DEPARTMENT: Student Life

POSITION/TITLE: Director of Student Support Services

LOCATION: Mars Hill, NC

SUPERVISOR: Vice President for Student Life (for now)

SCOPE: Through dynamic and innovative approaches, Student Life is a robust program that provides students with opportunities for meaningful engagement and transformation in the co-curricular context. The primary job of the Director of Student Support Services is to manage and oversee the Mars Hill University Student Support Services program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• The job is sedentary in nature. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time performing administrative duties
• Some minor lifting may be required (up to 20-25 pounds)
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required
• Infrequent travel may be required

TRAVEL/TIME REQUIREMENTS:
• A 40-hour workweek is normal, but abnormal hours and evening or weekend work are sometimes required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• A Master’s degree in education or in a related field, administrative experience, and experience working with disadvantaged youth
• Administrative, personnel management, and budgetary skills
• Knowledge of higher education, student life, and student development theory – experience working with young adult population
• Ability to work well with a diverse population of students
• Ability to work congruently within the mission of the university, division and department
• Excellent communication skills required (ability to clearly express ideas and concepts orally and in writing)
• Strong commitment to the values of diversity and human compassion
• Commitment to the academic achievement and personal development of college students, including the understanding of student success initiatives such as a first-year seminar program
• Successful completion of an employment and/or criminal history background check required
• Persons with disabilities and/or persons from first-generation and low-income backgrounds are preferred

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Write, implement, and review the project proposal
• Utilize technological system LionTrax to track student communication and progress
• Monitor all program components
• Hire, orient, and coordinate program staff
• Supervise and monitor the preparation and submission of annual performance report (APR) to Washington
• Assist and implement the SSS Summer GOALS Program
• Supervise staff and conduct regular staff evaluations
• Carry an advisee case load of approximately 25% of the program participants according to the following responsibilities:
o Conduct program intake with student and set up student’s file
o At intake, determine student’s service needs and set up accordingly. At this point, students may be referred to the program’s academic coordinator and for students with disabilities, Academic Access packets may be filled out
o Set up and maintain a bi-monthly contact schedule with advisees
o Collect and review with each advisee mid-semester care reports from faculty
o Work with faculty advisor to assist first and second year student advisees and students with disabilities
o Assist advisees in schedule planning/early registration
• Maintain an effective electronic budget and budget accountability system
• Coordinate and conduct regular staff meetings and Advisory Council meetings
• Help coordinate the project with other University programs, such as the Center for Student Success
• Aid in coordinating student financial aid needs with the Director of Financial Aid
• Assist in determining eligibility of student applicants
• Aid Administrative Assistant in maintaining a data system of reporting on all program components and participants
• Submit a monthly work reports sheet to supervisor and Human Resources Office
• Assist in chaperoning program’s cultural activities
• Assist, as necessary, and in conjunction with Disabilities Services Coordinator, in proctoring/administering testing/exam accommodations for program students with disabilities
• Serve on University committees and councils
• Attend appropriate professional meetings and workshops
• Assist in publicizing the program to the University and to prospective program participants
• Act as liaison for the program within the University community

This job description shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, the above duties. May temporarily perform other duties assigned to maintain operations and services.

NOTE: The Student Support Services Program is grant funded. The Director’s position and other staff positions are contingent upon continued funding.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: For more information concerning benefits offered to MHU employees, see the MHU Benefits Summary on the MHU website.
Review of applicants will begin immediately. Position is open until filled.
To apply, submit a letter naming the position, your resume and any other materials requested.

ADA Statement:
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), MHU provides reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the organization or would change the essential functions of the job. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be directed to Human Resources (see below).
MHU is committed to hiring faculty and staff who fully support MHU’s mission. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

BACKGROUND SCREEN:
MHU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university’s financial and physical assets. Therefore, Mars Hill University conducts background checks. Depending on the position applicants may also be required to consent to a credit check as part of the background check process.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, and reprisal.

To file a complaint with Mars Hill University, contact:
Jennie Matthews
Office of Human Resources
Box 6664
Mars Hill University
Mars Hill, NC 28754
828 689-1197
828 689-1256 Fax
jmatthews@mhu.edu

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:
USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410
Washington DC 20250-9410
Or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642
(English Federal- relay) or (800) 845-6136
(Spanish Federal-relay).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.