Director of Student Support Services

Mars Hill University is a private, four-year liberal arts institution located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Founded in 1856 by Baptist families of the region, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in western North Carolina on its original site.

Mars Hill University is an academic community rooted in the Christian faith that challenges and equips students to pursue intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth through an education that is grounded in a rigorous study of the Liberal Arts, connected with the world of work, and committed to character development, to service, and to responsible citizenship in the community, the region, and the world.

Summary: Student Life is a robust division that provides students with opportunities for meaningful engagement and transformation in the co-curricular context. Student Support Services (SSS) is housed within the Student Life division. The primary responsibility of the Director for Student Support Services is to manage and oversee the Mars Hill University Student Support Services program.

Physical requirements:

· This job is sedentary in nature. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time performing administrative duties

· Some minor lifting may be required (up to 25 pounds)

· Occasional evening and weekend work may be required

· Infrequent travel may be required

Travel/Time requirements:

· A 40-hour work week is normal, but abnormal hours and evening or weekend work is sometimes required

Essential Responsibilities:

· Write, implement, and review the project proposal

· Utilize technological system LionTrax to track student communication and progress

· Monitor all program components

· Hire, orient, and coordinate program staff

· Supervise and monitor the preparation and submission of Annual Performance Report (APR) to Washington, DC

· Assist and implement the SSS Summer G.O.A.L.S. Program

· Supervise staff and conduct regular staff evaluations

· Carry an advisee case load of approximately 25% of the program participants and perform the following responsibilities:

o conduct program intake with student and set up student's file

o during intake, determine student's service needs and set up accordingly. At this point, students may be referred to the program's academic coordinator and for students with disabilities, academic access packets may be completed

o set up and maintain a bi-monthly contact schedule with advisees

o collect and review with each advisee any mid-semester care reports from faculty

o work with faculty advisor to assist first and second year student advisees and students with disabilities

o assist advisees in schedule planning/early registration

· Maintain an effective electronic budget and budget accountability system

· Coordinate and conduct regular staff meetings

· Help coordinate the project with other university programs, such as the Center for Student Success

· Aid in coordinating student financial aid needs with the financial aid director

· Assist in determining eligibility of student applicants

· Aid Administrative Assistant in maintaining a data system of reporting on all program components and participants

· Submit a monthly work reports sheet to supervisor and Human Resources office

· Assist in chaperoning program’s cultural activities

· Assist, as necessary, and in conjunction with disabilities services coordinator, in proctoring/administering testing/exam accommodations for program students with disabilities

· Serve on university committees and councils

· Attend appropriate professional meetings and workshops

· Assist in publicizing the program to the university and to prospective program participants

· Act as liaison for the program within the university community

Qualifications:

· A master’s degree in education or in a related field required; doctoral degree preferred

· At least five years of experience working with disadvantaged youth

· Minimum of three years administrative, personnel management, and budgetary experience

· Knowledge of higher education, student life, and student development

· Ability to work well with a diverse population

· Ability to work congruently within the mission of the university, division and department

· Excellent communication skills (ability to clearly express ideas and concepts orally and in writing) required

· Strong commitment to the values of diversity and human compassion

· Commitment to the academic achievement and personal development of college students, including the understanding of student success initiatives such as first-year experience programs

· Successful completion of an employment and/or criminal history background check required

· Persons with disabilities and/or persons from first-generation and low-income backgrounds are encouraged to apply

This job description shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, the above duties. May temporarily perform other duties assigned to maintain operations and services.

NOTE: The Student Support Services Program is grant funded. All staff positions are contingent upon continued funding.