Job Summary

Purdue University is seeking an experienced higher education leader to assume the role of Assistant Director of Horizons Student Support Services (a TRIO Program). This is an excellent opportunity to help lead a well-established and respected team who serve 340 first-generation, limited-income students in ways that enhance their success. This 5-person team is located at the main Purdue location in West Lafayette, Indiana and situated in space purposely designed for their work and well-positioned for student engagement. It is organized with other access and success programs as a part of the Student Success Programs department.

The Assistant Director coordinates the academic components of the Horizons program and acts 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. Further, the Assistant Director provides support to the Director in varying grant management capacities and assists with the completion of the Department of Education’s Annual Performance Report. The Assistant Director will serve as the primary contact in absence of the Director. The successful candidate will possess a strong attention to detail, ability to effectively multitask while managing competing priorities, and have a desire to do work that maximizes the potential of students from first-generation and limited-income backgrounds. This is a primarily on-site and in-person position located in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The priority deadline to apply is February 27, 2026. Cover letters are required with all applications.

About Horizons Student Support Services

Horizons Student Support Services is a federally funded program and part of numerous TRIO programs across the country which contribute to the mission of President Lyndon B. Johnson's legislative War on Poverty. In his attempt to relieve the economic state of the country, President Johnson established The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which was initiated to address serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. The TRIO programs were originally established by the federal government in 1965 to ensure equal educational opportunity for all Americans, regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic circumstances. The Higher Education Amendments of 1968 led to the emergence of Student Support Services. Horizons Student Support Services has served Purdue University for over 45 years, providing guidance and support to the students of TRIO since 1978. Candidates should explore the Horizons website and review the Horizons annual report from 2024-25.

What We're Looking For:

As the Assistant Director you should have:

• Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Education, Counseling, or related field.
• At least two years of experience working with students in advising, student services, counseling, and/or teaching
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 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.

As the Assistant Director, you would bring:

• 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’s benefits package is generous and includes tuition remission opportunities for the main campus and for Purdue University Global programs
• Purdue will also provide support for professional development and relocation
• The annual salary for this position is $56,000
• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
• 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.

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University