"Director, ASCEND Center"

Director, ASCEND Center

Job ID: 292260

Location: Kennesaw, Georgia

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Summary

Leads the collaborative development of the Center's mission and guiding principles. Provides executive leadership and oversight for ASCEND Center programs and services that support the development, enhancement, or evaluation of campus-based initiatives focused on food access, temporary housing, and other supportive services. Manages the ASCEND Center, identifying and utilizing internal and external resources to sustain its mission and generate revenue. Contributes to educational and outreach efforts with a national scope, supporting programs across the country.

This position is considered limited-term staff since it utilizes contingent funding which is currently only secured through January 31, 2029. Employment thereafter will be conditional based on continued availability of funding.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Oversees strategic long-term planning and ensures both strategic alignment and operational efficiency through continuous improvement efforts informed by program evaluations and needs assessments
2. Develops and manages the Center program training, research, and accreditation, to ensure they work well together and have a strong impact.
3. Builds and maintains partnerships with campus, state, and national groups to support collaboration and share resources.
4. Represents the Center at events and conferences to increase its visibility and promote its mission.
5. Finds and applies for funding opportunities, such as grants, to support and grow the Center's work.
6. Handles the Center's budget to ensure money is used wisely and transparently.
7. Leads program evaluations to track results and guide planning.
8. Makes sure training and services meet changing campus needs and follow CAS standards, especially for supporting students' basic needs.
9. Supervises and supports staff, providing guidance and opportunities for professional growth.
10. Identifies gaps in programs and operations, and develops solutions like training, partnerships, or new resources to improve impact.
11. Helps create and carry out marketing efforts to raise awareness of the Center's work and connect with key audiences.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in psychology, counseling, social work, higher education, public administration, or a related field

Required Experience
Eight (8) years of experience related to the position, including previous management and supervisory skills

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Preferred Experience
Experience with development, implementation, and evaluation of services for minority, low-income populations, and/or first-generation students in the college educational setting

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Ability to successfully interact with individuals/groups from an array of backgrounds, experiences, and communication styles
Ability to work as a contributing member in team-oriented environment
Ability to recognize and protect confidential information and exercise judgment, tact, and diplomacy in handling sensitive information and situations
Ability to work effectively with campus and community stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to conduct effective workshops and presentations for diverse audiences
Ability to work later afternoons, evenings, and weekends
Ability to be on'call and respond as needed, either by phone or in person
Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks or projects at one time, meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)

SKILLS
Superior interpersonal and communication skills
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Other Information

This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time.

Background Check

• Credit Report
• Standard Enhanced + Education & DMV

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.