Assistant Director of Basic Needs Security

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Basic Needs Security leads one of the four core pillars of Student Care & Advocacy, basic needs security, within a broader team dedicated to supporting students navigating unexpected challenges. This role develops and coordinates a comprehensive, campus-wide strategy to address essential needs, including food, housing, healthcare, and transportation, while building strong partnerships across the University and community to streamline referrals and address service gaps. The position guides case managers and campus partners while also delivering direct case management support as needed. Additionally, it fosters student engagement and leadership through advising Students United Against Poverty and collaborating with student organizations working to address basic needs.

Requirements

• Master's Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree is preferred, along with experience in social work, case management, student affairs, human services, crisis intervention, or a related field.
• Candidates should demonstrate leadership skills, a commitment to equity and student support, and the ability to navigate both direct service and programmatic responsibilities within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead one of the four pillars of Student Care & Advocacy by developing and advancing a comprehensive, campus-wide basic needs strategy aligned with divisional priorities.
• Co-chair the Basic Needs Collaborative within the broader University basic needs framework, working in coordination with the Basic Needs Leadership Council, and partner closely with the Campus–Community Alliance, led by a fellow Assistant Director, to strengthen cross-sector collaboration.
• Build and sustain relationships with University stakeholders and community providers to streamline referrals, expand resources, and address service gaps for students.
• Oversee and continue to develop emergency support programs and key basic needs initiatives, including the Student Emergency Fund, Emergency Dining Dollars, meal plan scholarships, and other direct assistance efforts.
• Ensure effective coordination, implementation, and ongoing refinement of programs to meet evolving student needs.
• Monitor and triage incoming referrals, create and assign cases, and provide direct case management for complex student situations.
• Ensure effective coordination of care across systems while working collaboratively with other Student Care & Advocacy pillars and providing team-based support as needed.
• Serve on Student Affairs on-call rotation.
• Provide guidance, training, and consultation to case managers and campus partners to ensure consistent, effective support for students with basic needs concerns.
• Advise Students United Against Poverty and collaborate with student leaders to advance basic needs initiatives.
• Oversee the intern program and support the development of student employees involved in basic needs efforts.
• Partner with Student Affairs Development to support fundraising and stewardship efforts.
• Oversee and manage funds that support basic needs programs, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and aligned with program priorities.
• Lead efforts related to data collection, assessment, and communication to inform decision-making, demonstrate impact, and increase awareness of available resources.

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level