LEAD Assistant Director of Student Advocacy
Nichols College, Dudley, MA, United States
LEAD Assistant Director of Student Advocacy
Recruitment began on February 25, 2026 and the job listing expires on March 28, 2026.
The Assistant Director of Student Advocacy assists in advocating for students participating in the LEAD Scholars Program which supports first-generation college students at Santa Clara University. This staff member will assist with efforts to support the welfare of participants by providing direct holistic support and services to LEAD Scholars. This staff member will also oversee the LEAD Peer Mentoring program, and coordinate wellness related programming.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Student Welfare and Student Advising (55%)
Provide holistic advising and support for students by addressing mental health, family relationships, and academic and financial concerns among others.
Engage in proactive outreach to students, including early outreach to incoming students and to students facing academic and life challenges throughout the academic year, including running academic queries.
Provide tailored support and advising to special populations among LEAD Scholars, including BIPOC students, undocumented students, transfer students, veterans, foster youth, and other intersecting identities.
Assist with the distribution of LEAD emergency funding to help address students’ financial concerns.
Help students access a network of support that includes on and off campus resources, ensuring effective advocacy, referral, and collaboration with such units as Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of Student Life, Office of Multicultural Learning, Wellness Center, Office of Accessible Education, the Drahmann Center and Financial Aid.
Uphold student welfare policies and practices in the LEAD Scholars Program that align with those of the university.
Remain abreast of research, current trends, practices, and legal issues pertinent to the needs of first-generation college students.
2. Oversee LEAD Peer Mentoring Program (25%)
Collaborate in the student staff hiring process with Associate Director of Curricular and Co‑curricular Engagement and Assistant Director of Marketing and Programming with focus on hiring peer mentors, including application review process, interviewing, obtaining input from other staff members, student staff selection, hiring process in Workday.
Recruit LEAD Scholars to apply for student staff positions via classroom presentations, personalized outreach, marketing, etc.
Coordinate LEAD Formation training for LEAD Peer Mentors as well as other student staff members.
Provide ongoing training and supervision for Peer Mentors throughout the academic year.
Manage timesheets, reimbursements, and other logistical processes for the Peer Mentoring program.
3. Program Coordination (15%)
Coordinate and collaborate to develop wellness‑related programming.
Develop community partnerships with wellness organizations to advance programs and services.
Develop content for wellness‑related marketing.
4. Recruitment and Orientation (5%)
Collaborate with Associate Director of Student Advocacy on recruitment of new LEAD Scholars.
Assist with LEAD Week, new student intensive orientation.
6. Team Member and Other Responsibilities (5%)
Engage regularly in LEAD programming and activities to build connections with students.
Support significant LEAD initiatives such as National First‑generation College Celebration.
Participate in assessment and reporting as appropriate.
Collaborate with the Office of Student Life, Residence Life, Cowell Center, and other departments to support students as needed.
Serve on University‑wide committees as a representative of the LEAD Scholars Program as appropriate to areas of responsibility.
Collaborate with marketing and program coordinator to update LEAD website.
General Guidelines
Recommend initiatives and implement changes to improve quality and services.
Identify and determine causes of problems; develop and present recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
Maintain contact with students and other constituents, and solicit feedback for improved services.
Maximize productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
Research and develop resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
Prepare progress reports; inform supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals.
Ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
Prepare and submit reports as requested and required.
Develop and implement guidelines to support the functions of the unit.
Provides Work Direction
Supervise student assistants and work as a teammate with colleagues in the department.
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.
This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
Ability to work effectively within a diverse, multicultural environment.
Culturally competent, holistic advising skills.
Strong organizational, communication (written and oral), and public relations skills.
Commitment to customer service, both internal and external to the department.
Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Proficiency in Google Apps for Education, Microsoft Office, and database management.
Education and/or Experience Required
Bachelor’s Degree.
3‑5 years of work in a student services‑related field.
Preferred
Master’s degree in social work, counseling, higher education administration, college student services, education or related field.
Minimum of 1 year of work in an academic setting.
Minimum of 1 year of experience engaging in student advocacy and support, specifically with diverse student populations.
Experience and knowledge of mental health issues and concerns.
Physical Demands Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area or in‑or out‑of‑state locations.
Typical office environment.
Mostly an indoor office environment with windows.
Offices with equipment noise.
Offices with frequent interruptions.
Requires some work during the weekends and evenings.
Knowledge
Understanding and support of the Jesuit tradition of education and a commitment to the fundamental values of service to others, community, and diversity, as well as commitment to and demonstration of skills, knowledge, and awareness to serve the unique needs of the diverse campus community of Santa Clara University.
Understanding of Student Development Theory and college student experiences, especially as it pertains to diverse populations including first‑generation college students, low‑income students, BIPOC students, students from immigrant backgrounds, undocumented students, transfer students, LGBTQ students and non‑traditional aged students.
Skills
Effective, culturally competent, holistic advising.
Excellent organizational, communication (written and oral), and public relations, including delivering workshops or training.
Strong organizational skills including time management, multitasking, and project completion.
Commitment to customer service, both internal and external to the department.
Evidence of strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Proficiency in Google Apps for Education, Microsoft Office, and database management.
Abilities
Demonstrated ability to cultivate collaborative interpersonal relationships with internal and external constituencies.
Independent carry out tasks of varying complexity.
Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
Operate in a highly confidential manner and with minimal supervision and direction.
Manage multiple tasks at the same time and complete projects from inception through implementation and assessment.
EEO Statement Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and California State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non‑discrimination and affirmative action. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, see https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/policies-reports/
Clery Notice of Availability: Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to https://university-operations.scu.edu/campus-safety/crime-reporting/. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Santa Clara University affirms its commitment to employ qualified individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All applicants desiring an accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408) 554-5750.
To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to https://apptrkr.com/6957401
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Assistant Director of Student Advocacy assists in advocating for students participating in the LEAD Scholars Program which supports first-generation college students at Santa Clara University. This staff member will assist with efforts to support the welfare of participants by providing direct holistic support and services to LEAD Scholars. This staff member will also oversee the LEAD Peer Mentoring program, and coordinate wellness related programming.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Student Welfare and Student Advising (55%)
Provide holistic advising and support for students by addressing mental health, family relationships, and academic and financial concerns among others.
Engage in proactive outreach to students, including early outreach to incoming students and to students facing academic and life challenges throughout the academic year, including running academic queries.
Provide tailored support and advising to special populations among LEAD Scholars, including BIPOC students, undocumented students, transfer students, veterans, foster youth, and other intersecting identities.
Assist with the distribution of LEAD emergency funding to help address students’ financial concerns.
Help students access a network of support that includes on and off campus resources, ensuring effective advocacy, referral, and collaboration with such units as Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of Student Life, Office of Multicultural Learning, Wellness Center, Office of Accessible Education, the Drahmann Center and Financial Aid.
Uphold student welfare policies and practices in the LEAD Scholars Program that align with those of the university.
Remain abreast of research, current trends, practices, and legal issues pertinent to the needs of first-generation college students.
2. Oversee LEAD Peer Mentoring Program (25%)
Collaborate in the student staff hiring process with Associate Director of Curricular and Co‑curricular Engagement and Assistant Director of Marketing and Programming with focus on hiring peer mentors, including application review process, interviewing, obtaining input from other staff members, student staff selection, hiring process in Workday.
Recruit LEAD Scholars to apply for student staff positions via classroom presentations, personalized outreach, marketing, etc.
Coordinate LEAD Formation training for LEAD Peer Mentors as well as other student staff members.
Provide ongoing training and supervision for Peer Mentors throughout the academic year.
Manage timesheets, reimbursements, and other logistical processes for the Peer Mentoring program.
3. Program Coordination (15%)
Coordinate and collaborate to develop wellness‑related programming.
Develop community partnerships with wellness organizations to advance programs and services.
Develop content for wellness‑related marketing.
4. Recruitment and Orientation (5%)
Collaborate with Associate Director of Student Advocacy on recruitment of new LEAD Scholars.
Assist with LEAD Week, new student intensive orientation.
6. Team Member and Other Responsibilities (5%)
Engage regularly in LEAD programming and activities to build connections with students.
Support significant LEAD initiatives such as National First‑generation College Celebration.
Participate in assessment and reporting as appropriate.
Collaborate with the Office of Student Life, Residence Life, Cowell Center, and other departments to support students as needed.
Serve on University‑wide committees as a representative of the LEAD Scholars Program as appropriate to areas of responsibility.
Collaborate with marketing and program coordinator to update LEAD website.
General Guidelines
Recommend initiatives and implement changes to improve quality and services.
Identify and determine causes of problems; develop and present recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
Maintain contact with students and other constituents, and solicit feedback for improved services.
Maximize productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
Research and develop resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
Prepare progress reports; inform supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals.
Ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
Prepare and submit reports as requested and required.
Develop and implement guidelines to support the functions of the unit.
Provides Work Direction
Supervise student assistants and work as a teammate with colleagues in the department.
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.
This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
Ability to work effectively within a diverse, multicultural environment.
Culturally competent, holistic advising skills.
Strong organizational, communication (written and oral), and public relations skills.
Commitment to customer service, both internal and external to the department.
Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Proficiency in Google Apps for Education, Microsoft Office, and database management.
Education and/or Experience Required
Bachelor’s Degree.
3‑5 years of work in a student services‑related field.
Preferred
Master’s degree in social work, counseling, higher education administration, college student services, education or related field.
Minimum of 1 year of work in an academic setting.
Minimum of 1 year of experience engaging in student advocacy and support, specifically with diverse student populations.
Experience and knowledge of mental health issues and concerns.
Physical Demands Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area or in‑or out‑of‑state locations.
Typical office environment.
Mostly an indoor office environment with windows.
Offices with equipment noise.
Offices with frequent interruptions.
Requires some work during the weekends and evenings.
Knowledge
Understanding and support of the Jesuit tradition of education and a commitment to the fundamental values of service to others, community, and diversity, as well as commitment to and demonstration of skills, knowledge, and awareness to serve the unique needs of the diverse campus community of Santa Clara University.
Understanding of Student Development Theory and college student experiences, especially as it pertains to diverse populations including first‑generation college students, low‑income students, BIPOC students, students from immigrant backgrounds, undocumented students, transfer students, LGBTQ students and non‑traditional aged students.
Skills
Effective, culturally competent, holistic advising.
Excellent organizational, communication (written and oral), and public relations, including delivering workshops or training.
Strong organizational skills including time management, multitasking, and project completion.
Commitment to customer service, both internal and external to the department.
Evidence of strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Proficiency in Google Apps for Education, Microsoft Office, and database management.
Abilities
Demonstrated ability to cultivate collaborative interpersonal relationships with internal and external constituencies.
Independent carry out tasks of varying complexity.
Exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
Operate in a highly confidential manner and with minimal supervision and direction.
Manage multiple tasks at the same time and complete projects from inception through implementation and assessment.
EEO Statement Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and California State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non‑discrimination and affirmative action. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged.
For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, see https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/policies-reports/
Clery Notice of Availability: Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please go to https://university-operations.scu.edu/campus-safety/crime-reporting/. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Santa Clara University affirms its commitment to employ qualified individuals with disabilities within the workplace and to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All applicants desiring an accommodation should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at hraccommodations@scu.edu or by phone at (408) 554-5750.
To view the full job posting and apply for this position, go to https://apptrkr.com/6957401
#J-18808-Ljbffr