Director of the John P. Chesick Scholars Program

Haverford College

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of the John P. Chesick Program leads strategic initiatives, co-curricular programming, and student support for Haverford students who are first-generation college students and/or from low-income (FLI) households. The role fosters a welcoming community and provides workshops, mentorship, and developmental experiences that support students’ academic, professional, and personal success. The program engages students from the summer before their first year through graduation, including the Horizons pre-orientation program, faculty mentoring in the students’ first two years, and the Chesick Launch program that prepares juniors and seniors for life after graduation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree
• Five years of progressive experience in educational administration and promoting academic excellence and student success
• Three years of experience managing substantial program budgets, donor and gift fund reporting, assessment, and supervision of teams
• Experience working directly with underrepresented students and research-based knowledge of the structures and practices that promote student thriving, including academic advising and mentoring
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to mentor and facilitate student development through workshops, training, and community building
• Advising and case management skills, including the ability to guide students through complexities, with clarity and empathy
• Demonstrated intercultural competence, sensitivity, and commitment to fostering retention and student success
• Experience in data collection, assessment, evaluation, and reporting of the Chesick Program
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and effectively handle sensitive and personal information with respect and discretion
• Ability to obtain and maintain PA Act 12 background checks

Responsibilities

• Provide the strategic vision and direction of the Chesick Scholars program, overseeing the planning and implementation of co-curricular programming, initiatives, and workshops FLI students
• Cultivate collaborative partnerships across the institution to align Chesick initiatives with broader institutional priorities and programs
• Lead program evaluation and outcomes assessment, developing data-informed strategies to measure student engagement, retention rate, success, and belonging
• Collaborate with Institutional Advancement and Admission to communicate program impact, support stewardship of donor relationships, and engagement with prospective FLI students
• Oversee program budget, operations, and resource allocation
• Design, implement, and assess high-impact co-curricular programming that supports academic success, leadership development, and community among the students
• Oversee signature initiatives, including Horizons (the five-day residential pre-orientation program), academic success and wellness workshops with campus partners, community building events such as FLI-ing Squirrels Family Dinners, and the annual celebration of graduating Chesick Scholars
• Develop and evaluate skill-building workshops focused on college navigation, financial literacy, and post-graduation planning
• Partner with IDEA Division units, Dean’s Division, Provost’s Office, Admission, and Institutional Advancement to coordinate programming, leverage resources, and use assessment data to enhance student success
• Provide integrated and individualized support to Chesick Scholars, helping students navigate academic, financial, and personal challenges
• Assess student engagement and outcomes to identify barriers to persistence and connect students with appropriate campus resources
• Manage and support the Chesick Faculty Mentor Program, including faculty engagement, training, and evaluation of mentoring outcomes
• Collaborate with the Center for Career and Professional Advising (CCPA) to design and deliver career-focused workshops, track student engagement in internships, fellowships, and graduate programs, and analyze data to assess post-graduation outcomes
• Supervise the Assistant Director and Program Coordinator of the Chesick Scholars Program, establishing clear goals, programming, and assessment practices, and professional development opportunities to ensure effective program delivery
• Supervise and support student workers, including training, leadership development, and oversight of student-led initiatives

Benefits

• possible work-from-home opportunities
• automatic 10% retirement contribution to your retirement account upon eligibility (no match required)
• a 50% tuition benefit for dependent children upon eligibility
• 14 paid holidays (including the week before New Year’s Day)
• affordable medical plans
• Health Savings Account contribution of $700 for individuals and $1,400 for families (no match required, available to employees enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan)
• a beautiful arboretum campus with walking trail and easy public transportation access

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees