Assistant Director for Graduate Student Support, Graduate Programs Office

Assistant Director for Graduate Student Support College of Engineering – Graduate Programs Office

As a central member of the College of Engineering's Graduate Programs Office (GPO), the Assistant Director for Graduate Student Support works to support activities related to enhancing a diverse graduate student population's experiences at the College of Engineering. In partnership with other Graduate Programs Office staff, the position provides support and serves as an information resource contact for College of Engineering graduate students, departments, faculty and staff. This position works independently and collaboratively with other offices at the University and serves as a resource and support for students on a variety of personal, medical, and academic issues. The position liaisons with faculty, staff, departments and University resources to determine extenuating circumstances warranting extensions or temporary accommodations in support of retention and graduation. Candidate must use professional judgment and discretion to determine appropriate follow-up. The position works directly with student organizations to provide guidance and institutional support. As the first point of contact, the Assistant Director consults with students on event planning, budgeting, advertising and catering needs, and helps solve problems that arise. Provides leadership training and services to students. The position researches and disseminates information regarding community and academic events across Boston University and is an active participant in the planning for school-wide programs and events. 

Student Support and Advising

• Counsels and supports a diverse student population on a variety of personal, medical, and academic issues.
• Liaisons with faculty to determine extenuating circumstances warranting extensions or temporary accommodations. Uses professional judgment and discretion to determine appropriate follow up with students and faculty. 
• Serves as primary resource for departments and program managers to problem solve complex issues.
• Works directly with Late Entry Accelerated Program (LEAP) students from on-boarding through community building.
• Works with LEAP students and the registrar to assist with registration issues and planning. 
• Position works with and directs the LEAP ambassador program.
• Outreaches to students who are on academic probation and/or not making adequate academic progress toward their degree. 
• Develops on-going methods to communicate with students efficiently and effectively.

Problem Solving

• Conducts assessment activities to gain data for future decision making.
• Identifies and designs new programming across degrees and departments to meet needs of a diverse student body. 
• Evaluates and supports students' academic performance, including academic probation tracking and follow through each semester.
• Provides guidance to students, faculty and staff on university and College policies and procedures.

Development of Programs and Events

• Identifies and designs new diverse programming across degrees and departments.
• Manages and directs new student orientation, admitted student open houses and commencement.
• Identifies, designs and manages educational, social and cultural activities, particularly those in support of health and wellness, student development, and the academic goals of the College.
• Researches and disseminates information regarding community, academic, cultural and social activities across campus and at the College of Engineering.
• Supports the Graduate Programs Office in programming throughout the year. 
• Advises the Student Association of Graduate Engineers (SAGE) and is the point of contact and follow-up/follow-through with all event planning details.

Student Organization Support 

• Works directly with student organizations to provide guidance and institutional support. 
• Serves as a liaison between students and internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that activities and events function smoothly.
• Advises students on event planning, budgeting, advertising and catering and problem solves as issues arise.
• Develops and executes leadership training for student organizations.
• Creates new student orientation process and ensures that each group is in compliance with University/College policies. 

Project Management 

• Creates and disseminates on-going support services to our students that coincide with the academic calendar and stressful times during the academic year.
• Develops resource guides and updates and enhances the student support section of the College's website.
• Creates leadership development opportunities for student leaders.
• Partners with other offices to create programming opportunities. 
• Utilizes social media to communicate with students.
• Reviews and updates College policies and makes recommendations to leadership.
• Please note, a cover letter and resume are required to apply for this position.

Required Skills

• Bachelors required, master's degree preferred in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, College Student Development or related field.
• Minimum of 5 year's experience in providing support directly to diverse student populations.
• Excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and ability to facilitate a strong network of contacts across a multifaceted university community.
• Please note, a cover letter and resume are required to apply for this position.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.