Director of MSS

University of Wisconsin Stout•Menomonie, WI

About The Position

The Director provides strategic leadership for Multicultural Student Services (MSS) and is responsible for advancing student access, belonging, persistence, and success. This position sets vision and direction for MSS programs and services; leads program development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement; and ensures services are responsive to student needs and aligned with institutional priorities. The Director provides budget and operational oversight, supervises and develops professional staff, and cultivates strong campus and community partnerships that strengthen student outcomes. The position also oversees the Stoutward Bound Program (SWB), ensuring coordination with broader student success initiatives. This position reports to the Executive Director of Student Opportunity and Excellence (OSOE).

Requirements

Master’s degree in education, student affairs administration, counseling, higher education, or a related field.
At least three (3) years of professional experience in the following areas: Supervision, coaching, and evaluation of staff, including management of budget and resource oversight
Advising or supporting students with academic resources, financial literacy, goal setting, career development, personal development, or related success needs
Management or leadership of programs that enhance student access, belonging, persistence, and graduation
Program development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement
Experience working with individuals from varied backgrounds, experiences, and educational pathways.
Experience with college transition programs, bridge programs, living-learning communities, cohort-based support programs, or similar student success initiatives.
Knowledge of evidence-informed retention, persistence, and student success strategies.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience preferred in the following areas: Supervision, coaching, and evaluation of staff, including management of budget and resource oversight
Advising or supporting students with academic resources, financial literacy, goal setting, career development, personal development, or related success needs
Management or leadership of programs that enhance student access, belonging, persistence, and graduation
Program development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement
Experience developing assessments, analyzing data, and using findings to strengthen programs, services, and student outcomes.
Demonstrated problem-solving, sound judgment, and conflict resolution skills.
Experience with student information systems, student success platforms, or data tools such as PeopleSoft, EAB Navigate, or similar systems.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the MSS office, including oversight of the Stoutward Bound Program.
Lead strategic planning, establish department priorities, and ensure responsible use of financial, operational, and staffing resources.
Manage department budgets ensuring fiscal accountability and alignment with program priorities.
Develop, review, and implement operating procedures that support effective program delivery, administrative operations, assessment, and reporting.
Hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop staff; establish work priorities; conduct performance reviews; and provide coaching, guidance, and corrective action when appropriate.
Direct the development and delivery of programs and services that strengthen college transition, student retention, academic progress, and graduation.
Provide oversight of grants, scholarships, awards, and related reporting processes to ensure accuracy and timely administration.
Maintain data systems and reporting processes to support assessments, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
Serve as a key campus liaison for MSS, advancing partnerships with internal and external stakeholders that support student success and institutional goals.
Build and sustain collaborative relationships across the OSOE unit and campus to strengthen initiatives that support student access, belonging, persistence, and graduation.
Represent MSS on university committees, initiatives, workgroups, and special projects related to student success and campus engagement.
Oversee, assess, and continuously improve MSS programs to ensure effectiveness and alignment with student success outcomes.
Design and implement initiatives that reduce barriers to persistence, promote academic achievement, and foster a strong sense of belonging and connection.
Provide direct student support through advising, mentoring, outreach, and engagement activities that promote academic, cultural, personal, and professional development.
Connect students with campus resources, networks, and opportunities that support persistence, achievement, and well-being.
Facilitate programs and activities that build community, strengthen support networks, and help students successfully navigate university systems.
Use systems such as EAB Navigate and other data tools to monitor student progress, identify needs, assess outcomes, and inform targeted outreach and program improvements.
Support student programs and events, requiring occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.
Remain current on best practices, emerging trends, and effective approaches in student affairs, student success, and culturally responsive student support.
Perform other duties as assigned.