Associate Director, High Potential Program

Background

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's is a residential campus nestled 20 miles east of San Francisco in the picturesque Moraga Valley. Based in the Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions, Saint Mary's currently enrolls more than 3,100 students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, the largest teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church, guide the spiritual and academic character of the College.

As a comprehensive and independent institution, Saint Mary's offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal and professional education. Saint Mary's reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness in education stems from its vibrant heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts institution. An outstanding, committed faculty and staff that value shared inquiry, integrative learning and student interaction bring these traditions to life in the 21st century. The College is committed to the educational benefits of diversity.

Responsibilities

The TRIO/High Potential Success Coach provides proactive and comprehensive support for first generation and/or low-income students participating in the High Potential program, a grant-funded TRIO Student Support Services program sponsored by the United States Department of Education. Reporting to the HP Director, the TRIO/HP Coach will provide individualized and holistic monitoring, tracking and support services to low-income and/or first generation students from diverse backgrounds over the entire course of students' undergraduate life-cycle. The TRIO/HP coach is an essential member of the High Potential program team at Saint Mary’s College, in which staff work independently and collaboratively to increase educational equity and inclusive excellence through data-driven programming, supportive institutional structures, and student success initiatives and services for TRIO/HP students.

• COACHING

Provide individualized and strengths-based coaching to an assigned caseload of students.

• Advocate on behalf of first-generation and/or low-income students, providing targeted and tailored support and services to High Potential students based on identified risk factors including academic, financial, and psychosocial factors with specific attention to underprepared, underserved and/or traditionally underrepresented students in higher education.
• Initiate proactive, regular, and consistent contact with TRIO students (in person, postal mail, phone, email, text, social media), build rapport with students, serve as the assigned students' designated student success coach over the course of their academic life-cycle.
• Work with individual TRIO/HP students to develop realistic goals that will contribute to academic and personal success for undergraduate and graduate students; develop relationships that foster developmental conversations; and motivate students to achieve educational and psychosocial goals.
• Build trusting relationships with a diverse student population by delivering personalized, constructive, engaging, motivating, and informative coaching sessions.

Tracking And Assessment

• Monitor and track TRIO student performance and progress through college systems (Conexed, GaelXpress/Retention Alert).
• Maintain consistent and confidential records of individual student data, interactions, interventions and referrals.
• Track student participation in required TRIO program activities using additional tracking methods.

Referrals And Interventions

• Exercise cultural competence and utilize group and individual interventions such as but not limited to, educational and career planning, crisis management, referral services to college resources, decision-making, transition management, personal growth and development, social adjustments, and goal setting.
• Refer and connect TRIO/HP students with relevant college resources; coordinate with college and other stakeholders regarding additional outreach, support and follow up.

2. TRIO/HP STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAM SERVICE

• Establish a reliable presence in the HP office for students to seek out as a resource, and provide organizational support for connecting students with resources provided in the space.
• Work collaboratively with other staff to support students in the HP program and office, including the graduate Program Assistant, Peer Mentors, and Student Advisory Board.
• Develop and conduct success workshops pertaining to academic, personal and professional development, including topics, strategies, training, or skill building which model best practices in student success, and are specific to the caseload of TRIO/HP students, liaison school, department(s), and/or major(s).
• Initiate, design, develop, and execute student, faculty, staff, and parent/family/alumni initiatives to enhance educational equity and inclusive excellence related to student success, retention, persistence, academic achievement, and graduation rates. Proactively engage TRIO/HP students, families, and campus community..
• Provide initiative and leadership with HP staff, support faculty, and peer mentors in the planning and implementing of the HP SAILS program for incoming students, as well as programming initiatives throughout the year.

3. ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH

Develop strategies and incentives to increase TRIO/HP student achievement and success. Outreach to students by creating and implementing student-centered programs, events and activities as well as attending and participating in college-wide events and programming. Collaborate and communicate clearly with campus colleagues to support student success and advocacy.

• Support students through knowledgeable communication and advocacy among campus partners, especially in Academic Success, Advising, Student Life, Financial Aid, Registrar, and the Business Office.
• Support students through academic processes of Academic Recovery Review Board (ARRB) and probation, Academic Honor Council, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) review for Financial Aid.
• Foster a culture of commencement by supporting TRIO/HP students through their broader SMC college experience, such as new and transfer student programs, First Year Experience, First Year Advising Cohorts (FYAC), student involvement fairs, cultural graduations, residential experience, student leadership programs and clubs, and other college programs and events.

4. ADMINISTRATION, RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT

• Implement and manage accountability standards for student services to ensure student success. Conduct assessments and evaluations of coaching, engagement, advocacy and outreach.
• Maintain budget expectations and guidelines related to assigned projects and programs with the Director.
• Develop and suggest policies, procedures and processes related to TRIO/HP student success with the Director.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and detailed case management processes and procedures including note taking and student records; develop and maintain reports as assigned; and maintain appropriate filing and documentation per FERPA and TRIO guidelines.

5. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Invest in expanding your own areas of professional exploration and deepening of professional expertise.
• Stay current on best practices for student success and working with diverse college students.

Experience And Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

REQUIRED: Baccalaureate degree required, Master's degree required or in-progress

PREFERRED: Degree, coursework, and/or experience in areas related to one or more of the following: higher education, education, counseling, college student services.

Experience:(years required and applicable field of experience):

3-5 years in higher education, non-profit, or equivalent.

1-3 years working with students from underserved populations including low-income and/or first-generation college students.

Skills/Abilities: (e.g. computer skills, written & verbal skills, trades, laws, procedures, technical)

• Strong written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and work effectively with college students.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong belief in the ability for first generation and low income students to succeed in college.
• Commitment to a strengths-based style of interaction designed to move students from dependence, to independence, to interdependence.
• Demonstrated experience working with underrepresented students in secondary or postsecondary setting.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations across race, class, gender, sexuality, age, and/or ability.

Other Requirements: (e.g. travel, weekend/evening work)

Occasional weekend/evening work

Supplemental Information

Application Instructions: Please apply on-line at

• The name and contact information for three (3) professional references.
• A resume
• Include a cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications and are prepared to support the mission of the College

In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third party background check.

Saint Mary's is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.

College policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, taking a protected leave (e.g. family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Saint Mary's College annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Saint Mary's College Report, please go to the Public Safety website at

Saint Mary's College provides excellent medical, dental, vision coverage for you and your family, time off, a Tuition Assistance Plan, disability coverage – and much more.

Who is eligible for our insurance under our current policy:

Full Time Benefits: Staff employees who work a minimum of 1,560 hours per year (80% of full time non-exempt and 75% for exempt) and faculty teaching 6 or more courses per academic year.

Eligible Dependents: Legally married spouses / Domestic partnerships registered by the state and Qualifying children (up to age 26)

Participation in the benefit programs begins the first of the month following your date of hire.

Saint Mary's College provides resources to help you balance work & life and encourages healthy living through on campus classes such as yoga, provides faculty and staff access to exercise areas, and provides discounts through our benefits plans. As a member of the SMC faculty and staff you have access to the library, Hearst Art Gallery, as well as discounts to our bookstore, food services, Cultural events and activities on campus and businesses in the Lamorinda Area.

For more information on the Benefits of Saint Mary's College, send your questions to [email protected].