Director for Student Empowerment

Saint Mary's College • Notre Dame, IN

2h

About The Position

The Director for Student Empowerment leads Saint Mary’s College’s Office for Student Empowerment (OSE), advancing student success by supporting first-generation and limited-income students and helping them feel connected, supported, and empowered. The role oversees student advising, emergency and donor-supported funds, programming, assessment, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement.

The Director provides strategic direction for the Kessler Scholars Program, which offers financial, academic, professional, and personal support to help first-generation students navigate their undergraduate experience with a strong sense of belonging and purpose. The position supervises the Assistant Director for Student Empowerment and First-Generation Programs, student workers, and a summer student intern. It also collaborates with campus partners, alumnae, donors, and community organizations to advance student success.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Five or more years of demonstrated successful experience in higher education, student services, or multicultural services.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of best practices and emerging trends related to student belonging and support for first-generation and limited-income students.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and provide guidance on confidential and sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated experience implementing successful programs and strategies on a college campus.
• Ability to establish and maintain community partnerships and professional working relationships.
• Experience developing, implementing, and assessing program effectiveness.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills, including budget management, outcomes assessment, supervision, event planning, and follow-up.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish or another language.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Office for Student Empowerment.
• Oversee student advising, emergency and donor-supported funds, programming, assessment, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement.
• Provide strategic direction for the Kessler Scholars Program.
• Supervise the Assistant Director for Student Empowerment and First-Generation Programs, student workers, and a summer student intern.
• Collaborate with campus partners, alumnae, donors, and community organizations to advance student success.

What This Job Offers

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