Assistant Director-Student Support and Advocacy

The Assistant Director of Student Support and Advocacy provides vital leadership to the Skidmore College Opportunity Program (OP), a program designed for economically and academically disadvantaged students and a source of student diversity for Skidmore College. The Assistant Director is responsible for managing a case load of high-risk students, formulating and implementing new policy, and providing general support and advocacy for the program, which fosters the retention and success of OP students and supports Skidmore’s Strategic Plan .

Responsibilities:

In this role, the Assistant Director serves as an advisor to high-risk OP students and is responsible for closely monitoring them as they work toward meeting college standards by observing their academic progress, assessing their mental and physical health concerns, and ensuring they have appropriate campus and community supports. Students deemed to be at high-risk include those who are returning from Personal and Medical Leave of Absence and students on academic probation and waiver.

The Assistant Director is also charged with developing and implementing a variety of support and advocacy services for OP students who may be experiencing educational, emotional, and cultural challenges. They are solely responsible for assessing the needs of students and implementing effective programming to support inclusivity and OP students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. The Assistant Director will collaborate with students, campus and community partners to address these needs, making referrals as appropriate. The Assistant Director works independently and reports directly to the Director.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must be committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, access, and success, have a strong understanding of issues related to underrepresented students in higher education, and be familiar with best practices for ensuring the success and retention of underrepresented students. Demonstrated experience with developing and implementing student programming and psychological assessment, intervention, and crisis management required. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, analytical, and customer service skills are necessary. The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively as part of a team, be self-directed, flexible, and effective in a fast-paced atmosphere.

Education:

Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field is required, Ph.D./PsyD preferred, with a minimum of four years of professional experience in higher education. Experience with advising undergraduate students from underrepresented populations and familiarity with college access and/or opportunity programs is highly desirable.

Required documents needed to apply:

• On-line application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Three References

Pay Range: Commensurate with experience

In order to prevent or significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at Skidmore College and protect all members of the College community from infection, successful candidates will be required to submit proof of full vaccination as a condition of employment, unless exempted as a reasonable accommodation of a medical condition or sincerely religious belief or practice.

EEO STATEMENT

Skidmore College is committed to being an inclusive campus community and, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, familial status, dating violence, or stalking, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Employment at Skidmore College is contingent upon an acceptable background check result.

CREATIVE THOUGHT MATTERS.