Associate Director, College Transition & First-Year Programs

Heights Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Twelve weeks of paid parental leave

Technology stipend

401(K) retirement savings plan

Job summary

Heights Philadelphia is seeking an Associate Director of Transition and First-Year to lead student-focused programming, oversee a small team of College Success Advisors, and partner with campus resources to support persistence and successful transitions from high school to college.

The role combines program design, logistics, mentoring, data management, and collaboration with the Career Pathways team; in a hybrid work model with in-person requirements and travel for campus visits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Advanced Degree Preferred).
• Minimum two years in a related role working directly with matriculated students in college persistence.
• Experience leading individuals.
• Dedicated remote work area, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, and compliance with company technology, safety, and health requirements.
• Ability to travel occasionally for meetings, campus visits, and events.
• Proficient operating a computer and office productivity software.
• Capacity to lift up to twenty (20) pounds.
• Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Potential need for more than forty (40) hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Lead vision and manage logistics for transition programs and events.
• Collaborate with other departments to facilitate smooth student transitions.
• Supervise summer interns and manage hiring of summer instructors.
• Provide supportive, motivational advising to students navigating higher education.
• Maintain ongoing contact with students via email, phone, texting, and in-person/virtual meetings.
• Connect students to campus and community resources to resolve issues.
• Establish and maintain relationships with campus liaisons who advocate for students.
• Visit campuses to meet liaisons and students and understand available resources.
• Organize group events to promote peer support and collaboration among cohorts.
• Collect, record, and maintain student data, documents, interactions, and progress in established data management systems.
• Assist students temporarily out of college to plan their return to school or entry into the workforce.
• Guide students in transition from college to career (e.g., resumes, interview skills, internships) in collaboration with the Career Pathways team.
• Support ongoing relationships with legacy alumni.
• Manage full-time staff.
• Perform additional duties as required by business needs.

Skills

Student affairs

Team leadership

Program management

Remote work

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Office software

Job description

Heights Philadelphia is seeking an Associate Director of Transition and First-Year to lead student-focused programming, oversee a small team of College Success Advisors, and partner with campus resources to support persistence and successful transitions from high school to college.

The role combines program design, logistics, mentoring, data management, and collaboration with the Career Pathways team; in a hybrid work model with in-person requirements and travel for campus visits.