Student Affairs - Director of Student Development and Advocacy

Summary:

The Director of Student Development & Advocacy is a highly visible position responsible for implementing the mission and vision of D’Youville University while directing student development and advocacy efforts. This position will provide oversight for the programming initiatives delivered through The Park which encompasses innovative services for all students and through the Cultural Enrichment Center which serves students from non-dominate backgrounds while educating students of the dominate culture.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who thrives amidst an ever-changing and unpredictable work environment and will have demonstrated skills in the areas of student support and programming. The Director of Student Development & Advocacy will report directly to the Dean of Students; is responsible for the departmental budget and will serve on various University committees. Evening and weekend hours may be required when the University is in session to manage workload and attend meetings and University functions. This position oversees a comprehensive student development model that works very closely with Student Engagement and Student Leadership to ensure that the University is “student-ready” and that every student has the opportunity to be engaged outside of the classroom.

Responsibilities:

Student Development:

• Oversee the University’s MetaReady programming which delivers developmental modules to all undergraduate students through the metaverse,
  • Work closely with the Office of Student Housing to provide additional developmental opportunities to those students who show unsatisfactory results in MetaReady programming,

• Serve as an advisor for the Student Government Association to ensure the promotion of student leadership while coordinating annual training sessions,
  • Coordinate training and development for all student clubs and organizations on campus,
• Work closely with the Office of Student Housing to ensure the successful distribution of Living Learning Communities within the Residence Halls,
• Oversee the student Engage system to help ensure student involvement on campus, especially amongst first-year students, and implement efforts to drive this involvement,
• Participate in large University events (orientation, open house, welcome weeks, RedFest, celebration weeks, etc.) to ensure familiarity and access to students.

Student Advocacy:

• Serve as an ‘ombudsman’ for any student in need of navigating University policies or procedures,
• Oversee student wellness vending services on campus,
• Maintain the ‘campus cupboard’ which offers students access to free food and personal care items within the Wellness Lodge,
• Coordinate services and community relations which help to remediate clothing, housing, and other life needs of students,
• Organize and distribute student event opportunities (educational and social) in collaboration with local and national advocacy partners that focus on financial literacy, personal wellness, and navigating adulthood,
• Develop policies and procedures that help de-stigmatize advocacy services,
• Provide oversight and guidance to the staff within the Cultural Enrichment Center,
• Chair the University CARE committee while following NaBITA guidelines; collaborating with faculty and staff across campus to offer early intervention to students who exhibit behavioral or personal well-being needs,
• Serve as the Student Affairs representative for specific scholarship award and financial aid appeals as needed,
• Work closely with the Project Director for Violence Prevention & Wellness Education to further promote student services on campus,
• Coordinate the University’s BookReady and TechReady programs.

Other Responsibilities:

• Provide supervision, development, and feedback for all direct reports including professional and student staff,
• Ensure a student-centered departmental environment with a focus on customer service,
• Support the overall campus programming model by collaborating with faculty, staff, and SGA on initiatives and events,
• Serve as an AtIXa trained investigator/hearing panel officer,
• Manage departmental assessment efforts and data gathering, respond to data/statistical inquiries from campus stakeholders, and ensure student development and satisfaction,
• Serve as an educator, mediator, reviewer when a student concern is escalated as a result of published policy, departmental process, or at the request of the Dean of Students,
• Other duties as assigned by the Dean of Students.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in higher education, counseling, or related field
• 3-5 years of experience working with college aged students,
• History of training and presenting to individuals and groups,
• Record of establishing and maintaining collaborative and effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, community agencies and/or governing boards.

Preferred

• Experience working with advocacy related services,
• An understanding of implementing online education services,
• Proven supervisory experience.

Other Requirements:

• Possess the ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations,
• Handle multiple tasks and priorities at once while solving problems and thinking innovatively,
• Administrative, organizational, supervisory, and budget-management skills,
• Ability to travel with dependable transportation,
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends,
• Extended periods of sitting, standing, stair climbing, maneuvering objects of substantial weight,
• Must possess a student-centered personal philosophy

Work Remotely - No

Work Location: Buffalo, NY

Job Type: Full Time, Exempt

Pay: $55,000 - $60,000 Annually

D’Youville University is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.

Additional Salary Information

The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.

About D’Youville University

D’Youville is a distinguished private and research university with a rich history, located on the vibrant West Side of Buffalo, near a growing downtown area with year-round cultural events and outdoor activities. The university excels in preparing students for 21st-century careers, helping them become change agents who positively impact their communities. Under the leadership of President Lorrie Clemo, D’Youville is advancing through a dynamic planning process to enhance the university and improve the student experience.

Founded in 1908 by the Grey Nuns and named after Patron Saint Marguerite D’Youville, the university has a longstanding commitment to providing a compassionate learning environment for underrepresented populations. This tradition continues today.

D’Youville University was the first college in Western New York to offer baccalaureate degrees to women. With a strong Catholic heritage, the university welcomes students of all cultures, backgrounds, and faiths, fostering an environment where diverse faith traditions are respected. Since becoming coeducational in 1971, D’Youville has expanded opportunities for diverse learners, including adults, first-generation, low-income, and other historically underrepresented students. The urban campus community of 3,000 students offers over 50 majors in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, including advanced certificates and accelerated learning options. With degrees in healthcare, business, and the liberal arts, D’Youville University encourages students to integrate community service with their coursework.

D’Youville University graduates are equipped with the academic strengths and leadership skills needed to make a difference in their careers and communities. All job offers are contingent upon legal authorization to work in New York State as determined by the NYS Department of Labor. For more information, visit D’Youville’s website https://www.dyu.edu/.

D’Youville University continues to grow its commitment to Diversity, EQUITY, and Inclusion. Remaining true to the teachings of our Patroness, St. Marguerite d’Youville, we seek to selflessly and compassionately contribute to humanity by improving the lives of individuals and society through education. D’Youville University was founded to extend a hand to those in need and equip them, through education, with the skills necessary to change the world.