Associate Director, Student Advocacy

State of Virginia•Radford, VA

42d•Onsite

About The Position

Using a relational and holistic approach, the Associate Director for Student Advocacy will conduct intake, triage walk-ins, and provide support services to students that are experiencing varying levels of distress. This position will develop positive working relationships with faculty and offices across campus in providing advocacy and facilitating communication with and for students that are navigating complicated situations involving multiple University offices and/or policies. The Associate Director for Student Support will provide ongoing connection and communication with families on behalf of and with their students as appropriate. The Associate Director of Student Support reports to the Associate Dean and supervises Graduate Assistants. This position will assist with case management during high volume periods, serve on an on-call rotation responding to student and campus crisis situations. The Associate Director for Student Support serves on the Behavioral Consultation Team, as well as University and Divisional committees as requested. Working at Radford University provides employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support personal well-being and professional success. As part of the Commonwealth of Virginia system, Radford offers excellent health insurance options, retirement plans, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Employees enjoy generous paid leave, including vacation, sick time, and holidays, along with access to wellness programs and tuition assistance for continued education. The university promotes a collaborative and collegial work environment, with opportunities for career development and a strong sense of campus community. Radford University is a place where employees are appreciated and supported in achieving both personal and professional goals.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience in student advocacy and working with students in high-stress/emotional situations.
Possess skills in de-escalation of conflict and staying calm through crisis situations.
Knowledge of and understanding of the application of student development theories.
Knowledge and understanding of student development assessment and evaluation.
Excellent communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and written) that can be applied across a wide range of constituents.
Ability to work independently as well as serve as a member of an effective work team.
Proficiency working with a computer and the ability to learn and effectively use various software.
Ability to navigate and prioritize competing demands.
Master's degree in Student Affairs, Student Development, Counseling, Social Work or similar degree or equivalent combination of education and 3+ years of related work experience.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience working with college students in and through crisis situations.
Experience developing and delivering outreach and presentations.
Experience with business/office social media promotion and management.
Experience with higher education case management software (Advocate.)
5+ years of direct experience in higher education setting.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake and triage walk-ins
Provide support services to students experiencing varying levels of distress
Develop positive working relationships with faculty and offices across campus
Provide advocacy and facilitate communication for students navigating complicated situations
Provide ongoing connection and communication with families on behalf of students
Supervise Graduate Assistants
Assist with case management during high volume periods
Serve on an on-call rotation responding to student and campus crisis situations
Serve on the Behavioral Consultation Team
Serve on University and Divisional committees as requested