Director, Caroline & Grace Scholars Programs

Mount Mary University•Milwaukee, WI

About The Position

Mount Mary University offers two transformative scholarship programs designed to empower young women with a passion for leadership, academic excellence and social justice. The Caroline Scholars Program is a prestigious four-year scholarship for six first-year, full-time undergraduate students committed to social justice each year. This highly selective program offers rigorous academics, leadership development, service learning and full financial support-including tuition, housing and food. The Grace Scholars Program, supports 20 female high school students from Milwaukee and West Milwaukee each year. Through a group-learning model that fosters community and leadership. Grace Scholars receive academic, professional, and financial support. The award begins by covering 85% of tuition for first-year students and increases up to 95% by junior and senior year. In addition, students receive $6,000 annually toward food and housing, helping ensure they have the resources needed to thrive in college and pursue their career goals. The Director of the Caroline & Grace Scholars Programs at Mount Mary University serves in a full-time, 12-month position and reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. This role is responsible for the development, implementation, and administration of both programs, working to ensure that scholars are provided with academic, personal, and financial support to succeed and fulfill their potential. The Director will also collaborate with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure a holistic and impactful experience for all students.

Requirements

Master's degree in education, Higher Education Administration, Public Service, Social Justice, or a related field.
3-5 years of full-time experience working with diverse student populations, particularly and experience with retention best practices.
Commitment to leadership development, inclusive excellence, and social justice in higher education.
Strong organizational, communication (written and oral), and problem-solving skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, administrators, community stakeholders and funders.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

Academic Programming & Curriculum Development : Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Caroline and Grace Scholars curricula. The programs focus on leadership, social justice, and personal development, aiming to foster critical and creative thinking among students.
Coordinate the Summer Bridge Program for first-year students, ensuring the seamless integration of these students into the University community.
Collaborate with Deans, Chairs, and Faculty to ensure the alignment of curriculum with program goals and to address academic challenges faced by students.
Teach the first-year course "Grace Scholars Seminar: Learning with Purpose" and other program-specific courses as needed.
Teach the "Caroline Scholars Leadership Seminar" and other program specific courses as needed.
Gather feedback from faculty and staff to continuously refine the academic aspects of both programs.
Student Support & Advising : Provide proactive, strengths-based advising to Caroline and Grace Scholars, meeting individually with students to offer guidance, academic support, and mentorship.
Act as an advocate for students, helping them navigate university resources and address challenges related to academics, financial aid, and student affairs.
Work closely with the Admissions Office to recruit incoming cohorts and develop strategies for the retention and persistence of scholars throughout their academic careers.
Provide direct support in financial aid matters and work with the Business Office to ensure students have access to necessary resources.
Partnerships & Community Engagement : Cultivate partnerships with community organizations, corporations, and other stakeholders to increase service-learning opportunities, internships, and mentoring for students.
Coordinate annual events, including student gatherings, celebrations, and alumni activities, ensuring engagement with both current and former scholars.
Administration & Reporting: Manage program budgets, operations, and resources, ensuring effective use of funds, particularly for grant implementation (Burke Foundation and other funding sources).
Prepare and submit all required reports to the Burke Foundation, coordinating with Institutional Research and Donor Relations to gather quantitative and qualitative data.
Supervise program staff, including three Graduate Assistants, two full-time Program Advisors, two student workers, and three mental health counseling interns, ensuring effective program delivery and a supportive work environment.