Director of Counseling and Wellness

POSITION TITLE: Director of Counseling and Wellness

DIVISION:  Administration

DEPARTMENT:  Student Affairs

REPORTS TO:  Vice President of Student Experience and Success

PAY TYPE:  Exempt

WORKER TYPE:  Full-Time, 12-month 

UPDATED:  May 2026

PAY: $70,000

Supporting creative students within an intimate art and design college environment, the Director of Counseling and Wellness will foster a relationship-first culture that meets student artists where they are. As a key member of a robust Student Affairs team, the Director integrates comprehensive wellness services with student retention and success strategies. By creating a seamless, supportive journey, the Director empowers students to feel seen, heard, and deeply rooted in a sense of belonging.

The Director provides administrative and clinical leadership for the Wellness Center and student counseling services. The Director position requires strategically balancing high-level program administration and supervision with direct responsibility for front-line student services, including limited clinical practice, wellness programming and services, toolkits, and acute crisis intervention.

Essential Functional Responsibilities: 

• Clinical & Crisis Care: Provide limited individual and group psychotherapy, on-call crisis support, and acute mental health interventions, including weekends/after-hours as needed.




• Leadership & Operations: Direct daily operations, including developing and communicating counseling schedules for students and counselors, managing the Wellness Center facility, and overseeing the mental health EMR and counseling records. Administer the department budget, student health fees, and telehealth services. Establish strategic goals, objectives, and procedures while regularly assessing service effectiveness to ensure continuous improvement.




• Supervision: Recruit and supervise counseling practicum students and trainees. Identify and contract licensed therapists for additional counseling services. 




• Campus Wellness & Belonging: Oversee "The Pantry," educational outreach, sponsor campus-wide student wellness programming, and create wellness tools and toolkits. Proactively partner with cultural and identity based student organizations to provide support and advocacy. 




• Compliance: Maintain accurate records and ensure adherence to HIPAA, FERPA, federal/state laws, and college policies. 




• Collaboration: Serve on the Behavioral Intervention Team and consult with parents, faculty, and staff on mental health issues. Work with community organizations and partners to provide additional services for students, including but not limited to students needing long-term psychotherapy, psychiatry, and/or other medical needs. Establish a cross-departmental framework to support student reentry after psychiatric hospitalization and/or mental health crisis. 




• Outreach & Communication: Oversee the promotion of counseling/wellness services and resources to the campus community through printed materials, website, social media, etc. 

Other responsibilities, including:

• Be available to the campus community through conducting regular office hours. 




• Respond to daily email and telephone inquiries from students, parents, faculty and staff regarding student issues.




• Meet with the VP of Student Experience and Success and/or student affairs staff on a weekly and/or regular basis.




• Participate in relevant professional organizations and professional development opportunities.




• Assist and/or plan other student affairs events and programs as needed.




• Other duties as assigned.

Supervises the following:

• Contracted Counseling Practicum Students and/or trainees

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Skills: Exceptional clinical, crisis intervention, and administrative skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively; and proficiency with standard office software and mental health EHR.

Required Experience/Education:

• Education & Licensure: Master’s degree or doctorate in counseling, social work, psychology, or related mental health field from an accredited institution. Current independent clinical licensure in Missouri required.




• Experience: Minimum of 3 years clinical experience. 

Preferred Experience:

• Experience: Four or more years of clinical experience. Experience with college-aged populations.

Statement

Driven by exploration, curiosity, and passion, it is Kansas City Art Institute’s mission to educate artists and designers while honoring the distinct journeys of students. We create a community that equips students to become leaders who leverage the creative process to transform the future. Our excellence is integrated in our community, rich with varied experiences and perspectives from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We invest in continuous growth by cultivating a culture of creativity, care and belonging—a climate where respectful dialogue thrives and individuals are seen, valued, and encouraged to achieve their full potential and accomplish remarkable things.

KCAI is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates for employment without regard to any characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online system and require accommodation due to a disability, contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to KCAI’s Human Resource Administrator at hr@kcai.edu.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.