Assistant Director, Student Leaves and Returns

Emerson College • Boston, MA

1d

About The Position

Join our community and experience Emerson College! The Assistant Director, Student Leaves and Returns, housed within the Office of the Registrar, is responsible for the coordination, case management, and support of students taking and returning from leaves, transitioning out of, and within Emerson College. This role specializes in managing the Leave of Absence, Return from Leave, Readmission, and Withdrawal processes. The Assistant Director works closely with students, families, and key campus partners to ensure a seamless, student-centered experience during critical academic transitions, aligning with Emerson’s commitment to holistic student success and operational excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 2–3 years of experience supporting student success, advising, or case management in a higher education environment required.
• Experience in handling confidential information with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Strong knowledge of student development, crisis management, or academic advising practices.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; high attention to detail and follow-through.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex processes clearly and empathetically to diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to navigate complex processes, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to working with a diverse and inclusive student body, with strong intercultural competency and a dedication to equity-focused support.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic academic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and database systems.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field preferred.
• Familiarity with student information systems such as Banner, Slate, Maxient, Workday, or similar platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end process for student transitions (Leaves of Absence, Returns, Readmissions, and Withdrawals), coordinating closely with Financial Aid, Student Accounts, and other related offices.
• Ensure compliance with college policies and maintain a sensitive, student-centered approach throughout all transition processes.
• Process and maintain all student leaves of absence, readmissions, and withdrawals accurately within the College's Student Information System.
• Report all withdrawal status changes to the National Student Clearinghouse to ensure institutional compliance with federal enrollment reporting requirements.
• Counsel and advise students and families on leave, withdrawal, and returns, ensuring clear communication and supportive engagement.
• Serve as a case manager and primary point of contact for students on leave and students seeking to return to the College.
• Conduct outreach to students on leave to encourage them to return.
• Collaborate with academic departments, Academic Advising, Student Care & Support, Student Accessibility Services, Student Financial Services, and other campus stakeholders to coordinate holistic support for students navigating transitions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student leaves, returns, and transfers; ensure data integrity within student information systems.
• Partner with the Registrar’s Office and Academic Advising staff to align transition processes with academic registration, degree progress tracking, and enrollment data reporting.
• Manage and regularly update resources and information related to leaves, returns, readmissions, including website content and procedural materials.
• Provide training and resources to faculty and staff regarding leave and return processes and best practices for student support.
• Assist with related special projects, data reviews, and process improvements led by the Registrar’s Office and Academic Affairs.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of Academic Affairs and the Registrar’s Office.

Benefits

• In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

What This Job Offers

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