Director of Neurodiversity Initiatives and Pathways Programs

The Director of Neurodiversity Initiatives and Pathways Programs supports learning though oversight of the AU Neurodiversity Initiative and Pathways Programs. This program provides personalized mentoring and coaching, social events, skill building and more, to neurodivergent college -capable students, allowing them to take full advantage of University life, develop executive functioning and social skills for pursuing career opportunities and ultimately lead an enriched life.

Core Competencies:

1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University.
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: At Aurora University, our singular goal is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. We do this by being an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and purposeful lives.
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business.
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events.

• Lead strategic recruitment and enrollment efforts for an annual cohort of college-capable neurodiverse students, including development of supplemental application materials, coordination of inclusive and strengths-based interview protocols, and proactive outreach through sustained partnerships with local high schools, community-based organizations, and resource networks; collaborate closely with the Office of Admissions to align messaging, yield strategies, and enrollment goals.
• Design, develop, and continuously refine comprehensive career pathway models for neurodivergent students that integrate experiential learning, internships, and employment outcomes; align pathways with workforce needs and institutional priorities to support post-graduation success.
• Implement a comprehensive orientation and transition program, including pre-session experiences and scaffolded seminars, to support social and executive functioning development; ensure programming is regularly assessed and enhanced using student feedback, program data, and emerging best practices.
• Lead student-centered focus groups and listening sessions to inform program design, assess student experience, and guide continuous improvement of services, programming, and supports.
• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with employers, community organizations, school districts, and workforce agencies to expand internship, employment, and cocurricular opportunities for neurodivergent students.
• Collaborate with academic affairs, student affairs, and institutional partners to build and maintain an integrated, interdisciplinary support ecosystem addressing academic success, executive functioning, social engagement, wellness, and residential life.
• Design and deliver professional development and training for faculty, staff, and campus partners to increase institutional capacity to support neurodiverse learners, including inclusive pedagogy, universal design, and neurodiversity-informed practices.
• Establish, oversee, and enhance a peer mentor program that promotes belonging, social integration, leadership development, and engagement in campus life, including recreation and wellness initiatives.
• Lead innovative program development by identifying, piloting, and scaling evidence-based and emerging practices that improve outcomes for neurodivergent students, including the use of technology, coaching models, and alternative learning strategies.
• Direct community outreach initiatives and summer programming to strengthen college readiness and expand awareness of neurodiversity in higher education among students, families, and community stakeholders.
• Supervise Pathways program staff, providing strategic leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development to ensure high-quality program delivery and team effectiveness.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive assessment and evaluation framework to measure student outcomes, program effectiveness, retention, and career readiness; use data to inform decision-making, demonstrate impact, and support continuous improvement.
• Oversee program operations and budget management, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources and alignment with institutional goals and strategic priorities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of divisional and institutional initiatives, including participation in committees, strategic planning efforts, and cross-functional projects.

Education:

• Master's Degree in General Education / Autism Studies / Special Education/ Clinical Practices or other related field required
• Additional education and clinical certifications a plus

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years work experience in developing educational programs with learning and assessment outcomes required