Career Center

Assistant Director, Early College Access Programs


About Westfield State University:

In 1839, Horace Mann founded Westfield State University as the first public higher education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. Westfield State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. We are dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other protected persons, or individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds.

Westfield State is the most residential of the state universities in Massachusetts, with over 60% of our 5600 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Northampton and Amherst, and 1.5 hours from both Boston and Albany.


Job Description:

Campus Title: Assistant Director, Early College Access Programs
State Job Title: Assistant Director
Department: Center for Student Success and Engagement
Job Code: HA6600
FLSA Status: Exempt
Funding: 7107-0029
Bargaining Unit: APA
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Timeframe: 52 weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: The Assistant Director of Early College Access Programs reports to the Executive Director of the Center for Student Success and Engagement.
Supervision Exercised: Early College Program Advisor, and Graduate Assistants as assigned.
Salary: $60,000 - $65,000 (Salary will be commensurate with education and experience)

General Statement of Duties: The Assistant Director of Early College Access Programs coordinates all Early College High School access programming for Westfield State University; responsible for the development of partnerships with local school districts and agencies for strategic partnerships through the Westfield Promise Program/Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Partnership program (CDEP) providing higher education accessibility to area students and districts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

• Manage and serve as the first point of contact for all Early College, and Dual Enrollment prospects, guidance counselors, and related administrative personnel.
• Serve as liaison between WSU and all participating districts in Early College, and Dual Enrollment initiatives.
• Build and maintain successful relationships with school districts participating in the Early College, and Dual Enrollment programs.
• Develop and implement the two-year Westfield Promise Program according to each district's individualized program description.
• Coordinate with university staff to provide new dual enrollment student orientation, campus visits or college readiness and exploration activities for each participating district, as needed.
• Work with faculty and school guidance counselors to ensure student success throughout each semester while enrolled in remote or on-campus courses.
• Advise students and school district contacts on dual enrollment course selection to develop course schedules.
• Respond to district, student and parent inquiries and resolve issues as needed.
• Manage program budgets, grant awards, and assist in the development of new grant opportunities and proposals in collaboration with the Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs.
• Maintain and track CDEP funding and oversee, in conjunction with the grants office and academic affairs, the application and reporting of CDEP funding on an annual basis.
• Conduct evaluations of programmatic experiences to identify strategies for improvement.
• Collect and provide analysis of program data to measure program effectiveness and utilize findings for improvement.
• Organize and run efficient and effective meetings with school districts for dual enrollment initiatives.
• Ensure pathway to full enrollment at Westfield State for successful Westfield Promise participants is outlined with undergraduate admissions.
• Develop and coordinate post-secondary transition activities for juniors and seniors, including FAFSA workshops, scholarship awareness, major and career exploration, and assistance with the WSU admission application.
• Continue to monitor and report student retention and graduation rates beyond dual enrollment and Westfield Promise activities.
• Create and manage a Westfield Promise Program mentor and alumni network.
• Provide additional support as required by CDEP regulations and policies.
• Additional projects as assigned.

Non-Essential:

• Serve as liaison to other campus departments and committees as needed.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Student Personnel preferred. A Master's Degree other than the previous listed, from an accredited university, will be considered combined with years of related experience
• Strong familiarity and understanding of higher education policies and practices.
• Sensitivity to, and familiarity with, the social, economic, and cultural background of low-income, first-generation, and disabled students.
• Demonstrated understanding, knowledge and commitment to issues related to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Innovative and creative leader who demonstrates a commitment to the values of cultural and ethnic diversity, and the ability to build inclusive and respectful communities.
• A strong, holistic approach to advising students and supervising staff.
• Proficiency in computer applications
• Knowledge of higher education principles, practices and procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as public presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to interact with students, faculty, staff and the public.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, within a team.
• Ability to prioritize and manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English and Spanish)
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience with early college and/or dual enrollment programs.
• Proficiency in Ellucian Banner or other higher education data software systems.

Additional Information:

Salary:
For the majority of new employees, the minimum starting salary will apply. Specific salary for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining and state policies and procedures.

State job specifications for this position may be found at the department of higher education website: http://www.mass.edu/foremployees/classificationspecs/classspecs-pers.asp

Disability Accommodations:
Westfield State University understands that persons with disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance regarding disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (413) 572-8106.

Background Check:
Employment at Westfield State University is contingent upon a background check that is satisfactory to the University. Failure to provide written authorization for a background check will nullify the offer of employment.


Application Instructions:

An on-line application is required. The successful candidate must submit an official transcript at the time of hire. Interested candidates should electronically attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references *
• Copy of unofficial transcript of highest degree

* Provide the contact information for reference providers in the reference section of the online application.

Deadline: The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalists have been selected.

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk. The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.
Westfield State University provides equal access to employment opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, age, disability or veteran status in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies.



To apply, visit https://westfield.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=144528&CNTRNO=10&TSTMP=0





Copyright 2022 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.

Posted by the FREE value-added recruitment advertising agency jeid-e3bc4ecee2f6bb45b0ee69cc55c7983c