Director of the Office of Student Care and Advocacy

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State University seeks an experienced and visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Office of Student Care and Advocacy (SCA) within Student Affairs, reporting to the Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students. The Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight of programs and services designed to support student success, with a particular focus on students navigating complex personal, academic, and financial challenges.

The Director will lead a dynamic team dedicated to the four branches of SCA: care coordination, basic needs support, respondent support, and off-campus student support. The Director will foster strong partnerships across the Commonwealth to create a coordinated, compassionate, and effective student care network and will be instrumental in advancing a culture of holistic care and empowerment at Penn State.

This position requires the successful candidate, while on call, to be able to report to campus within 30 minutes in the event of an emergency.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Provide leadership and direction for the Student Care and Advocacy unit, aligning programs and services with institutional priorities for student success and well-being
• Provide advisement and support to the Student Affairs units at the Commonwealth Campuses and chair the case management community of practice
• Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for student care and advocacy services, including crisis response, basic needs support and services, and advocacy initiatives
• Serve as an advisor to university leadership on matters related to student care, crisis intervention, and basic needs support

Program Oversight and Management

• Supervise a team that includes a Senior Associate Director, Associate Director, two Assistant Directors, four Case Managers, an Administrative Assistant, and various part-time student employees or interns at University Park
• Oversee operations of student case management, including assessment, intervention, and follow-up for students experiencing significant challenges
• Provide direct case management for complex or high-need situations, using sound judgment and advanced problem-solving skills
• Supervise the chair of the University's Care team and oversee its work
• Lead Penn State's basic needs initiatives, including food security, emergency funding, off-campus housing support, the Students United Against Poverty affiliate organization, and the Lion's Pantry, actively engaging with students, student leaders, and student governments
• Chair the Case Manager Community of Practice at Penn State, convening professionals in student-facing supportive roles across campuses to share resources, exchange best practices, and build community around student care
• Collaborate closely with the Behavioral Threat Management Team, Counseling and Psychological Services, University Health Services, Student Accountability and Conflict Response, Student Disability Resources, Global Programs, Sexual Misconduct Reporting and Response, Undergraduate Education, Academic Advising, Student Aid, the Bursar, the Graduate School, Academic Colleges, and other partners to coordinate care and crisis management
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community agencies and local governments to identify and maximize opportunities to support student success

Student Advocacy and Crisis Response

• Champion inclusion and access by advocating for students navigating barriers to success
• Ensure policies and practices are inclusive and trauma-informed
• Lead on-call rotation and manage most difficult cases
• Assist the Dean of Students in enacting the University's Missing Student Protocol
• Serve as an integral member of the Behavioral Threat Management Team
• Supervise the University's respondent support program, providing support and advocacy to students accused of violative behavior
• Engage with student leaders, families, and stakeholders to build trust and support networks for students

Assessment and Compliance

• Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of programs and services, using data to drive continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including FERPA, Clery, and Title IX
  Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively, navigating general allocation, student fee allocation, and grant and development monies

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree
10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76, $115,

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page .

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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