The Assistant Director leads comprehensive programming designed to promote academic success for undergraduate and graduate students. This role develops, implements, and assesses initiatives that advance institutional strategic priorities, with primary focus on academic support services. Key responsibilities include managing the Whitman Learning Center and tutoring operations, directing new student orientation and peer mentor programs, and expanding strategic initiatives such as Whitman First (first-generation student support), community building, and mental wellness programming.

The position requires collaboration with campus partners including CLASS, the Barnes Center, Inclusion & Belonging, and other departments to deliver integrated student support. Collaborate with the assistant dean and other staff members on major academic experience events (Welcome, Convocation, Family Weekend, WhitFest, and more).

The ideal candidate has program management experience in higher education, exceptional organizational skills, strong communication abilities for internal and external stakeholders, and demonstrated expertise in academic support programming, student development, and assessment practices. Education and Experience Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or related field, with 3-5 years of progressive experience in academic advising or academic/support programming.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide compassionate support to students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and compliance with institutional policies. Skills and Knowledge Technology experience proficiency required including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word), CRM systems, Orange Success, Salesforce and other relevant software.

Excellent organizational and time management abilities with high detail orientation.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and deal with multiple projects while meeting strict deadlines.

Experience with budget management and data tracking.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse community which includes students, parents, alumni, faculty and administrative staff.

Strong commitment to enhancing academic success through active listening, creative problem-solving, and innovative approaches to supporting student success. Responsibilities Oversee programming designed to support the academic experience. Design and implement workshops and seminars promoting academic success. Cultivate partnerships with campus partners (including CLASS, the Barnes Center, Inclusion & Belonging, and Whitman staff/departments) to collaborate on programming for students and/or trainings for staff.

Oversee leave of absence management including awareness of populations on leave, maintaining regular communication and support during leave periods, facilitating re-enrollment procedures, and ensuring seamless transitions for returning students across all academic programs (undergraduate and graduate).

Expand existing strategic programming initiatives including Whitman First (first-generation student support), mental wellness programs, and other priority areas. Promote financial opportunities and support to relevant student populations.

Coordinate operation of the Whitman Learning Center. Hire and supervise tutors including Excel tutors, coordinate with CLASS, manage tutor vouchers, and provide appropriate study skills and time management workshops.

Assess program effectiveness and track student participation through data collection and analysis to drive continuous improvement. Design and administer annual student surveys to measure key performance indicators related to student success, institutional priorities, and strategic plan objectives for student success. Generate relevant assessment reports for accreditation compliance.

Plan and execute all orientation activities for new undergraduate and graduate students with the support of the advising team. Direct the peer mentor program including selection, training, pairing, and assessment. Collaborate and support all major events including Convocation, Family Weekend, WhitFest, all school picnic, and community-building activities.

Manage relevant budgets in partnership with the assistant dean.

Complete additional duties as assigned. Physical Requirements Not Applicable Tools/Equipment Not Applicable