Director of Student Support & Wellness

The University of Akron; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Akron invites applications for the Director of ZipAssist to provide strategic leadership for student advocacy and support services. The role oversees full‑time staff, coordinates case management, and collaborates with campus partners to enhance student persistence and success.

With a master’s degree and at least five years in higher education or related fields, you will guide grant-funded programs, develop partnerships such as Cupboard and Help‑A‑Zip, and ensure compliance with

Qualifications

• Requires a relevant master’s degree in higher education or related field.
• Minimum 5 years post‑graduate experience in college/university student services.
• Excellent customer service and strong communication and leadership skills.
• Experience in personnel resource management, training and/or professional coaching preferred.

Responsibilities

• Case Management & Ongoing Care: Manage a small caseload and lead Help‑A‑Zip case management, including mental health, basic needs, financial hardship, and academic concerns.
• Outreach/Programming: Ensure quality ZipAssist education, outreach, referrals, partnerships, and student success programming; develop innovative programming; lead trainings and presentations.
• Supervision & Leadership: Lead the ZipAssist team including staff supervision, budget, project management, program development, and training; ensure compliance with policies and FERPA; hire and train staff.
• Compliance and Policy: Maintain understanding of campus policies and federal laws (FERPA, Clery, Title IX); respond to inquiries; update academic policies as needed.

Skills

Empathy

Active listening

Public speaking

Project management

Collaboration

Personnel management

Critical thinking

Decisiveness

Consistency

Initiative

Detail-oriented

Innovation

Education

Master’s degree in higher education

Master’s degree in education

Job description

The University of Akron invites applications for the Director of ZipAssist to provide strategic leadership for student advocacy and support services. The role oversees full‑time staff, coordinates case management, and collaborates with campus partners to enhance student persistence and success.

With a master’s degree and at least five years in higher education or related fields, you will guide grant-funded programs, develop partnerships such as Cupboard and Help‑A‑Zip, and ensure compliance with