Executive Director of Support Programs

Position Function:

The Executive Director for the Office of Academic Access and Support serves as an administrative leader to the Vice President of Access, Diversity, and Inclusion. This individual will assist in increasing the access, retention, and success of vulnerable student populations, focusing on their engagement in academic initiatives and co-curricular activities that facilitate student success. The Executive Director will provide direct leadership and oversight to the TRiO Support Program, Promise Program, and THRIVE Program ensuring that students are empowered and prepared to reach their full social, professional and academic pursuits.

Salary Grade : 17

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Area of Specialization:

Executive Director, Office of Academic Access & Support

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Works collaboratively with the Office of Student Success and Division of Student Affairs to develop and implement innovative approaches to enhance student learning, close achievement gaps, and provide a student-centered learning environment.
2. Create, assess, update, and implement a retention and student success plan for TRiO, PROMISE, and THRIVE.
3. Track performance measures, update program database and prepare annual performance report to U.S. Department of Education and MSU administration.
4. Serve as the university contact with the U.S. Department of Education and attend Director’s meetings, seminars and conferences as required.
5. Expand institutional initiatives to support all first-generation college students and Pell eligible students.
6. Evaluate and infuse appropriate technologies and practices for improved communication with students.
7. Facilitates the development of activities, initiatives and programs designed to encourage underrepresented student populations to overcome barriers to postsecondary education.
8. Develop appropriate relationships with key community entities and stakeholders to aid in student success.
9. Develop specific strategies for identifying student challenges and providing intrusive interventions to deal with those challenges.
10. Assist students on a day-to-day basis in solving problems and making referrals when necessary to meet their needs.
11. Report on activities and outcomes; assist with report-writing, assessment, and data collection.
12. Manage the department budget, including developing budget proposals, justifying expenses, and monitoring accounts.
13. Serve on appropriate university committees to represent the interests of vulnerable student populations.
14. Serve on university committees and work collaboratively in key areas to support persistence and graduation initiatives.
15. Other related duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:
Received: Receives supervision from the Assistant Vice President of Access, Diversity, and Inclusion Given: Full supervisory responsibility to professional staff, clerical staff, and student employees

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's Degree

Experience (yrs.):
5-7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Demonstrated knowledge and application of the administration of federally funded TRiO programs
2. Understanding of how social identities impact the experience of college students
3. Awareness of various models for identity-based resource centers
4. Ability to analyze data to create and improve initiatives.
5. Prioritizes tasks and delegates effectively
6. Experience budgeting and managing federal and state grants
7. Ability to lead high-impact initiatives from conception to implementation
8. Knowledge of the educational and support needs of vulnerable students
9. Demonstrated ability to manage/coordinate multiple tasks
10. Independent, self-starter with strong work ethic
11. Excellent verbal and written skills
12. Excellent presentation skills
13. Ability to oversee and direct staff
14. Demonstrated strong commitment to the mission and vision for diversity, inclusion, equity

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
2. Frequent- External imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficulty to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotion issues or stress on a regular basis.
3. Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
4. Ability to occasionally work weekends and long hours.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter and resume.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu .

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.