Assistant Director of Student Engagement, Thompson Scholar Learning Community

The Thompson Scholars Learning Community is seeking an Assistant Director of Student Engagement. The TSLC Assistant Director of Student Engagement plays an integral role in helping Thompson Scholars succeed at UNK. The primary responsibilities of the Assistant Director of Student Engagement include:
 
Design and implement intentional, effective programs for the Thompson Scholars Learning Community
• Plan, implement, and assess fall and spring orientations for incoming TSLC 1st year, 2nd year, and transfer students
• Plan, implement, and assess TSLC programs (academic, social, educational) with campus and community partners
• Plan for and effectively utilize a budget for co-curricular programming on an annual basis
• Collaboratively plan for and update the program expectations for students on an annual basis
• Document student events and attendance using a management information system, databases, and reports
• Organize and manage multiple projects and tasks autonomously and meet deadlines with accuracy.
• Use of decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to plan programs. 
 
Assist with operations related to departmental and academic procedures/processes and the assessment of student and program success
• Manage the transfer student experience for TSLC, including initial communication to students, enrollment days, and all first semester expectations
• Partner with the TSLC Assistant Director of Curriculum and Enrollment to prepare for, teach, and evaluate student success in the Loper 101 and LNSK 217 courses for Thompson Scholars
• Track completion rates of 1st, 2nd, and transfer student expectations using databases and reports
• Partner with TSLC professional staff to create and carry out assessments using statistical software, Qualtrics, and other assessment tools to measure student learning and growth related to TSLC
• Contribute to production of TSLC annual report
• Aid with program assessment as needed by the Buffett Foundation, NU Administration and/or the University of Nebraska at Kearney
• Utilize a Management Information System, Canvas, and WebFocus reports for tracking
• Maintain individual and departmental calendars, arrange meetings, and appointments
• Contribute positively to the office mission and goals in a teamwork environment; assist with the daily operations of the TSLC Office
• Interact positively & ethically with students and professionals in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Help with the planning and implementation of student leader training and meetings
• Assist with the development of the monthly newsletter to TSLC students
• Collaborate with TSLC staff members on the development and updates of program policies and procedures
• Attend weekly TSLC staff meetings and regional Thompson Scholar Program meetings
• Update TSLC social media platforms to build community and communicate directly with cohorts of scholars
• Assist with the hiring processes as requested by supervisor
• Attend campus trainings relevant to roles and responsibilities
• Know the expectations of the Thompson Scholars Learning Community (TSLC) Program & Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship
• Manage confidential information appropriately, and act with ethics and integrity
• Participate in professional development activities by attending workshops, conferences, reading pertinent journals/literature, maintaining professional networks, etc.
• Serve on departmental and/or University committees
 
Support Thompson Scholars to reach their educational and personal goals
• Conduct meetings with students and document student contacts and interactions
• Meet regularly with Thompson Scholars on academic intervention to help them develop academic success plans
• Advise Thompson Scholar students for academic and personal success at UNK
• Assist Thompson Scholar students with needs such as recommendation letters and reference checks
• Monitor student academic progress and make appropriate, asset-based interventions
• Fulfill advocacy role for Thompson Scholars when appropriate
• Develop familiarity with UNK and community resources, and refer Thompson Scholars to those resources
• Collaborate regularly with other academic affairs, student affairs, and enrollment management departments to serve Thompson Scholars
• Consult supervisor about difficult or unique situations that may require a referral to appropriate campus or community services
This Assistant Director of Student Engagement must have a strong commitment to student access and success and be willing to advocate for at-promise students who receive the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship. Thorough work in welcoming/knowing individual students, building community amongst students, and delivering individualized attention that leads to students reaching educational goals/graduation is expected. Commitment to the program mission, vision, and goals alongside the institutional mission is imperative. Knowledge of current higher education best practices, policies, and procedures is necessary. The Assistant Director of Student Engagement must possess excellent communication skills, interpersonal skills, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Must be able to use independent judgement, initiative, organization, creativity, flexibility, and technology skills on a regular and on-going basis with a focus on student success.
  
Required Qualifications:        
Master’s degree in education, counseling, student affairs, educational leadership or related field. Desire to help at-promise students achieve their educational and personal goals.1-2 years of experience with a higher education department with demonstrated skills in collaborative, student-focused operations.1-2 years of experience with collegiate level program planning and implementation. Experience leading presentations/workshops/classrooms in the higher education setting. Demonstrated experience with technology systems for managing student information and learning management in higher education. Experience with data entry, generating reports, and database management. Demonstrated use of oral and written communication, listening, and interpersonal skills. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must be willing to work some nights and weekends.
 
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, 2+ years of professional experience working in a higher education department. 1-2 years of professional experience helping at-promise students transition to college and achieve their educational and personal goals 1-2+ years of teaching experience in the collegiate setting. Awareness of or training in the Ecology of Validation. Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum implementation and collegiate academic success skills. Demonstrated experience with higher education proactive advising. Experience with training graduate assistants or student staff members. Experience with assessment planning, implementation, and analysis. Experience planning and maintaining a budget on an annual basis. Shows commitment to continuing professional development and best practices for higher education and student services. Experience with the Thompson Scholars Learning Community programs or other learning communities. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
 
HOW TO APPLY:   To be considered for the position, application materials need to be submitted by April  21, 2025. Application materials can be submitted at UNK Employment Opportunity Questions regarding the position can be directed to Jennifer Harvey at harveyjj@unk.edu . Upon a contingent offer of employment, the University of Nebraska will conduct an investigation of employment records, educational records, criminal records, and other records to verify the information provided in your application and/or any additional information you have provided is accurate.  Salaries at the University of Nebraska at Kearney are competitive.  The University provides a flexible benefits program at minimal cost to the employee. NuFlex benefit choices include a Medical Plan and Prescription Drug Program, Vision Care, Dental Plan, LTD, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance, and Reimbursement Accounts for Health and Dependent Care.  The Employee and Dependent Scholarship program is also available to eligible employees.  Basic Retirement Plan options include TIAA and Fidelity.
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