Job Description: Signature Academic Experiences was developed in August of 2024 with the charge of expanding and engaging students in academic and professional aspirations and enhance students’ senses of campus and community belonging. The office includes Outdoor and Place-Based learning opportunities, Signature Year Experiences for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, Student Employment Engagement, and the learning lab for the Southern Ohio Copperheads interns. In 2025, the LINKS program was added to the portfolio of initiatives. The Assistant Director supports student success by expanding student engagement in opportunities that align with High Impact Practices. This role creates, sustains, coordinates, and advances academic-based programs that positively impact belonging, retention and graduation rates. This position is responsible for the LINKS Peer Navigation program as well as a collaborator in future pre-”start of school” summer initiatives. This position is highly collaborative, serving as a connecting point between students, departments and offices across the university. This program supports recruitment to OHIO for students seeking additional transition support, for example first-generation students and students from a lower socio-economic class. The person in this role will require knowledge and understanding of challenges first-generation and low-income students face in transitioning to and through the university. The Asst. Director manages the LINK Ambassador peer mentors who serve as a support and guide for the students through their first year and set them up for success in their continued years on campus. This position works with students in groups and individually to meet the goals of the programs. Program Development and Coordination Responsible for the development, coordination, recruitment/marketing, leading/facilitating, and launch of High Impact Practice programs in alignment with the University, College, and Office strategic plans. Oversee the LINKS Peer Navigation program and any future pre-”start of school” summer programs. Collaborate with partners as well as conduct group sessions and individual meetings to achieve program goals. Develop outreach programs that support student engagement, student success strategies, career readiness as well as social, education, and life-skills programming. Outreach to students (LINKEEs) with follow-up resources, academic referrals, etc. as needed. Engage LINKEEs with alumni in support of community engagement, college success efforts, and potential mentoring opportunities. Integrate reflection tools to support student meaning-making across all programs/activities. Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the LINK Ambassadors to help students navigate the complex academic decisions ahead of them by fostering their understanding of the university environment, supporting academic success, and engagement with high-impact practices. Develop and manage Canvas modules to support student engagement, transition, as well as LINKS Ambassador training/resources. Collaboration and Partnership Effectively collaborate with partners (internal and external) in relation to the High Impact Practice initiatives. Identify partners that enhance the focus on student engagement across all populations to support student retention, sense of belonging, and graduation from OHIO . Recruit students to the program, maintain recruitment materials, communications in Slate and with Enrollment Management offices. Collaborate regarding the Housing and Residence Life Experiential Living Option associated with LINKS students. Integrate planned initiatives in coordination with the RA and RD assigned to the building. Collaborate with the Academic Achievement Center First-Generation program on related events. Assessment and Evaluation Assess, gather data, and evaluate programs to ensure they meet the intended outcomes. Identify metrics that can be used to inform the Office Key Performance Indicators. Benchmark industry initiatives and integrate better practices into program development work. Conduct pre-and post surveys, track withdrawal, and retention (fall to spring and year over year). Minimum Qualifications: - A masters degree in Counseling, Education, or a related field; or a bachelors degree with 4-years of related work experience (one year of graduate assistant work is counted as a half-year of experience); or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. - At least two years of experience in student services, student success, advising or other related higher education experience. Preferred Qualifications: - Direct experience working with student programs that support the transition and retention of Pell Eligible and First-Generation students. - Direct experience developing and coordinating student success programs. - Proven ability to build and sustain strong partner collaboration to further program outcomes. - Program and learning outcome assessment experience including the synthesis and reporting of data. Planning Unit: University College Department: University College, Dean's Office Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position: Kim Jeffers, jeffersk@ohio.edu Employment Type: full-time regular Advertised Salary: We offer a competitive salary of $58,000-$60,000 annually.