee in recommending amendments, and offering review and interpretation of university, college, and unit bylaws. The Secretary for Academic Governance oversees the Office for Academic Governance and will report to the Provost. The Secretary for Academic Governance also works closely with the Chair of the Faculty Senate in matters pertaining to academic governance.The Office of Academic Governance provides staff support and coordination to The Steering Committee, University Council, Faculty Senate, and the University-Level Standing Committees. The office conducts and oversees elections for faculty vacancies on Standing Committees, Advisory Consultative Committees, At-Large Faculty Members of The Steering Committee and Other Boards and Committees. The position supervises a staff of one administrative professional, a professional aide, one half-time graduate assistant, and undergraduate student employees. Per the Bylaws for Academic Governance, the appointment of an incumbent in this position requires approval by the President, in consultation with The Steering Committee. This is an executive management position. The performance of the Secretary for Academic Governance is reviewed annually and more extensively at intervals not to exceed five years, under a procedure determined by the President. MSU is a large university with many resources and excellent benefits for employees. Salary range begins at $110,000 and is commensurate with experience. Financial support for professional development is also provided. As an internal liaison and adviser, the Secretary will:
Serve as liaison between university faculty governance committees and University administration, communicating directly with the Provost and President on a regular basis on faculty governance matters. Attend all university-level governance meetings (University Council, Faculty Senate, The Steering Committee, and Academic Congress) Serve as parliamentarian, secretary, and non-voting ex-officio member of The Steering Committee, Faculty Senate, University Council, University Committee on Academic Governance, General Assembly of the Associate Students of MSU, Council of Graduate Students and the Academic Congress. Advise faculty governance committees and university's senior administrators and staff regarding the Bylaws for Academic Governance and implementation of its procedures. Interact with diverse populations (faculty, administrators, students, staff) with a wide range of differing interests.
The Secretary will also provide administrative support for the university-level governance meetings, including:
Providing administrative support to the Chair of the Faculty Senate, the At-Large members, the Faculty Senate, Steering Committee, and University standing committees through the Office of Academic Governance. Providing or overseeing administrative and logistical support for university-level governance meetings. Assisting the chairs of the Faculty Senate, Steering Committee, and University Council in curating and developing the agendas for committee meetings. Coordinating the preparation of material provided to governance committees for action and information, including reviewing content for completeness, accuracy, and effectiveness. Leading the university's goal of governance transparency by having a solid plan for accessibility to the website and its contents. Overseeing follow-up on action items from governance committee meetings and ensuring they are updated regularly on the website.
As the head of the Office for Academic Governance, the Secretary will:
Collaborate with the University Committee on Academic Governance (UCAG) to identify opportunities for new or revised bylaws to enhance effective governance for the university. Design and conduct an orientation program each year for new governance committee members. Oversee preparation, curation, and maintenance of records of minutes from the university-level governance meetings. Direct the Office of Academic Governance in consultation with the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and the chair of the Faculty Senate Supervise the Office of Academic Governance staff. Provide coordination and management for Academic Governance efforts and initiatives; track and ensure progress and completion; manage tasks and timelines; oversee follow-up on action items from committee meetings; ensure efficient and organized Academic Governance communication. Maintain the budget for the Academic Governance Office in consultation with the chair of the Faculty Senate. Supervise nominations and elections for all Academic Governance committees with review by the University Committee on Academic Governance.
This position is primarily on-site, with a remote work option as needed.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Bachelors
Desired Degree
Masters -Juris Doctorate, MBA or related field
Minimum Requirements
- A bachelor's degree A commitment to quality, integrity, service, and transparency. Knowledge and understanding of higher education and governance. Experience with:
- Organizational administrative structures/functions in a complex environment Organizational bylaws or policies, and the ability to interpret and apply them in various settings Policy development Planning processes Project management Records curation
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills demonstrated through excellence in:
- Verbal, written, listening, and perspective-taking skills Ability to create and support a positive and diverse work environment
- Attention to detail Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Significant experience with the MS Office Suite (particularly Excel, Word, and Teams).
Desired Qualifications
- JD, MBA, or related advanced degree is preferred.
- Familiarity with Michigan State University (particularly academic governance).
- Familiarity with Roberts Rules of Order. Conflict resolution and/or mediation skills.
- Experience supervising direct-report staff. A commitment to process improvement.
- Experience with database programs, website management, videoconferencing tools (including Zoom), and survey construction and analysis (including Qualtrics).
- Ability to identify and rapidly learn new technology solutions, as needed, to increase efficiency in office or governance processes.
Required Application Materials
Special Instructions
Cover letters should be addressed to the search committee chair, Dr. Dean Rehberger, at rehberge@msu.edu.
Review of Applications Begins On
05/06/2024
Website
https://acadgov.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
