Adjunct - Organizational Leadership Dissertation Chair and Reader

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All qualified applicants for this position must be professing Christians and be willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of the university.

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This position supports the program’s mission of preparing Christian scholar-practitioners for ethical, research-informed leadership in diverse organizational contexts. Adjunct Dissertation Chairs and Readers serve as faculty members responsible for guiding and evaluating doctoral student research during the dissertation phase of the EdD in Organizational Leadership program. The Chair serves as the primary mentor and academic guide for the doctoral candidate. The Reader serves as a secondary committee member who provides scholarly review, feedback, and evaluation. Successful applicants will serve in both roles.

1. Major Responsibilities:

Adjunct Dissertation Chair

• Serve as primary mentor for assigned doctoral candidates. 

• Guide students in developing, revising, and completing dissertation chapters.

• Ensure alignment of research questions, methodology, analysis, and findings. 

• Conduct regular meetings with students according to program policy. 

• Provide timely, constructive, and substantive feedback on dissertation drafts.

• Ensure compliance with program templates, research standards, and university IRB requirements. 

• Prepare students for proposal and final defense.

• Coordinate with Readers and program leadership regarding student progress. 

• Model ethical research practice, including appropriate and responsible use of AI tools consistent with university policy. 

Adjunct Dissertation Reader

• Provide scholarly review and feedback on dissertation chapters.

• Evaluate research design, methodology, analysis, and academic rigor. 

• Participate in proposal and final defense. 

• Ensure adherence to program standards and dissertation templates.

• Provide timely and constructive written feedback. 

• Collaborate professionally with the Chair to support student progress. 

• Uphold academic integrity and ethical scholarship standards. 

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2. Essential duties include the following (both roles):

• Maintain regular, professional communication with students and committee members.

• Respond to dissertation submissions within established turnaround expectations. 

• Follow all EdD in Organizational Leadership program policies, research standards, and committee procedures. 

• Avoid inappropriate AI usage in reviewing or generating student feedback. 

• Maintain confidentiality of student research and academic records. 

• Participate in required faculty development and dissertation training sessions. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

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Qualifications:

Professional

• Earned Ph.D.,  Ed.D., or other terminal degree in Organizational Leadership or a closely related leadership discipline.

• Experience conducting original research.

• Experience chairing or serving on dissertation committees preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies. 

• Experience teaching or mentoring graduate-level students preferred. 

• Strong academic writing and scholarly review skills.

Personal

• Professionalism and collegiality in committee collaboration. 

• Strong written communication skills. 

• Ability to provide direct, constructive academic feedback. 

• Organizational discipline and responsiveness. 

• Commitment to ethical scholarship and student success. 

Physical Demands:

• Majority of work is performed in front of a computer and on the telephone; must have the ability to use the computer and remain stationary for long periods.

• Manage conversations in person, online, and by telephone.

• Work well under pressure and manage stress well.

• Communicate clearly: speak, read, write, and hear clearly to perform essential functions.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.