POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Student Support Services (SSS) will provide direct oversight and supervision of all activities and collaborative efforts in accordance with the established goals and objectives of the grant project. The Director will be responsible for program marketing, student recruitment, and the application and selection procedures for the SSS project. This individual will be responsible for training staff and other stakeholders using federal regulations, OMB Circulars, EDGAR, college policy and procedures. The Director will plan programming and monitor the budget in accordance with grant objectives and generate financial reports and statements. The Director will also oversee the recordkeeping system that facilitates program planning, development, and evaluation. In addition, this individual will supervise and evaluate all SSS staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee typically works indoors in an environment protected from the weather. Moderate travel may be required. Physical activities include the ability to carry appropriate recruitment materials sometimes weighing up to 40 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s Degree in Counseling, College Student Personnel, Social Work, Educational / Psychology, or related field.
2. A minimum of two years professional experience working with first generation college and socially, educationally, economically deprived populations.
3. Demonstrated ability to assist students in a culturally diverse environment.
4. A minimum of one-year of administrative, and management experience.
5. A minimum of one-year of demonstrated fiscal and personnel management skills, including counseling and negotiating skills.
6. Knowledge of postsecondary school application, admission, transfer policies, and financial assistance processes.
7. Ability to use and implement technology to support department activities .
8. Ability to work collaboratively.
9. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
10. A minimum of two-year’s experience working with federally funded programs.
11. A minimum of two-year of professional experience in program development, implementation and evaluation.
12. Experience working in Higher Education.
13. Working knowledge of Title IV-Federal Financial Aid and IAI – Illinois Articulation Initiative.
14. Demonstrated skills in programs designed to enhance the quality of the academic and personal lives of low-income, first-generation and disabled students.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1.Three years of TRIO Program experience.
2. Experience with Ellucian/Datalel Colleague.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Work directly with the Program Coordinator Advisor and tutor(s) to ensure that the goals and objectives of the SSS project are met.
2. Provide counseling and academic advising support to SSS students, maintain a caseload in the absence of essential staff to help them achieve their educational and personal goals.
3. Provide professional support and assistance in college-wide activities related to student admission, financial aid, academic advising, registration, orientation and guidance to meet program participant’s needs.
4. Implement and oversee all aspects of programming relative to the SSS Project, particularly those related to recruitment, retention, graduation, and transfer.
5. Support and participate in both in- and out-of-classroom lives of SSS participants in an effort to enhance their development and learning experiences.
6. Maintain detailed records of all aspects of students’ progress including academic, social, personal, etc., that would aid, or impede their overall success.
   7.Monitor students’ academic progress vis-à-vis contact with faculty, weekly contacts, phone calls, electronic communications and other written correspondence.
7. Assist in student outcomes research and institutional evaluation.
8. Complete and submit the program’s Annual Performance Report.
9. Conduct and supervise the grant’s mandatory compliancy evaluation.
   11.Conduct appropriate referrals for students as necessary.
10. Promote and market the SSS program and events.
11. Implement and oversee all aspects of program review and student retention efforts such as surveys, focus groups, orientation sessions, workshops and intervention groups.
12. Build and maintain positive working relationships with PSC faculty, administrators, staff and students to assist program participants with academic advising, counseling, consultation, referral, and information services.
13. Performs other duties as assigned for the betterment of each program participant consistent with the role and required functions of this position.