ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT College of Engineering Graduate Programs Research

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

Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, 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 liaises with faculty, staff, departments, and University resources to determine extenuating circumstances warranting extensions or temporary accommodations in support of retention and graduation. The 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.
• 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 ongoing 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 the needs of a diverse student body.
• Evaluates and supports students' academic performance 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.

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 ongoing 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.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's required, Master's degree preferred in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, College Student Development, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in providing support directly to diverse student populations.
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to facilitate a strong network of contacts across a multifaceted university community.

_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._