Associate Director for Undergraduate Student Support

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think care create and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse sustainable and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching scholarship and practice.

At Pacific University we thrive in an extraordinary environment surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest with campus locations inForest GroveHillsboro and Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live work teach and acquire and share knowledge.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

• The Office of Student Support (OSS) partners with students to navigate challenges that impact their well-being safety or academic success. Grounded in principles of equity inclusion and access OSS provides individualized support systems coordination and problem-solving to help students overcome barriers and connect with appropriate resources. The office is dedicated to fostering an inclusive equitable and caring environment where all students can thrive with particular attention to those who have experienced barriers to opportunity or belonging.
• The Associate Director for Undergraduate Student Support provides strategic leadership and direct intervention and case management for students experiencing significant difficulties conducting risk and resilience assessments coordinating care across university systems and facilitating communication among campus partners. This role ensures students receive timely support advocacy and guidance to promote their overall success and persistence needed to thrive at Pacific University and beyond.
• Co-leads the Universitys Care Referral System our early alert intervention system. They will lead the Undergraduate Care Team our multidisciplinary behavioral intervention team at Pacific and will serve as a core member of the Graduate and Professional Care Team.
• As a visible leader in Student Affairs and OSS the Associate Director advances proactive data-informed strategies that strengthen retention and foster belonging. They cultivate partnerships across the university to align outreach prevention and intervention initiatives that promote holistic student success.
• The Associate Director for Undergraduate Student Support reports to the Dean of Student Wellbeing and collaborates closely with the OSS team which includes the Associate Director for Graduate and Professional Student Support and the Case Manager to develop systems to support overall student retention and success.

The expected salary range for this position is $66000 $71000 annually depending on qualifications and experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• While this position provides leadership for undergraduate student support the Associate Director also contributes to the success and wellbeing of graduate and professional students through consultation advocacy and systems-level collaboration.
• Provide ongoing non-clinical support to students through guidance skill development and proactive interventions related to wellbeing and academic success. This position does not provide confidential counseling or therapeutic services; all clinical care is provided by the Student Counseling Center.
• Engage in ongoing continuing education opportunities to enhance expertise and contribute to the growth and effectiveness of the Office of Student Support. Annual professional development stipend provided when budget permits.
• Participate in the Student Affairs on-call rotation with other professional staff offering consultative or when necessary in-person after-hours response to urgent student situations.
• Lead and participate in university-wide Divisional or departmental committees task forces and hiring processes offering expertise to strengthen institutional systems and effective centralized operations that promote student success equity and engagement.
• Support key University and Student Affairs events and traditions (e.g. Convocation Commencement Orientation Family Weekend) that build community and belonging.
• Contribute to strategic planning goal setting evaluation and assessment within the Division of Student Affairs supporting data-informed decision making and continuous improvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the Office of Student Support and the Division of Student Affairs

JOB SCOPE:

• Scope falls within Essential Functions described above
• No budget authority
• Performs position duties autonomously and under direct supervision of the Dean of Student Wellbeing. Decisions of significant consequence are made in consultation with their supervisor.
• Decisions are made within specific OSS policies and procedures University policy guidelines and in compliance with applicable laws rules and ethical standards.
• This is an in-person position with limited remote work that is only permitted with prior approval by the Dean of Student Wellbeing.
• The primary office for this position is located on the Forest Grove campus but at times may have scheduled or as-needed office hours on the Hillsboro campus. This position will virtually serve all students regardless of location.
  

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

• This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities but provides project leadership coordination or occasional task-specific guidance to student workers interns or temporary staff.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Masters degree in Social Work Counseling Student Affairs Higher Education Occupational Therapy or closely related field completed prior to start date.
• Minimum of three-years working in case management a Student Affairs position in higher education or closely related activity (i.e. such as mental health counseling).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences with a focus on fostering inclusion and belonging.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience and demonstrated commitment to diversity equity inclusion and intercultural responsiveness.
• Demonstrated leadership in student support or related programs inspiring collaboration guiding teams and advancing initiatives that promote wellbeing engagement and success.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with a broad range of students colleagues and partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including clear concise writing and effective listening paraphrasing and questioning.
• Demonstrated adherence to FERPA standards and other applicable laws regulations and ethical mandates.
• Proficiency with office technologies including word processing spreadsheets email and electronic databases or platforms.
• Proven ability to build rapport trust and collaborative relationships with students clinicians administrators and university partners.
• Demonstrated critical thinking problem-solving and sound decision-making skills with the ability to apply an equity lens.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects with attention to detail timely responses and adaptability in fast-paced environments.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively exercising sound judgment humility and integrity in alignment with University policies strategic vision and divisional goals.
• Ability to support assessment initiatives including needs assessments outcome evaluations and data analysis for planning and quality improvement.
• Professional appearance and conduct appropriate to the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years of experience in higher education managing student crises; including providing direct services to students in distress case management mobilizing basic needs and making referrals to on- and off-campus resources.
• 1-3 years of experience leading innovative efforts to improve systems aimed at enhancing the student experience and improving retention and graduation rates.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a first-responder during crisis situations and/or training in conflict-resolution and de-escalation techniques.
• Knowledge and experience engaging in non-clinical suicide risk assessment (Columbia Rating Scale Screener) violence risk assessment or threat assessment (e.g. WAVR-21) risk management and violence prevention strategies and approaches in a university setting.
• Knowledge of higher education law (including Title IX Clery Act Campus SaVE and VAWA) federal regulations impacting students and student records (including FERPA HIPAA and Section 504) and current legal issues in higher education.
• Knowledge of mental health and well-being needs student development theory and common presenting concerns typically encountered by college students.
• Experience using case management software and performing administrative tasks in databases.
• Ability to provide bilingual or multilingual skills especially in Spanish
• Familiarity with institutional research assessment practices or data-informed decision-making

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Setting:

• This is a full-time in-person (not remote) position based on the Forest Grove campus.
• Ability to travel between Forest Grove and Hillsboro campus as necessary to effectively serve our community.
• Typical office environment and is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (i.e. typical office environment)

Schedule Expectations:

• Standard weekday hours (MondayFriday 9-5) this position requires that you maintain availability through the end of the business day or until work can be handed-off to our after-hours support staff on-campus
• Occasional evening and/or weekend hours required
• Overtime may be required depending on operational needs

Travel Requirements:

• Minimal travel required
• Ability to travel between our Forest Grove and Hillsboro campuses as necessary

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily sedentary work involves sitting most of the time with some light work involving lifting up to 20 pounds to assist with office operations.
• The role also requires regular communication (e.g. talking listening and typing) and use of standard office technology with or without reasonable accommodation.

Application: Please submit application materials electronically through PayCom our Human Resources Information System. Your application should include a cover letter that addresses your relevant experiences curriculum vitae and names and contact information for three (3) professional references. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. The hiring process normally consists of two interviews. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon a successful background check and eligibility to work in the United States from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Hiring Timeline: The hiring committee will begin reviewing applications in early December 2025 and will continue to review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Position start date as soon as possible.

If additional questions arise please do not hesitate to contact the hiring manager Lindsey Blem Dean of Student Development and Campus Living at .

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply please upload your resume and cover letter along with your Paycom application. Persons who do not follow and complete the application process are not applicants and will not be considered for employment.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.

Offers of employment at Pacific University are contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and completion of a background check.

At Pacific University we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic holistic equity-minded and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

We who make up Pacific University aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust civility care openness and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems through an asset-based mindset so that every one is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected their contributions are valued and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation holidaysincluding winter breakand sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Annual 9% retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• Employer-paid life short-term disability and long-term disability insurance
• On-campus benefits including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food bookstore purchases clinic services and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks snowshoes and bikes)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race color national or ethnic origin ancestry age religion or religious creed disability sex gender identity and/or expression sexual orientation military or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include but are not limited to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 the Age Discrimination Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way Forest Grove OR 97116 or via email at .