WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY

Job Description: [Title of position]

I. PURPOSE OF THE JOB (What are the end results or objectives of this position? Why does the job exist?)

This should be a brief section that summarizes the position in a nutshell--just a couple of sentences are plenty. It should state the overall responsibility(ies) [not specific tasks] of the position. [The statement of overall responsibilities could be used to advertise the position.] This opening section also should indicate to whom the position reports.

II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES (What duties are required for the position to exist?)

This is the key section, describing the tasks or functions of the position that MUST be performed in order for the job to exist. You may wish to estimate the percentage of time spent in each. In writing function/task statements, you should:

- start each sentence with an action verb (“trains,” “operates”)

- avoid using vague/general terms such as –“assists” or “is responsible for”

- start each task with a summary statement of the activity to be performed, indicating how/why the task is to be performed (e.g., “plans and revises work schedules to accommodate special circumstances and vacation/holiday hours” or “stays current in the academic discipline through scholarly activity and professional development.”)

- give information on decisions the employee is expected to make

- for those jobs involving interaction with prospective students, alumni, campus visitors, parents, etc., include the type and frequency of such contact and define the duty to include “courtesy and professionalism” in such contact

- include attendance and punctuality as essential functions of all jobs

- include “attitudinal” duties, such as “demonstrates a professional, collegial attitude toward students, campus visitors, alumni, parents, co-workers, faculty, staff and university administrators” and “demonstrates flexibility and a cooperative attitude in carrying out assigned tasks.”

- keep in mind that you cannot refuse to hire a qualified candidate with a disability who can perform the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation

- include all essential functions involving supervisory responsibilities, stating the approximate number and type of employees supervised, as well as the details of authority assigned to the position (e.g., day-to-day supervision, assignment of work, specific training, evaluation, discipline, hire/fire)

- include essential budgetary/audit responsibilities, including signature

authority (giving the maximum dollar amount) for purchases and other

financial transactions.

III. MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Responsibilities/Duties performed occasionally or in addition to the essential duties of the position.)

These are non-essential and/or infrequent and, if carried out by someone else, would NOT affect the essence of the position. Refer to Section II (above) for suggestions about how write up these portions of the job. Include a final duty along the lines of “any other duties/tasks as the need arises.”

IV. WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT (Exempt/non-exempt status, necessary travel, unusual work hours, unusual environmental conditions, etc.)

Use this section first to indicate whether the job is overtime exempt or non-exempt. Then, describe anything unusual about the work schedule or work environment (e.g., working with hazardous materials, regular evening or weekend hours, etc.)

V. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Indicate which are required, preferred, or desirable.)

- This section focuses on the knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and qualifications that are necessary to perform the tasks identified. Include knowledge of particular equipment or technology as required by the functions/tasks. The knowledge and skill requirements should support the essential tasks/duties identified and serve as the primary criteria for selection (e.g., ability to use computer/office equipment, knowledge of specific field of study, or skill in food preparation and menu planning).

- Include degrees/licenses/certificates required/preferred, type of experience required/preferred (teaching, research, practical, etc.), required/preferred scholarly accomplishments as relevant to the position (publications, presentations, recitals, etc.)

- Include specific physical/mental requirements if they are essential to the functions/tasks (e.g., physical requirements of coaching positions, physical requirements of operating specific equipment). For positions with specific physical requirements, indicate if a job-related physical examination or medical inquiry will be required post-offer in accordance with law.

- Include in this section “qualities” or “characteristics” in performance that are required for all positions: ability to interact effectively and professionally with students, colleagues, and administrators; ability to demonstrate flexibility and a cooperative attitude in carrying out assigned tasks. Also include special qualities or abilities required for the particular job (e.g., for teaching position, “must have the ability to communicate course material interestingly to undergraduate students with no prior background in computer science, and to generate an atmosphere conducive to learning.”)

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Appendix B

SAMPLE POSITION DESCRIPTION FROM WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Professor of Computer Science

Status: Tenure Position

Immediate Supervisor: ________________, Chair, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science

INCUMBENT, 19 ____:_________________

PURPOSE

The teaching of undergraduate and graduate courses in Computer Science or tangential fields as required by the College and specified by the Department Chair. The faculty member should carry out professional activities, research, and writing projects within the discipline, advise students on their academic programs, and perform service duties as needed within the department, school and college

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Western New England College is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate instruction with an emphasis on personal contact between students and faculty. The School of Arts and Sciences fully participated in the overall mission of the institution, which is to provide a professional education to the students. It is also committed to the education of the person so that he or she develops a rich inner life and the world is rendered intelligible and rewarding.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers majors in Computer Science and the Mathematical Sciences. Minor programs are offered in Computer Science and Mathematics. The Department is concerned to educate students in each of these fields and to offer service courses to the College as a whole. In the area of service, the Department is responsible for all courses that satisfy the core requirement in mathematics for all undergraduate students, and for courses that satisfy the core requirement in computers for the Arts and Sciences students.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Classroom teaching

2. Advising of students on an individual and sometimes confidential basis. This includes course selection, academic problems, projects, assignments, and career counseling as well as co-curricular activities.

3. Supervision of laboratory work if appropriate.

4. Staying current in the discipline through scholarly activity and professional development.

5. Performing college service duties, especially involving membership on committees.

6. Participation in college governance, together with effective teaching, advising, and scholarship and professional development, is required for promotion and tenure in the College.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

1. Developing courses, programs, and the overall curriculum in the field.

2. Interfacing with local companies to arrange for senior projects, internships, and other mutually beneficial activities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Ability to speak to a group of up to 35 students in a classroom setting with an understandable accent and in a clear and audible manner, either directly or through a third party.

2. Ability to interact verbally with students in a classroom environment or with other individual students in private meetings. Other means may be employed for student-faculty interaction.

3. Ability to use chalk and blackboard, transparencies and projection devices, or otherwise communicate graphically in a manner that allows students adequate access to the academic material. Alternative methods may be used for graphic communication.

4. Ability to use computer software as a research and instructional tool, both inside and outside the classroom.

5. Ability to travel to professional meetings and conferences as necessary. A substitute faculty member may be employed for this purpose.

6. Knowledge of the field of study that is sufficiently broad to teach all of the basic courses in the discipline. Sufficient depth of knowledge to teach almost all upper division courses.

7. Ability to use the telephone and email for communication or to use alternative methods for effective communication.

8. Ability to grade students' exams, term papers, reports, computer work, and other in-class and outside assignments.

9. Skills in sophisticated computer use and an ability to assist students in computer literacy in the field.

10. Ability to meet classes on schedule for the entire time period and to carry out assignments in a prompt and timely fashion.

11. Skill in interpersonal communications sufficient to interact effectively with students, colleagues, and administrators.

12. Skill in reading, analyzing, summarizing, and in other ways comprehending and utilizing written academic material.

13. Ability to write effectively in internal college communications, in interaction with outside constituencies, and in preparing scholarly and professional material.

HOURS

Classes are generally held during the day, but all faculty occasionally teach an evening course or laboratory. Faculty are required to meet all classes as scheduled and to keep regular business office hours at times that are mutually convenient for the student and instructor.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

1. EDUCATION: Ph.D. degree in an appropriate area of Computer Science or related field.

2. TEACHING ABILITY: Must have the ability to communicate course material lucidly and interestingly to undergraduate and graduate students, and to generate an atmosphere conducive to learning.

3. EXPERIENCE: Prior teaching and/or applicable professional experience is desirable.

4. LANGUAGE SKILS: The ability to read, write, speak standard English.

5. AREA OF EXPERTISE: Computer Science, as per position advertisement.

6. COLLEGE MISSION: Must be willing to support College Mission and the goals of the Mathematics and Computer Sciences Department and the School of Arts and Sciences.

Appendix C

SAMPLE POSITION ADVERTISEMENTS

1. FACULTY POSITION

Washington & Lee University

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Washington & Lee University is seeking applications for a new, non-tenure track faculty position in Electrical and Computer Engineering. The primary functions of this position will be teaching and departmental administration. The person will also serve as the Assistant Chair of the Department.

Teaching responsibilities will include instruction in one or more of the following areas: circuit theory, computer engineering, communication/information technology, and semiconductors. The academic administration function will include such responsibilities as undergraduate and graduate student advising, communicating with and advising prospective students, acting as liaison between the department and higher levels of administration regarding decisions on admission and transfer credit for graduate students and awards of graduate fellowships and assistantships, and coordination of departmental awards. The person in this position will also chair the Graduate Committee of the Department.

A Ph.D. in electrical or computer engineering or related field is preferred, but a minimum of a master’s degree is required. Demonstrated abilities to teach electrical and computer engineering subjects, to interact effectively with professionals and the general public, and to develop a good rapport with students in need of personal attention are required. Salary and academic rank will depend on qualifications.

Founded in 1749, Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, Virginia, and is a private institution comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law. The College of Arts and Sciences offers a traditional liberal arts education in a residential setting to a student body of approximately 1675, while the student body of the School of Law is approximately 300. For more information on the University, visit our website at www.wlu.edu.

Persons wishing to apply should send a letter of interest (including the candidate’s philosophy regarding the teaching of engineering in a liberal arts environment), a current resume, and the names and contact information for three references to: [complete name, title, address, phone, email.] Review of applications will begin on [date] and will continue until the position is filled. Washington & Lee University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

2. STAFF POSITION

Washington & Lee University

Assistant Director of Admissions

This full-time, twelve-month position serves as a member of the Admissions Office Undergraduate Marketing, Recruitment, and Enrollment Team. Shares general recruitment and enrollment responsibilities with other members of the Team, managing assigned resident and non-resident recruitment segments/territories. Is specifically responsible for managing and implementing the Admissions Office Black Issues Forum, a summer leadership program for high school juniors that examines issues affecting the African-American community. Also responsible for PRIDE Weekend, an orientation and advising program for ethnic and racially diverse students. Position requires extensive domestic travel.

Bachelor’s degree required, though Master’s preferred. Must have demonstrated success in working with high school and college-age students and with ethnically and racially diverse populations, including program development and implementation. Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to make dynamic public presentations as an ambassador for Washington and Lee University. Minimum of three years’ professional admissions counseling or related experience required. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Send letter of interest, current resume, and the names and contact information of three references to: [name, title, address, phone, email of contact person]. Applications should be received by [date] and screening will continue until the position is filled. Starting date is _______ or soon thereafter. Washington & Lee University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

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Appendix D

Dear _______:

Dr. John Jones is a finalist in our search to fill the position of ____________ at this college. He has given us your name as one who can comment on his qualifications and experience.

A description of the position is enclosed. We would appreciate a letter from you that addresses Dr. Jones’ qualifications and ability to perform the duties outlined in the position description. It will also be helpful if you can indicate in what capacity you have known Dr. Jones. The Search Committee will be reviewing recommendations on ______________ (date) so your early reply will be helpful.

Sincerely,

_________________________

Personnel Officer

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