Assistant/Associate Director of Graduate Student Wellness

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Join us in enhancing the well-being and success of our graduate students!

The Office of Graduate Educational Engagement in the J. Jeffery and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and innovative individual to serve as the Assistant/Associate Director for Graduate Student Wellness.

Responsibilities: Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as the first point of contact and intake coordinator for graduate students in distress; assess needs, triage cases, provide short-term support, and refer to appropriate campus resources.
• Maintain confidential records and conduct assessments to track services provided, student demographics, and the overall impact of support services.
• Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of strategic initiatives and programs that promote graduate student wellness, including mental health, professional development, and social connection.
• Identify the needs of graduate students related to health and well-being and develop responsive, data-informed strategies that integrate new and existing programs.
• Design and implement assessment plans to evaluate the effectiveness of wellness programming and contribute to continuous improvement and institutional planning.
• Liaise with University offices such as Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Care and Advocacy, Student Disability Resources, Health Services, and others to ensure appropriate referrals and coordinated care for graduate students.
• Collaborate on university-wide Student Affairs initiatives, advocating for the inclusion of graduate students in wellness and support programming.
• Provide consultation and guidance to graduate students, faculty, and staff navigating complex or sensitive student issues.
• Assist students in navigating institutional policies and procedures, offering support in resolving academic, personal, or professional concerns.
• Collect and analyze data to inform strategic planning, reporting, and program development within the Office of Graduate Educational Engagement.

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Counseling, Social Work, Student Affairs, Public Health, or a related field.
• Minimum of six years of experience in crisis management, student support services, or working with individuals in distress, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals experiencing complex or sensitive personal, academic, or professional challenges.
• Experience providing support or consultation in high-stress, confidential, or crisis-oriented situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and compassionately with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural competency in student support services.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
• Experience maintaining confidential records and using data to inform programming or services.

• Doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., DSW) in a relevant field.
• Prior experience working with graduate and/or professional students in a college or university setting.
• Knowledge of student development theory, trauma-informed care, and/or well-being models relevant to higher education.
• Familiarity with university systems of care and support services (e.g., Counseling Services, Student Care and Advocacy, Disability Resources).
• Experience with program development, implementation, and assessment in student wellness or health promotion.
• Experience working with student information systems, case management platforms, or assessment tools (e.g., Maxient, Qualtrics).

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, responsive, and adaptable, with excellent interpersonal skills and sound judgment. This role requires the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, while effectively partnering with a range of university offices.

The position also occasionally requires work beyond standard business hours, including some evenings and weekends, to support student needs and campus events.

Application Instructions: Applicants should submit the following materials for consideration:

• A cover letter detailing their interest in the position and how their background and experience align with the responsibilities and qualifications.
• A statement describing their demonstrated commitment to inclusion and belonging in their professional work.
• A current resume or curriculum vitae outlining their educational background and professional experience.

Candidates selected to advance in the search process will be asked to provide the names, titles, and full contact information (phone number and email address) for four professional references. Finalists will be notified before any references are contacted.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by May 15th, 2025. Review of applications will begin on this date and continue until the position is filled.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to tuition discounts (75% discount for spouse and children), and paid holidays. Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/current-employee/benefits for more detailed information.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: