The Director of Student Support Services provides leadership for the College’s new, five-year Student Support Services (TRIO) grant in accordance with U.S. Department of Education and College regulations.  Student Support Services is a comprehensive academic and personal support program that aims to increase retention and graduation rates among students who are first-generation, low-income, or have a disability. The program provides academic and personal support services, including tutoring, academic advising, career counseling, financial literacy, post-graduate preparation, and mentorship services. 

Reporting to the Dean of Students, the Director develops and implements strategies that support student learning and success; recommends changes in policy and practice to better serve students; and advocates for individual students facing institutional conflicts.  The Director oversees the recruitment and selection of eligible students along with data collection for monitoring and tracking participant progress and program outcomes.  The Director is responsible for preparing fiscal and technical reports for the U.S. Department of Education and Wells College and for effective project evaluation.    

The Director hires, trains, and supervises program personnel and provides for their professional development.  He/she approves expenditures, maintains budget control, and is responsible for the appropriate use of grant funds. The Director provides intrusive academic advising, financial aid advising, and mentoring for a caseload of students and partners with faculty and other student service offices to support student retention, learning and academic success. 

The Director is an integral member of the Student Affairs division, providing operational support for programs and services under a cross-functional team strategy.  The Director collaborates with Student Affairs staff in the development of student support strategies aimed at increasing student retention; conducts workshops on topics supporting student success; supervises student office staff and student events, as assigned; responds to inquiries from students, faculty, staff, parents, and members of the community; serves on College committees and task forces; and performs other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required:   Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, education or related field; minimum two years’ experience working with disadvantaged youths and the administration of TRIO-related educational programs serving low-income and first-generation students; excellent written/oral communication skills; experience with program evaluation, written reports; sensitivity to/understanding of multicultural needs and characteristics of the target population.  

Preferred:   Demonstrated ability to cultivate positive relationships with students and student organizations.  Commitment to diversity and inclusivity.  Effective leadership and management skills, including interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills. Ability to coordinate programs with other college departments and to assess program effectiveness.  Effective verbal and written communication skills, computer skills, presentation and training skills.   Ability to work independently with little supervision.  Knowledge of budget preparation and management.  Experience with personnel supervision.