Job Summary
The Assistant Director supports Horizons Student Support Services by coordinating the academic components of the Horizons program and acting as the primary liaison to all academic units on campus. This role provides additional opportunities for student growth and development by overseeing the Horizons Faculty Mentoring Program and managing the new student enrollment process. Furthermore, the Assistant Director provides support to the Director in various grant management capacities and assists with completing the Department of Education’s Annual Performance Report. The Assistant Director will serve as the primary point of contact in the Director's absence. The successful candidate will possess a strong attention to detail, the ability to multitask while managing competing priorities effectively, and a desire to work that maximizes the potential of students from first-generation and low-income backgrounds.
A cover letter is required for full consideration.
Horizons was successful in the most recent TRIO Student Support Services grant competition, and funding has been renewed for the 2025-2030 grant cycle.
This position is 100% on-site. Some remote work may be possible based on program needs. Some evenings and weekends are required for program initiatives.
At Purdue, you’ll join a community where unrivaled pride and unlimited potential are more than just words—they’re the foundation of how we work and grow, together. If you’re ready to help build a better world through research that matters, take the next step and join us on this path.
About Us:
When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation. Horizons Student Support Services (SSS) is a TRIO program federally funded to serve 340 students. Horizons SSS has an enduring history on the campus of Purdue University and has provided guidance and support to students since 1978.
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:
- Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Education, Counseling, or related field.
- Two (2) years of experience working with students in advising, student services, counseling, and/or teaching
- Proven ability to develop programming and initiatives that support the persistence, and holistic success and well-being of first-generation and income-eligible students
- Familiarity with student enrollment and onboarding processes
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively across students, staff, and faculty groups
- Proven track record of effectively managing competing priorities and multiple deadlines in dynamic environments
- Ability to use data to assess student outcomes and drive continuous program improvement
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and lead projects from conception to execution with minimal supervision
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to serve as second-in-command and manage program operations in the director’s absence
Skills:
- Knowledge of academic advising, program planning, and ability to organize and communicate effectively.
- Demonstrated sensitivity to, and understanding of distinct academic, socioeconomic, societal and ethnic backgrounds, and learning abilities of students.
- Quick learner with attention to detail.
- Ability to collaborate with others and relate to people of all ages and backgrounds
Additional Information:
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Who We Are:
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Career Stream
Compensation Information:
Professional 3
Pay Band S060
Job Code # 20002135
Purdue University is an EO/EA University