Assistant Director, Student Advocacy

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

5d • $72,700 - $80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director within the Student Advocacy Center provides operational leadership, complex case management, staff supervision, and strategic consultation to advance student retention, holistic wellness, and degree completion at The Ohio State University. Reporting to the Director, this role manages daily office operations, leads outreach and training efforts, and assumes departmental leadership to ensure continuity of care during peak periods and leadership absences.

Serving as an institutional resource on student advocacy, the Assistant Director manages complex cases involving academic, financial, behavioral, health, and personal challenges. The position collaborates closely with faculty, university departments, and community partners to resolve multifaceted student issues, eliminate systemic administrative barriers, and maintain alignment with federal compliance standards. Additionally, the role supports 24/7 crisis response efforts during student emergencies, represents the center on behavioral intervention and care teams, oversees emergency assistance funds, and directly supervises professional, graduate, and student personnel.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5 years of relevant experience
• Experience in program planning and administration
• Demonstrated skill in working with faculty, staff, and students in an advocacy setting
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Successful completion of a background check

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Education, College Student Personnel, Counseling, Social Work, or related field
• 8 to 12 years of relevant experience
• Experience working with a diverse student population in a large collegiate setting
• 2+ years of supervisory experience
• Extensive knowledge of university policies and procedures
• Ability to analyze and interpret data

Responsibilities

• Provides operational leadership, complex case management, staff supervision, and strategic consultation to advance student retention, holistic wellness, and degree completion.
• Manages daily office operations.
• Leads outreach and training efforts.
• Assumes departmental leadership to ensure continuity of care during peak periods and leadership absences.
• Manages complex cases involving academic, financial, behavioral, health, and personal challenges.
• Collaborates closely with faculty, university departments, and community partners to resolve multifaceted student issues.
• Eliminates systemic administrative barriers.
• Maintains alignment with federal compliance standards.
• Supports 24/7 crisis response efforts during student emergencies.
• Represents the center on behavioral intervention and care teams.
• Oversees emergency assistance funds.
• Directly supervises professional, graduate, and student personnel.

Benefits

• The pay range for this position is $72,700 to $80,000, and will be based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

What This Job Offers

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