Assistant Director of Student Engagement, Thompson Scholars Learning Community

Job Description or Duties: 

The Thompson Scholars Learning Community is seeking an Assistant Director of Student Engagement. The TSLC Assistant Director of Student Engagement plays an integral role in helping Thompson Scholars succeed at UNK. The TSLC Assistant Director of Student Engagement plays an integral role in helping Thompson Scholars succeed at UNK. 

Design and implement intentional, effective programs for the Thompson Scholars Learning Community

This Assistant Director of Student Engagement must have a strong commitment to student access, inclusivity, and achievement, and be willing to advocate for at-promise students who receive the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship. Thorough work in welcoming/knowing individual students, building community amongst students, and delivering individualized attention that leads to students reaching educational goals/graduation is expected. Commitment to the program mission, vision, and goals alongside the institutional mission is imperative. Knowledge of current higher education best practices, policies, and procedures is necessary. The Assistant Director of Student Engagement must possess excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Must be able to use independent judgement, initiative, organization, creativity, flexibility, and technology skills on a regular and on-going basis with a focus on student success.

Design and implement intentional, effective programs for the Thompson Scholars Learning Community
· Plan, implement, and assess fall and spring orientations for incoming TSLC 1st year, 2nd year, and transfer students
· Plan, implement, and assess TSLC programs (academic, social, educational) with campus and community partners, including community dinners and community conversations.
· Plan for and effectively utilize a budget for co-curricular programming on an annual basis
· Collaboratively plan for and update the program expectations for students on an annual basis
· Document student events and attendance using a management information system, databases, and reports
Demonstrated use of decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Must be able to organize and manage multiple projects and tasks autonomously and meet deadlines with accuracy.

Assist with operations related to departmental and academic procedures/processes and the assessment of student and program success
Ability to interact positively & ethically with students and professionals in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
· Manage the transfer student experience for TSLC, including initial communication to students, transfer days, and all first semester expectations
· Collaboratively plan, teach and evaluate the LNSK 117 course for Thompson Scholars during the fall term
· Track completion rates of 1st, 2nd, and transfer student expectations using databases and reports
· Supervise the Undergraduate Assistant and accurately record student events and expectations as reported by the Undergraduate Assistant
· Partner with TSLC professional staff to create and carry out assessments using statistical software, Qualtrics, and other assessment tools to measure student learning and growth related to TSLC
· Contribute to production of TSLC annual report
· Aid with program assessment as needed by the Buffett Foundation, NU Administration and/or the University of Nebraska at Kearney
· Utilize a Management Information System and WebFocus reports for tracking
· Manage data entry on PeopleSoft for the THOM and TSR groups in a timely and accurate fashion
· Maintain individual and departmental calendars, arrange meetings, and appointments
· Contribute positively to the office mission and goals in a teamwork environment; assist with the daily operations of the TSLC Office
· Help with the planning and implementation of mentor training and meetings
· Assist with the development of the monthly newsletter to TSLC students
· Collaborate with TSLC staff members on the development and updates of program policies and procedures
· Attend weekly TSLC staff meetings and regional Thompson Scholar Program meetings
· Update TSLC social media platforms to build community and communicate directly with cohorts scholars
· Assist with the hiring processes as requested by supervisor
· Attend campus trainings relevant to roles and responsibilities
· Know the expectations of the Thompson Scholars Learning Community (TSLC) Program & Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship
· Manage confidential information appropriately, and act with ethics and integrity
· Participate in professional development activities by attending workshops, conferences, reading pertinent journals/literature, maintaining professional networks, etc.
· Serve on departmental and/or University committees

Support Thompson Scholars to reach their educational and personal goals

• Conduct meetings with students and document student contacts and interactions
• Meet regularly with Thompson Scholars on academic intervention to help them develop academic success plans
• Advise Thompson Scholar students for academic and personal success at UNK
• Assist Thompson Scholar students with needs such as recommendation letters and reference checks
• Monitor student academic progress and make interventions within established guidelines, including UNK academic alerts
• Fulfill advocacy role for Thompson Scholars when appropriate
• Develop familiarity with UNK and community resources, and refer Thompson Scholars to those resources
• Collaborate regularly with other academic affairs, student affairs, and enrollment management departments to serve Thompson Scholars
• Consult supervisor about difficult or unique situations that may require a referral to appropriate campus or community services

Required Qualifications:   Master’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs, educational leadership or related field. Desire to help at-promise, diverse, and/or first-generation students achieve their educational and personal goals.1-2 years of experience with a higher education department with demonstrated skills in collaborative, student-focused operations. 1-2 years of experience with collegiate level program planning and implementation. Experience leading presentations/workshops/ classrooms in the higher education setting. Demonstrated experience with technology systems for managing student information and learning management in higher education. Experience with data entry, generating reports, and database management. Demonstrated use of oral and written communication, listening, and interpersonal skills. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must be willing to work some nights and weekends

Preferred Qualifications:  Two or more years of professional experience working in a higher education department. 1-2 years of professional experience helping at-promise, diverse, and/or first-generation students transition to college and achieve their educational and personal goals 1-2+ years of teaching experience in the collegiate setting. Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum design and collegiate academic success skills. Demonstrated experience with higher education academic advising. Experience with training and supervising professional staff, graduate assistants, or student staff members. Experience with assessment planning, implementation, and analysis. Experience planning and maintaining a budget on an annual basis. Shows commitment to continuing professional development and best practices for higher education and student services. Experience with the Thompson Scholars Learning Community programs or other learning communities. Bilingual in English and Spanish.

HOW TO APPLY: To ensure full consideration, please submit all application materials before review date May 4, 2022. For more information and to apply visit UNK Employment Opportunities. For more information about the position contact: Jen Harvey  at harveyjj@unk.edu. For more information about the online application process contact: 308-865-8516 or employment@unk.edu.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:  With contingent offer of employment, the University of Nebraska will conduct an investigation of employment records, educational records, criminal records, and other records to verify the information provided in your application and/or any additional information you have provided is accurate.  Salaries at the University of Nebraska at Kearney are competitive.  The University provides a flexible benefits program at minimal cost to the employee. NuFlex benefit choices include a Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Program, Vision Care, Dental Plan, LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, and Reimbursement Accounts for Health and Dependent Care.  The Employee and Dependent Scholarship program is also available to eligible employees.  Basic Retirement Plan options include TIAA and Fidelity.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney, serving over 6,200 students, is one of four University of Nebraska campuses. Established in 1905, the University has a tradition of emphasis in scholarly teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a variety of disciplines. Kearney, a progressive city of over 33,000, is the educational, medical, cultural, commercial, and agricultural center of a large mid-state area. http://www.unk.edu/

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is responsive to University issues which support a diverse work and academic environment.  The University of Nebraska at Kearney does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. This policy is applicable to all University administered programs including educational programs, financial aid, admission policies and employment policies.  UNK is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity employer. Veterans and persons with disabilities encouraged to apply. The University affirms a policy of equal educational and employment opportunities, affirmative action in employment and nondiscrimination in providing services to the public. University employees, students and others associated with the University who have not received the benefits of these policies, are encouraged to contact the Chief Compliance Officer/ADA Coordinator.

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