Category: Professional/Executive Subscribe: Department: CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS AND ENGAGEMENT Locations: Westfield, MA Posted: Feb 17, 2023 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-time Position ID: 159269 Share

About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Horace Mann founded Westfield State University as the first public higher education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. Westfield State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other protected persons, or individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Westfield State is the most residential of the state universities in Massachusetts, with over 60% of our 5600 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Northampton and Amherst, and 1.5 hours from both Boston and Albany.

Job Description:

Campus Title: Assistant Director, Urban Education Program
State Job Title: Assistant Director
Department: Center for Student Success and Engagement 
Job Code: HA6600
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7115-0100
Bargaining Unit: APA
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent 
Timeframe: 52 weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday, 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: The Assistant Director reports to the Executive Director for Student Success and Engagement.
Supervision Exercised: Academic Advisors, Peer Leaders.
Salary: $65,000-$70,000 (To commensurate with education and experience)

General Statement of Duties: The Assistant Director works independently and collaboratively to provide a broad array of programs and services to meet the individual needs of academically at-risk students.  The Assistant Director will oversee the administrative programs and services for specific populations, and serve as an advising resource.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• Plan, monitor, implement and evaluate programs and services designed to meet the personal and academic advising needs of at-risk students.
• Oversee the development of academic retention initiatives and programs for students, including assistance for those on academic probation and academic failure.
• Participate in new student orientation and related programs.
• Prepare periodic reports, as necessary or requested, on programs, services, utilization, outcomes and accomplishments of the program.
• Assist the Executive Director in developing, implementing and evaluating departmental goals and objectives based upon the needs of the department and the strategic goals of the University.
• Provide information about program services and requirements to prospective students, University administration, faculty and staff, parents, and high school teachers/counselors; participate in University and program recruitment and admissions processes.
• Maintain educational summaries for annual caseload of new and continuing program students; assess the learning strengths and weaknesses of individual students; develop individualized plans detailing personal learning strategies.
• Monitor student progress and serve as academic advisor for student caseload; teach strategies related to organization, time management, and effective studying in all disciplines.  Monitor students on academic probation.
• Consult University professionals to develop and implement educational services needed for student success; respond to students to provide or refer for academic, tutorial and personal supports as needed, and collaborate with related program services and personnel.
• Assist in the coordination of student leadership initiatives.
• Assist with various components of the summer program logistics, including facilities, food services, public safety, residential life, conference services, health services, new student orientation, and the campus card office.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications: 

• A Master's degree in the field of counseling, social work or closely related field.
• A minimum of two years' experience in higher education related services.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Skills at developing and delivering professional presentations and workshops.
• Working knowledge of common computer applications.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with students, faculty, staff and the public.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, within a team.
• Knowledge of higher education principles, practices and procedures.

Additional Information:

Salary:
For the majority of new employees, the minimum starting salary will apply. Specific salary for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining and state policies and procedures.

State job specifications for this position may be found at the department of higher education website: http://www.mass.edu/foremployees/classificationspecs/classspecs-pers.asp

Disability Accommodations:
Westfield State University understands that persons with disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance regarding disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (413) 572-8106.

Background Check:
Employment at Westfield State University is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the University. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.

Application Instructions:

An on-line application is required. The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references *
• Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree

* Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application. 

Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected. 

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.

Covid-19 Requirements:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to complete an initial series of COVID vaccination (2 doses of Pfizer/Moderna or 1 dose of J&J) prior to coming to campus. Initial booster doses are strongly encouraged for everyone who is eligible. New employees will be required to provide proof of vaccination to Human Resources prior to onboarding. Employees who require a medical or religious exemption should email Tina Bones, Benefits Manager in Human Resources, at lbones@westfield.ma.edu.