Director of Transitions Program

Vassar College

Director of Transitions Program

Department: Student Growth and Engagement
Duration of Position: Full year / Full time
Work Schedule:
Employee Type: Administrator
Posting Date: 05/13/2021
Union Representation: Not Applicable
Posting Number: AS066P
Pay Rate:

About Vassar College
Located in the scenic Mid-Hudson Valley, Vassar College is a highly selective, residential, coeducational liberal arts college. Vassar is deeply committed to fostering a community that reflects the values of a liberal arts education and to promoting an environment of equality, diversity and inclusiveness. Vassar seeks to create a pluralistic community for all staff, faculty and students. Vassar College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer, and applications from women, individuals with disabilities and members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged. Vassar College is a smoke-free, tobacco-free campus.

Position Summary and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Associate Dean of the College for Student Growth and Engagement, the Director of Transitions Program directs the Transitions Program. Transitions is a comprehensive, four-year program for first-generation, low income, and/or undocumented students. Transitions maximizes student success at Vassar from matriculation to graduation through numerous initiatives and programming, such as the Foundations Pre-Orientation Program; events that facilitate networking and mentoring relationships; events that foster community ties and relationships; and providing students with leadership opportunities. The Director is responsible for leadership, planning, and overall management of Transitions programs and initiatives. This position is responsible for short and long-term planning and implementation including, but not limited to, writing grants and reports; implementing and enforcing policies and practices; staff hiring, training, and management. Evening and occasional weekend assignments are expected.

Program Duties:

• Plan and oversee the yearly Foundations pre-orientation program held prior to the college-wide new student orientation.
  
• Oversee the Transitions Living Room and Transitions Library.
  
• Select, train, and supervise student leaders for Transitions mentoring programs.
  
• Assist in selection and supervise shared (with the ALANA Cultural Center) Presidential Administrative Fellow.
  
• Advise students and link them to campus resources to advance their undergraduate scholarly pursuits and post-Baccalaureate planning.
  
• Build networks with faculty, administrative offices (e.g. Admissions, Student Financial Services, Student Employment), and academic departments to advocate for and serve the needs of students.
  
• Support the co-curricular life of Transitions students and assist with campus-wide initiatives that actualize and support the college's diversity and inclusion efforts.
  
• Liaise with the Transitions Research Team of faculty and transitions students.
  
• Work with the Community Engaged Learning office to foster connections between Transitions and community organizations.
  
• Coordinate with relevant summer programs including the Posse Program, Diving into Research, Ford Scholars, Exploring College, etc. to provide summer opportunities for students.
  
• Develop and administer the Transitions Program budget.
  
• Prepare written reports, presentations, campus communications, marketing strategies, follow-through, and outreach.
  
• Develop and implement long-range strategic planning for Transitions.

Campus Duties:

• Collaborate with the Student Growth & Engagement areas to support the development of an inclusive and equitable community along with other campus partners.
  
• Serve on appointed College committees as designated by the Associate Dean of the College for Student Growth & Engagement
  
• Represent the needs of Transitions students on relevant college committees and initiatives such as the Engaged Pluralism Initiative and Grand Challenges.
  
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant field is required.
  
• Three to five years leadership experience in student development, higher education management or a related field, including experience working with first generation, low income, and/or undocumented students.
  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a small, diverse, and engaged community. Reflexively and creatively engage with students in an inclusive environment.
  
• Exhibit maturity, flexibility, professionalism and sound judgment.
  
• Bring and cultivate knowledge of issues and concerns pertaining to a diverse undergraduate. population, conduct, Title IX compliance, and awareness of issues particular to a small residential college.
  
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice education, equity, inclusion, and diversity initiatives.
  
• Familiarity with efforts in higher education aimed at the recruitment, support, and retention of first-generation, low income, and/or undocumented students.
  
• Experience with staff supervision, training, and professional development.
  
• Exhibit effective managerial, organizational, communication, interpersonal, collaborative, and mentoring skills.
  
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
  
• Sensitivity and flexibility in dealing with complex problems and situations, and crisis management skills.
  
• Ability to work autonomously and cooperatively within the department and the larger College community.
  
• Demonstrated effectiveness in motivating and working collaboratively in an academic community, including partnering with faculty, administrators, staff, and students.

Special Instructions to Applicants
To complete your on-line application, you will be required to attach your resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references. All attachments must be in PDF format. Review of applications will begin immediately. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources, 845-437-5820.

For full consideration applicants should apply by:

All applicants must apply online at: https://employment.vassar.edu/postings/1914.



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