LEAD Assistant Director of Student Advocacy

Santa Clara University • Santa Clara, CA

10d • $34 - $41 • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Student Advocacy assists in advocating for students participating in the LEAD Scholars Program which supports first-generation college students at Santa Clara University. This staff member will assist with efforts to support the welfare of participants by providing direct holistic support and services to LEAD Scholars. This staff member will also oversee the LEAD Peer Mentoring program, and coordinate wellness related programming.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required
• 3-5 years of work in a student services-related field.
• Understanding and support of the Jesuit tradition of education and a commitment to the fundamental values of service to others, community, and diversity as well as commitment to and demonstration of skills, knowledge, and awareness to serve the unique needs of the diverse campus community of Santa Clara University.
• Understanding of Student Development Theory and college student experiences especially as it pertains to diverse populations including first-generation college students, low-income students, BIPOC students, students from immigrant backgrounds, undocumented students, transfer students, LGBTQ students and non-traditional aged students.
• Effective, culturally competent, holistic advising
• Excellent organizational, communication (written and oral), and public relations, including delivering workshops or training, skills essential.
• Strong organizational skills including time management, multitasking, and project completion
• Commitment to customer service, both internal and external to the department.
• Evidence of strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Google Apps for Education, Microsoft Office, and database management.
• Demonstrated ability to: Cultivate collaborative interpersonal relationships with internal and external constituencies.
• Independently carry out tasks of varying complexity.
• Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Operate in a highly confidential manner and with minimal supervision and direction.
• Manage multiple tasks at the same time and complete projects from inception through implementation and assessment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, higher education administration, college student services, education or related field.
• Minimum of 1 year of work in an academic setting.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience engaging in student advocacy and support, specifically with diverse student populations.
• Experience and knowledge of mental health issues and concerns

Responsibilities

• Student Welfare and Student Advising (55%) Provide holistic advising and support for students by addressing mental health, family relationships, and academic and financial concerns among others Engage in proactive outreach to students, including early outreach to incoming students and to students facing academic and life challenges throughout the academic year including running academic queries Provide tailored support and advising to special populations among LEAD Scholars including BIPOC students, undocumented students, transfer students, veterans, foster youth, and other intersecting identities. Assist with the distribution of LEAD emergency funding to help address students’ financial concerns Help students access a network of support that includes on and off campus resources, ensuring effective advocacy, referral and collaboration with such units as Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of Student Life, Office of Multicultural Learning, Wellness Center, Office of Accessible Education, the Drahmann Center and Financial Aid. Uphold student welfare policies and practices in the LEAD Scholars Program that align with those of the university Remain abreast of research, current trends, practices and legal issues pertinent to the needs of first-generation college students.
• Oversee LEAD Peer Mentoring Program (25%) Collaborate in the student staff hiring process with Associate Director of Curricular and Co-curricular Engagement and Assistant Director of Marketing and Programming with focus on hiring peer mentors, including application review process, interviewing, obtaining input from other staff members, student staff selection, hiring process in Workday Recruit LEAD Scholars to apply for student staff positions via classroom presentations, personalized outreach, marketing etc. Coordinate LEAD Formation training for LEAD Peer Mentors as well as other student staff members Provide ongoing training and supervision for Peer Mentors throughout the academic year Manage timesheets, reimbursements and other logistical processes for Peer Mentoring program
• Program Coordination (15%) Coordinate and collaborate to develop wellness-related programming Develop community partnerships with wellness organizations to advance programs and services Develop content for wellness-related marketing
• Recruitment and Orientation (5%) Collaborate with Associate Director of Student Advocacy on recruitment of new LEAD Scholars Assist with LEAD Week, new student intensive orientation
• Team Member and Other Responsibilities (5%) Engage regularly in LEAD programming and activities to build connections with students Support significant LEAD initiatives such as National First-generation College Celebration Participate in assessment and reporting as appropriate Collaborate with the Office of Student Life, Residence Life, Cowell Center, and other departments to support students as needed Serve on University-wide committees as a representative of the LEAD Scholars Program as appropriate to areas of responsibility Collaborate with marketing and program coordinator to update LEAD website
• Recommend initiatives and implement changes to improve quality and services.
• Identify and determine causes of problems; develop and present recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
• Maintain contact with students and other constituents, and solicit feedback for improved services.
• Maximize productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
• Research and develop resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
• Prepare progress reports; inform supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals.
• Ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
• Prepare and submit reports as requested and required.
• Develop and implement guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

Benefits

• Santa Clara University offers a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees with programs and resources designed to promote and sustain personal health care, well-being, and the financial objectives of our employees and families.

What This Job Offers

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