Assistant Director, Student Advocacy

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 73,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking an Assistant Director for the Student Advocacy Center within Student Life. The role provides operational leadership, complex case management, staff supervision, and strategic consultation to advance student retention, holistic wellness, and degree completion.

The position collaborates with faculty and campus partners, leads outreach and training, and ensures continuity of care during peak periods, including crisis response scenarios and leadership absences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience; 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in program planning and administration.
• Demonstrated skill in working with faculty, staff, and students in an advocacy setting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and staff supervision for the Student Advocacy Center.
• Lead outreach and training efforts across campus.
• Oversee daily office operations and crisis response during student emergencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education or Social Work or related field

Master’s degree (preferred) in Education, College Student Personnel, Counseling, or related field

Job description

Job Title:Assistant Director, Student AdvocacyDepartment:Student Life | Student Advocacy

The Assistant Director within the Student Advocacy Center provides operational leadership, complex case management, staff supervision, and strategic consultation to advance student retention, holistic wellness, and degree completion at The Ohio State University. Reporting to the Director, this role manages daily office operations, leads outreach and training efforts, and assumes departmental leadership to ensure continuity of care during peak periods and leadership absences.

Serving as an institutional resource on student advocacy, the Assistant Director manages complex cases involving academic, financial, behavioral, health, and personal challenges. The position collaborates closely with faculty, university departments, and community partners to resolve multifaceted student issues, eliminate systemic administrative barriers, and maintain alignment with federal compliance standards. Additionally, the role supports 24/7 crisis response efforts during student emergencies, represents the center on behavioral intervention and care teams, oversees emergency assistance funds, and directly supervises professional, graduate, and student personnel.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience; 5 years of relevant experience; experience in program planning and administration; demonstrated skill in working with faculty, staff, and students in an advocacy setting; strong written and verbal communication skills. Successful completion of a background check.

Desired Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Education, College Student Personnel, Counseling, Social Work, or related field; 8 to 12 years of relevant experience; experience working with a diverse student population in a large collegiate setting; 2+ years of supervisory experience; extensive knowledge of university policies and procedures; ability to analyze and interpret data.

CRM info:

Function: Student Life, Subfunction: Student Advocacy, Career Level: Managerial 2

The pay range for this position is $72,700 to $80,000, and will be based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.

MISSION

The Office of Student Life fosters students’ development, learning, well-being and sense of belonging; empowers students to achieve their academic, personal and professional goals; and prepares students to be engaged in a global society.

Location:Lincoln Tower (0271)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.