Hesed Transition Program Director

Concordia is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.

Position Summary

The Hesed Transition Program Director champions an comprehensive postsecondary experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, grounded in Lutheran theology of vocation, dignity, and belonging. This leadership role advances student success through strategic program development, academic inclusion, career preparation, campus engagement, and faith formation.

The Director manages program operations including budgets, grants, and IRIS compliance; supervises and develops program staff; builds partnerships across campus and community; and ensures continuous improvement through assessment. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Success, this position requires a visionary leader committed to creating equitable opportunities and Christ-centered care.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement a strategic vision integrating faith, learning, and student development
• Establish measurable outcomes for student success, including academic, vocational, social, and faith growth, ensure these outcomes are tied to admission of students, program curriculum, and requirements of the program for completion
• Lead program assessment and continuous improvement efforts
• Ensure alignment with institutional mission, Lutheran identity, and inclusive education best practices

Operations & Administration

• Develop and manage program budget, including grants and donor-funded initiatives
• Ensure services align with Wisconsin Department of Health Services IRIS guidelines, including compliance, documentation, and appropriate use of participant-directed funds
• Collaborate with IRIS participants, consultants, and providers to coordinate services and maintain program integrity
• Collaborate with billing to ensure distribution of IRIS funds to Hesed families
• Oversee admissions strategy, enrollment management, and retention planning
• Ensure compliance with institutional policies, disability laws, and grant requirements
• Prepare reports for senior leadership and external stakeholders

Parent Relations

• Address concerns and problem-solve when challenges arise during the student's college experience
• Maintain regular contact with families about student progress and program activities
• Set realistic expectations about what the program can and cannot provide
• Serve as a point of contact when families have concerns about their student
• Gather family feedback about program effectiveness and areas for improvement
• Include family perspectives in program planning and development

Supervision & Team Development

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff
• Foster a team culture grounded in service, vocation, and Christian care
• Provide professional development for staff based on data, student needs, and staff needs
• Participate in Hesed on-call responsibilities, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution
• Train and supervise staff on IRIS program expectations, documentation, and compliance
• Guide staff in developing student progress reports and program completion reports
• Ensure team members understand boundaries of IRIS funding and allowable services

Campus & External Partnerships

• Collaborate with academic departments to expand inclusive course access
• Partner with Campus Ministry to support student faith engagement
• Cultivate relationships with community organizations, employers, and families
• Represent the program in university committees and external networks
• Expand funding sources for student tuition emphasizing creating equitable opportunities for all individuals with IDD
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience
• Experience in inclusive postsecondary education, disability services, or student affairs
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, supervise staff, and lead strategic initiatives
• Able to present a Christian and professional manner
• Ability to interact with a diverse set of students
• Familiar with the university campus life
• Able to deal with interruptions and work in a fast-paced environment
• Able to work evening and weekend hours as required
• Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and theLutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Education and Experience

• Master's degree required, preference in higher education, special education, or related field

Physical Demands/Equipment

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. Concordia offers a full range of benefits to full-time employees including tuition benefits. The starting wage will be determined upon education and/or experience.

Concordia University benefit options include, but are not limited to the following:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Personal Spending Account, Flexible Spending Account, and/or Health Savings Account
• Disability and Survivor Plan
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Basic Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Tuition waiver benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Compensation and Benefit Details

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, all applicants are must complete and submit an online employment application through the Concordia University Employment page: https://cuw.applicantpro.com/jobs/ Click on the job you are interested in applying to, enter your contact information in the Apply Now section, and then click the Apply For This Position button to begin the application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of CU to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The University will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, gender, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

However, CU is an institution of the LCMS and, to the extent allowed by law, CU reserves the right to give preference in employment based on religion. In addition, preference in holding certain employment positions is given to ordained or rostered ministers of the LCMS. Based on a religious tenet, CU recognizes only male, LCMS ordained Ministers of the Gospel, but recognizes both male and female LCMS Rostered Ministers of the Gospel.

The Human Resources Department has been appointed to manage the equal employment opportunity program, including all equal employment opportunity activities, as required by federal, state and local agencies. If any employee or applicant for employment believes this policy has been violated, he/she must contact the Director of Human Resources.

Concordia University is a HLC accredited, co-educational, liberal arts school offering more than 72 undergraduate majors, over 35 master's degree programs, and 5 doctoral programs. There are also a variety of accelerated evening and e-learning programs.