Assistant Director/Academic Counselor, EOF

William Paterson University invites applications for the 12-month grant funded full-time position of Assistant Director/Academic Counselor for the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program.

Reporting to the Executive Director Academic Achievement and EOF, the Assistant Director/Counselor, EOF will work with a team of individuals dedicated to supporting the EOF mission of access, academic support and pursuit of academic and professional development.

This will be achieved by providing a caseload of approximately 150 students with comprehensive individual and group counseling, including but not limited to academic, financial, personal, career, leadership development and by monitoring student performance and progress and making referrals to appropriate support units that develop and maintain robust links with faculty and staff.

Department overview:

The Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) at William Paterson University values student engagement and participation in their own success. Along with the students and faculty, the EOF program helps make a college education possible for students who require academic and financial support. The student centered community we create enhances the intellectual and cultural experience, motivates and supports resilience, and aids in student retention and graduation.

The EOF Program, along with William Paterson University, celebrates diversity and equity by actively focusing on expanding opportunities for all students regardless of ethnic background, religion, values, differences, ability, or disability. For more information please visit: https://www.wpunj.edu/eof/index.html

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop programs tailored to student needs; serve as advocate for EOF student cohort with faculty; provide crisis intervention as needed
• Encourage personal growth and skill development within specific cohorts such as males, athletes, and first generation college students by developing and promoting academic activities and programs that empower, engage, and improve student achievement
• Provide support, services, and retention focused programs for nearly 150 EOF students that include, but are not limited to individual and group counseling, and academic advisement
• Assist the Executive Director in the strategic planning of departmental initiatives that positively impact the efficiency and effective operation of the EOF program
• Develop strategies, and coordinate the admission and recruitment process for prospective first year EOF students by conducting interviews, making high school visits, attending open houses, and making presentation and reviewing financial documentation for state eligibility
• Conduct relevant research, gather critical assessment and student progress data, assist in report preparation, and assist with developing academic year academic programs and summer workshops
• Participate in related institutional initiatives as needed

Required qulifications:

• Master's Degree in Higher Education, Administration, Counselor Education, Counseling or related field
• Two or more years of professional counseling and/or advising experience in higher education or related setting
• Experience conceptualizing and implementing cohort specific retention programs
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid criteria and document tracking
• Experience working with diverse populations; multicultural, underserved populations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with all levels in the organization, and to think creatively and critically
• Ability to work flexible hours which could include selected evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
• Possess a valid driver's license for local travel when needed

Preferred qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in working with probation students and the implementation of programs which aid in student retention
• Demonstrated ability to utilize technology in the delivery of student programs and assessment
• Working knowledge of Ellucian's Banner Student information system and Degree Works
• Knowledge of the purpose and function of state funded opportunity programs
• Knowledge of rules and regulations pertaining to Educational Opportunity Fund programs
• EOF recruitment and admission coordination experience
• Familiarity of financial aid criteria and document tracking,
• Teaching experience

Personal attributes and traits:

• Capable of organizing other in such a way that demonstrates ethical leadership, inspires trust, and motivates people toward a common goal
• Ability to analyze what is being said and devise mutually beneficial innovate and creative solutions that fall within defined regulations, processes, and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral format
• Capable of understanding and relating to individuals from a demographic different from your own
• Demonstrated desire and commitment to help others expand their talents and potential
• Capable of understanding, managing, and addressing competing wants and needs in a fast-paced, team oriented, diverse environment

Invitation to apply:

Please click to apply for the position

Interested candidates will be prompted to:

• Complete an application
• Submit a cover letter & CV
• Provide names/contacts of three professional references.

Submission of all documents listed above is required forconsideration.

Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. General questions related to this search process, please contact talent@wpunj.edu

About William Paterson:

William Paterson University is the third most diverse public university in New Jersey. As a longstanding member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), we have been designated by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. William Paterson University is also proud to be designated as a NASA MSI (Minority Serving Institution). The University offers more than 250 undergraduate and graduate academic programs that range from liberal arts and sciences to pre-professional and professional programs; it enrolls nearly 10,000 students from across the country and from over 40 nations. The University is situated on a beautiful, 380-acre suburban campus in Wayne, New Jersey, just twenty miles west of New York City.

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