Anticipated Opening

Mitchell College seeks applicants for an anticipated opening for the Coordinator of the Skills Training, Advancement and Individual Readiness (STAIRs) at Mitchell Program. The STAIRs program, designed for recent college graduates, builds upon the inclusive nature of the Mitchell College educational experience by offering additional guidance and supports to a kaleidoscope of learners as they transition from college into the workforce or pursuit of an advanced degree. By outfitting our participants with individualized attention, personal exploration, occupational and research-based skills training, and the social embeddedness and lifelong connection of a truly supportive cohort of young persons on similar journeys to realize their dreams, we prepare students to thrive in new, challenging, and ever-changing environments.

Reporting to the Dean of Student Experience and Belonging/Chief Student Affairs Officer, the Coordinator will collaborate with industry leaders, workforce partners, and mentors to foster opportunities for experiential learning and development empowering individuals to continue their personal and professional evolution/transformation and reach their fullest independent potential. The coordinator will be responsible for the effective operation of the program and all of its functions, including recruitment and retention. 

Position Summary:

This is a full-time, 12-month position. Responsible for utilizing the Community Development Model to create an exceptional living and learning environment, to build relationships between and among the STAIRs program community, to facilitate student development, and to encourage active participation in extracurricular opportunities. Responsible for administrative and facility management, as well as student support and mentorship. The position requires an ability to promote independent living and career readiness; provide leadership for positively managing a diverse student community; and applying student development theory to overall program facilitation. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Responsible for the daily operation of the STAIRs at Mitchell Program, including meeting with families and applicants to provide information about the program, it’s mission, culture and services while appraising the applicant’s motivation and commitment to partner effectively with the college and program team.
• Composes and prepares routine correspondence and works closely with the marketing department on materials and program branding and promotions.
• Collaborate with local community organizations and Mitchell Faculty and Staff on the development of life skill and career readiness programming. 
• Advise, confer, and offer appropriate support and referrals for students who exhibit academic and personal concerns.
• Provide regular and timely support for participants, attending meetings, events, and maintaining regular contact with staff and mentors. 
• Identify and build opportunities and spaces for participants to build their own programming and governance of their living environment.
• Work in collaboration with the Office of Integrative Career Services to develop and build linkages to industry leaders and community partners.
• Follows up, as needed with community agencies to continue to build and strengthen partnerships
• Communicate, educate and provide appropriate response to participant concerns and behaviors including crisis situations, behavioral concerns and student conflicts. 
• Be highly visible, maintain office hours and participate in routinely participate in the rotation of on-call responsibilities for the Student Affairs. 

• Represents the college to external audiences such as students and families, high school staff and administrators, independent counselors, community organizations. 
• Maintains confidentiality of all information submitted by students and their parents.
• Masters, uses, and leverages technologies to support student recruitment and communication. 
• Represents the college by demonstrating the highest standards of integrity, personal and professional conduct.
• Maintains up-to-date comprehensive and effective working knowledge of federal, state and college regulations.
• May provide safe transport for students to and from College events. 

• Provide Dean of Student Experience and other stakeholders with reports on current activities, sessions, attendance, topics, as well as program challenges and successes.
• Complete collateral assignments and duties as assigned by the Dean of Student Experience and Belonging, Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct or his/her designee.

Physical Demands: 

This position will require climbing up and down stairs to execute routine job functions and serve in an on call capacity. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request.

Required/Preferred Education and Experience:

• A relevant masters degree in Social Work, Counseling, Student Affairs, or Higher Education is required. Other combinations of education, experience and training may be considered at the discretion of the College.
• Knowledge of and experience in working with students who have learning differences and/or are on the spectrum is desired.
• Previous successful experiences with community governance in housing and/or residence life is preferred. 
• An ability to meet participants where they are at and partner with them on the development of a success and transition plan. 
• Ability to provide leadership and healthy role modeling to participants;
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries in the workplace and to work professionally (ethically) especially with regard to matters of confidentiality.

• The position requires excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and problem solving skills, especially during high stress situations. Individuals who are able to work in a continuously changing organization and are highly motivated are best suited for this position.
• Enthusiasm, creativity and flexibility required.