Assistant Director, BU PATH, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is a top-ranked college that focuses on cross-disciplinary research, experiential learning, and community engagement. We seek to empower our students, faculty, and staff to reshape the systems that impact learning and human development, more firmly centering them in justice, diversity, and belonging. To learn more about our college, visit www.bu.edu/wheelock.

BU Wheelock is one of the 17 schools and colleges that are part of Boston University, one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today. With more than 37,000 students from all 50 states and 145+ countries, BU is among the largest independent universities in the United States. To learn more about Boston University, visit www.bu.edu.

About the Role

The Assistant Director supports the implementation of key functions and initiatives of the Planning and Advising for Transitions to Higher Education (PATH) program at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. BU PATH partners with school districts to expand college and career advising capacity by providing individualized guidance and support to young people in the schools we serve. BU PATH advisors use personalized, data informed practices that help students plan, apply, and transition into their next steps after high school.

The Assistant Director is responsible for managing and supervising a cohort of near-peer college advisors, as well as fostering and maintaining strong relationships with high school partners where advisors are placed. The Assistant Director also coordinates and implements initiatives central to the BU PATH model, such as advisor professional development, performance management, and volunteer engagement. Working under the direction of the Director, the Assistant Director contributes to program planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts that advance BU PATH’s goals and support both advisor and student success.

Position Logistics

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position with access to the University’s comprehensive benefits plan. This position will have an office on BU’s Charles River Campus and will maintain a hybrid work modality, with 2 days a week of remote work, and approximately 1 day per week completing school site visits, or meeting with partners off-campus.  The remaining days will be completed on the Charles River Campus.

Essential Functions

This job description and the essential functions listed below are intended to provide a general overview of the role and are not a comprehensive list of day-to-day tasks.

Essential Function 1: 55%

• Develop and implement programmatic initiatives critical to the BU PATH model, such as advisor professional development, performance management, and volunteer engagement.
• This includes:
  • Facilitate the planning and implementation of the advisor professional development and training program, including monthly in-service trainings, small group best practice sessions, Advisor Professional Development Day, and in collaboration with the Director, a multi-week Annual Training Institute.
  • Oversee the work of 2 advisor-led committees, providing feedback, coaching, and support in their execution of designated projects.
  • Ensure that all practices related to training and supervision of advisors align with AmeriCorps and Massachusetts Service Alliance requirements and recommendations.
  • In collaboration with the Director, implement performance management and tracking strategies, including data systems development, monthly and quarterly performance analysis, and troubleshooting data issues and concerns.
  • Lead the planning and implementation of key city and district-wide programs and events, including College Month, vacation week support and advising, Decision Day, and other applicable activities as they arise.
  • Monitor volunteer programs, including the second-year advisor mentoring program and Boston University student volunteers placed with advisors.

Essential Function #2: 35%

• Manage and directly supervise a cohort of 8-12 near-peer advisors; foster and maintain positive relationships with their respective high school placement sites.
• This includes:
  • Supervise and direct the work of a cohort of 8-12 advisors.
  • Manage and direct each advisor in the development of site-specific strategic plans, monitor the execution of strategic plans, and assess advisors’ effectiveness and progress toward program goals.
  • Communicate regularly with advisors, including visiting advisors at school sites for meetings and observations at least twice each semester.
  • Counsel advisors regarding effective techniques and strategies for admissions and financial aid advising, student outreach, school partnership development, and other skills needed to successfully achieve their designated goals.
  • Provide supervisory feedback to advisors, including formally through Mid-Year and End of Year Evaluations.
  • Prepare progress reports on assigned cohort of advisors for the Program Director, identifying areas of strengths and concerns.
  • Establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with school sites at which advisors are serving.
  • Maintain strong working knowledge of the strengths, challenges, and opportunities at each school site to further the work of BU PATH as a school partner.

Essential Function #3:10%

• Provide general program support for the PATH program, in partnership with and under the direction of the Program Director.
• This includes:
  • Respond to program questions and needs within assigned areas, escalating complex or sensitive matters to the Director as appropriate.
  • Participate on behalf of the BU PATH program at various meetings and activities, including but not limited to engagements with Boston Public Schools, the City of Boston, and fundraising site visits.
  • Provide thorough and timely updates for the Program Director on all projects and assignments.
  • Administer and implement BU PATH policies affecting assigned advisors.
  • Recommend improvements to program processes and services to further the attainment of PATH’s program goals and the success of the organization.
  • Contribute to ad-hoc projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Psychology, Human Development or related field.
• Minimum of 2 – 3 years' experience in education/college and career advising,
• Experience with data tracking and analysis in relation to performance management and program impact.
• Experience in training and professional development of staff through 1:1 coaching, workshops and small group discussion.
• Experience with partnership management and cultivation, both inside and outside of a school setting.
• Significant knowledge of the postsecondary planning process for students, with a particular focus on the postsecondary planning needed for 11^th and 12^th graders.
• Knowledge of best practices in developing the skills and experience of young professionals, particularly within the education sector.
• Knowledge of trends and challenges in secondary education and postsecondary access and opportunity for students in the Greater Boston area.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office systems, particularly with Excel, Word and Forms.
• Strong time management and prioritization skills in a fast paced and shifting work environment.
• Ability to travel throughout the Greater Boston area for site visits and partner meetings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Language proficiency in Spanish, Haitian Creole or Mandarin preferred but not required.
• Experience with creating and implementing data systems and structures in Microsoft Excel preferred.
• Experience with AmeriCorps programs or current AmeriCorps alums preferred.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $65,000 annually. This range is based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the overall scope of the role. Please note that the final salary offered may vary depending on these factors.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters while working at Boston University is considered confidential.  Employees must adhere to University and departmental policies, guidelines and procedures; and all applicable laws and regulations at all times. 

Additional Requirements: Some heavy lifting of 30 lbs or more is required for transporting partner supplies or bringing materials to events and informational sessions.

This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 

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