The Assistant Director supports first-generation, low-income students, and/or students with disabilities to navigate the complexities of college life both in and out of the classroom. The Assistant Director works with the Director of TRIO/Student Support Services (SSS) to develop and implement programming to increase awareness of socioeconomic class differences and challenges while managing an individual caseload. This is a long-term, benefits-eligible position, grant-funded through September 2025. This is a .92 FTE position, working full-time hours with time off during student breaks while meeting the needs of students and administration.

Department Overview:

The SSS program is a federally funded grant program through the United States Department of Education. The program serves and assists students from underrepresented backgrounds (First-Generation, Low-Income, Individuals with disabilities). Carleton College has hosted a TRIO program consecutively since 1981. As part of the Division of Student Life, SSS works collaboratively across campus departments to offer holistic support and programming for students as they navigate their college experience while promoting campus-wide initiatives. 

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

• Assist the Director in planning, scheduling, and implementing SSS programming

• Serve as a Liberal Arts Academic Advisor for a caseload of 45-50 students; advise students on academic, personal, and career matters

• Supervise 8-10 SSS Peer leaders

• Plan and coordinate workshops throughout the academic year (financial literacy, graduate school prep, learning strategies) and other initiatives related to project goals and objectives

• Assist in maintaining program documentation including case notes, assessments, and reports

• Assist with overseeing resource lending library services

• Serve on committees relating to campus-wide peer leadership programming

• Oversee recruitment and retention efforts of program participants                          

• Assist in assessing programs and implementing changes needed for the project’s effectiveness

• Serve on Peer Leader and other College committees to provide advocacy for SSS-eligible students and socioeconomic-related issues in the campus community       

Describe Supervision Received and Exercised:

The Assistant Director supervises the office Peer Leaders and receives supervision from the SSS Director at Carleton.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Required:                      

• Must pass a criminal background check

• A Master’s degree in education, administration, counseling, social work, psychology, or related field

• Strong understanding of socioeconomic class issues and challenges                       

• Experience with program development, implementation, and evaluation

• Minimum of two years of experience working with SSS-Eligible students

• Advising and supervisory experience                                                            

• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills

• Proficient in utilizing technology, especially database management software

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

Preferred:

• Three or more years of experience advising SSS-Eligible students in higher education

• Experience in educational support or outreach programs                             

• Knowledge of the Family Rights Educational Privacy Act (FERPA)                      

• Certified in Mental Health First Aid                                                      

• Some knowledge of and experience in TRIO and/or other federal grant programs is highly desired.

• Supervisory experience

• Personal experience of overcoming barriers to access and education success

Must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral work instructions, operations, safety procedures, and hazardous labels. 

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.

Carleton College is an AA/EEO Employer: We are committed to developing our staff to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Staff Salary and Benefits: The selected finalist’s salary will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, internal pay structure, and our overall compensation package. Carleton offers a generous benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) retirement plans with a 10% employer contribution with immediate vesting, a health savings account with a college contribution, a generous paid time off package, as well as access to many other campus amenities. 

Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Nationally recognized as the nation’s top college for undergraduate teaching, Carleton is known for its academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and sense of humor. Carleton offers 33 majors and 38 minors in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.

About Carleton College

Founded in 1866, Carleton College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of roughly 2,000 students located in the historic river town of Northfield, Minnesota. Nationally recognized as the nation’s top college for undergraduate teaching, Carleton is known for its academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, and sense of humor. Carleton offers 33 majors and 38 minors in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, and social sciences.

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