OUTSTANDING BENEFITS UNLIKE ANY OTHER. Low-cost health benefits, 6% 403b contribution, affordable tuition at Niagara University for you and eligible immediate family members, tuition exchange at other designated universities for eligible dependent children, generous holidays (20 days annually), PTO, and ½ day Fridays throughout the summer. Niagara University is also an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Campus life is vibrant and offers free parking, on-site dining options, and fresh coffee at Tim Horton's and Starbucks, all in a beautiful park-like setting. If you'd like to know more, check out all of the NU Facts.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under routine supervision, the NUOP Assistant Director provides students with personal, academic and career counseling support that will enable them to successfully complete a four-year degree.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist NUOP students in their academic adjustment to Niagara University through the NUOP Summer Program, counseling throughout the academic year, mentoring program, and study sessions (Power Sessions);
• Plan and coordinate the pre-college Summer Program for freshman NUOP students including academic schedule, seminar course, weekend activities, speakers, study sessions, schedule all space needs for the program as well as order all supplies and textbooks used during the summer program;
• Coordinate the hiring and training of summer program peer counselors and meet with them on a regular basis throughout the summer program to monitor their work with students and address any challenges that may arise;
• Provide counseling for students during the summer and throughout the year who may have academic, social, career, and personal needs and make outside referrals as necessary (freshmen and upperclassmen who are near a 2.0 GPA on a weekly basis and other program students on a monthly basis);
• Monitor the academic progress of program students and coordinate and monitor weekly study sessions (Power Sessions) during the academic year;
• Pre-advise all program students each semester prior to their meeting with their departmental academic advisor; must stay current with academic requirements of all university programs;
• Serve as liaison for program students with other university departments on campus and intervene, as appropriate, on behalf of the students in resolving problems and concerns;
• Assist the NUOP Program Director with activities related to recruiting prospective students for the program including interviewing students, completion of financial aid documents, and follow up;
• Assist continuing program students with the completion of financial aid documents such as the FAFSA and TAP applications and entrance and exit interviews for loans;
• Assist the NUOP Program Director in preparing state and university reports;
• Coordinate lobbying efforts with the NY State Legislature on behalf of the program including a letter-writing campaign to legislators and the governor's office in support of HEOP and visits to area legislators with other Western New York HEOP programs; also transports students to meetings, conferences, and activities provided by the program;
• Assist in the coordination of active/passive programming
• Assist in the creation and implementation of program assessments
• Maintain NUOP program web site and update as needed;
• Maintains all program files in a confidential manner;
• Work flexible/evening hours to be determined;
• Maintain confidentiality of information (including but not limited to: student and employee personal information, student grades, etc.), both during and after their employment with the University. Any question regarding the confidentiality of material, should be referred to the supervisor. Any violation shall subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

% of Time

60% Provide weekly and biweekly academic, career, and personal counseling, monitors academic performance, makes outside referrals, and documents discussions in files;

15% Check student registration, updates curriculum cards, prepares tutorial and counseling report for NYS report, and prepares grade update report;

15% Monitors mid-term grade reports, assists students with grade change forms, and provides pre-advisement;

10% Coordinates the Prefreshman Summer Program and identifies and creates a budget for summer activities, conducts seminars, provides individual counseling, updates handbook, orders supplies, and assembles students packages, hires and trains peer counselors. Transports students to meetings/conferences/activities provided by the NUOP program. Participates in recruitment activities and travels to recruitment sites.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to provide program students with personal, academic, financial, and career counseling;
• Ability to work with a diverse student population;
• Knowledge of intervention techniques for at-risk students;
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to read and comprehend various forms, documentation, files and information in the department.
• Utilize Microsoft Office for word processing, database and spreadsheet management, presentations and other software as applicable;
• Ability to receive telephone calls, respond to inquiries and communicate with others by telephone;
• Perform basic mathematical skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to be able to verify accuracy of work;
• Ability to work non-traditional business hours as needed for recruitment and summer program;
• Sufficient knowledge and ability to represent NUOP in recruitment activities;
• Sufficient knowledge of financial aid documents, deadlines, and procedures.

ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS:

The functions of the position usually performed sitting, but may require some amount of time standing. Some amount of stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting, walking, carrying and other movements may be required. Tasks involving working on a computer keyboard, computer software applications, and calculator, involve extensive wrist and hand movements. All individuals are required to be able to perform these movements without significant risk of injury to themselves or others.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS

• Master's Degree preferred, with 1 - 2 years of experience with advising, coaching, and/or mentoring at the university-level is required; Bachelor's Degree with 2 4 years of experience; or 5+ years of overall equivalent experience
• Candidate must be a self-starter, possess a thorough understanding of academic support theory and best practices, have proven leadership skills, exhibit excellent verbal and oral communication skills, have an understanding of the needs of a diverse college student population, and possess a commitment to multicultural education;
• Candidate must be detail-oriented, organized and able to manage administrative tasks including conducting both formal and informal assessments throughout the year;
• Excellent judgment and respect for confidentiality;
• A valid New York State driver's license is required that satisfies both University and insurance company underwriting rules and regulations for driving a motor vehicle.