Full Time Dissertation Supervisor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location : St. Davids
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1149
Department: PhD in Organizational Leadership - (College of Business & Leadership)
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.
Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university's main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern's core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.
Position Description
To support the Program Chair with primary responsibilities in program administration, financial management, PhD program event coordination at multi-sites, maintenance of administrative records, communication management, and grant management; to provide timely and excellent customer service to students, faculty, and other PhD community; to participate in strategic planning for the PhD program; to supervise part-time staff; and to liaison Eastern and other professional communities
Position Responsibilities
A. Administration: Support and independently fulfill administrative functions and interface with the appropriate Eastern offices. Some tasks include:

1. Managing the finance for purchasing and reimbursements & contract processing
2. Coordinating the development, update, and dissemination of program-related materials (e.g., academic, administrative, grant, handbooks, website, catalog, etc.) & participating in the program's strategic planning
3. Communicating and collaborating with the Chair and stakeholders on the day-to-day administration, planning, evaluation, and problem-solving efforts, all the while maintaining positive working relationship with other Eastern University support services

B. PhD Program Event Coordination: Coordinate all program activities (e.g., residencies, graduation receptions, department meetings, worship events, retreats, Board of Fellows events, etc.). Some tasks include:

1. Planning and managing instructional residencies and other PhD events (e.g., facility scheduling, food, programming, notifying, etc.)
2. Troubleshooting faculty and student concerns; assisting guest speakers and adjunct faculty with travel and accommodations
3. Creating an environment of hospitality with excellent customer service mindset

C. Maintenance of Administrative Records: Effectively organize and maintain records on the program, faculty, and students. Some tasks include:

1. Maintaining the records of the curriculum, syllabi, course evaluation, etc. accurately and in a timely manner; and updating Brightspace courses and shared files such as PhD Student Resources, PhD Faculty Resources, Comprehensive Exams, Dissertations, etc.
2. Maintaining the records of department documents, such as the covenants, contracts, and other records for faculty and dissertation committee members
3. Keeping the financial records of purchasing and reimbursements accurately and completely

D. Student Services: Provide academic and other necessary services to students. Some tasks include:

1. Coordinating and supporting students regarding the comprehensive exam, portfolio process, and dissertation-related events
2. Providing other academic services to students
3. Advocating students' interests to other University offices

E. Faculty & Dissertation Committee Support: Provide support to the faculty functions. Some tasks include:

1. Supporting the faculty meetings (e.g., facility, food, minutes, etc.)
2. Supporting the faculty's management with research, instruction, presentation, and grant writing; assisting the Chair in providing financial and other support to the faculty
3. Supporting the faculty's instructional needs during residencies and other Zoom sessions; and the dissertation committees' needs

F. Coordination with Other On-campus Offices: Coordinate with the PhD recruitment specialist and other university offices. Some tasks include:

1. Coordinating with the PhD Recruitment Specialist to facilitate the PhD recruitment process annually
2. Coordinating with the College of Business and Leadership administration on PhD matters.
3. Contracting, supervising, and mentoring to student assistants as needed

Status: Staff, full-time, salaried, exempt, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
About Eastern University
Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.
Background Checks
Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.
Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances:
1) Affidavit;
2) FBI Criminal Record Check;
3) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and;
4) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.
In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment. Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.
Description Disclaimer
This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.
For all positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time faculty and staff including healthcare coverage, retirement plan contributions, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, tuition remission and tuition exchange participation as well as an extensive holiday, summer hours and paid time off leave schedule.
Part-time Regular staff who are scheduled 30-36 hours per week over the course of a year, receive a full benefit package based on their part-time scheduled hours. Healthcare coverage is based on the ACA medical coverage guidelines. Affiliate faculty receive a benefit package as outlined with their covenant. Adjunct faculty may be eligible for medical coverage under the ACA after an annual one year lookback review.
Part-time staff who are scheduled to work less than 30 hours per week schedule are eligible for employer contribution towards the retirement plan after one year of employment. Eligibility rules apply. Adjunct faculty may make employee deferral contributions towards the retirement plan.
Part-Time Graduate Assistant Coaches are eligible for participation in the Tuition Remission Coaches Program.
Temporary, Contractors and Seasonal Employees: Individuals in this status are scheduled on an as-needed-basis and are not eligible for participation in the University's benefits programs.
Detailed information regarding our benefits program and eligibility is provided once hired or you can contact Human Resources with any questions.