Assistant Director of Academics

Pierce Mortuary Colleges offer comprehensive educational programs for individuals pursuing careers in funeral service, encompassing both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical training to prepare students for licensure examinations and subsequent apprenticeships or internships. Approved by the Board of Trustees, the college's mission is to advance education in funeral service, including the study, research, and teaching of embalming and the broader business and profession of funeral service.

POSITION TYPE: Full-time 

WORK LOCATION: Remote 

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Assistant Director of Academics provides operational leadership and administrative oversight for the day-to-day academic functions of the Funeral Service Education Department. Working under the direction of the Director of Academics, this position ensures the effective implementation of academic policies, accreditation standards, instructional initiatives, and operational priorities supporting Funeral Service Education programs.

The Assistant Director collaborates with academic leaders, faculty, student services, institutional departments, and clinical partners to promote educational excellence, regulatory compliance, student success, and continuous program improvement. The position serves as the primary operational leader for academic functions when delegated by the Director and supports the institution's mission of preparing competent and ethical funeral service professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and coordinate daily academic operations for Funeral Service Education programs, ensuring effective delivery of curriculum, laboratory, clinical, and student support services. 
• Execute strategic initiatives and operational priorities established by the Director of Academics while maintaining continuity of departmental operations. 
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, ABFSE accreditation standards, and applicable regulatory requirements; support assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement activities. 
• Coordinate curriculum implementation, instructional resources, faculty assignments, course scheduling, and educational quality initiatives. 
• Facilitate collaboration across academic, student support, institutional effectiveness, accreditation, technology, and clinical functions to support student success and program effectiveness. 
• Assist with faculty recruitment, onboarding, development, workload management, and resource utilization. 
• Monitor student progression, retention, completion, and licensure readiness; support interventions for at-risk students and resolution of academic concerns. 
• Track departmental goals, strategic initiatives, accreditation activities, and operational performance; prepare reports and recommendations for leadership. 
• Resolve operational issues, implement corrective actions, manage risks, and escalate significant concerns as appropriate. 
• Represent the Academics Department on committees, accreditation activities, and external partnerships as assigned. 
• Teach at least one course per academic quarter within the Funeral Service Education curriculum. 
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Funeral Service Education curriculum, licensure requirements, and ABFSE accreditation standards. 
• Understanding of academic administration, student success initiatives, and educational assessment practices. 
• Strong organizational, leadership, and project management skills. 
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities and stakeholders across a complex academic environment. 
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. 
• Proficiency with learning management systems, student information systems, and educational technologies. 
• Commitment to student success, professional ethics, and continuous improvement. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. 
• Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking. 
• Limited exposure to physical risk. 

Pierce Mortuary Colleges (PMC) is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, adhering to Equal Opportunity Employment principles and prohibiting all forms of discrimination and harassment. Emphasizing merit, competence, and performance, PMC ensures fair employment practices at all levels, without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. The organization recognizes the value of a diverse workforce in enhancing the quality of its services and endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job duties effectively. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master's degree required. 
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, funeral service education, funeral service operations, or a related educational environment. 
• Experience supervising faculty, academic leaders, or multidisciplinary teams. 
• Experience with accreditation processes, assessment, and regulatory compliance. 
• Qualifications and requirements will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Graduate of an accredited Funeral Service Education program. 
• Current or eligible Funeral Director and/or Embalmer licensure. 
• Experience with online education and learning management systems.