Director, Planning and Assessment

Position Function:

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Student Affairs Planning & Assessment manages the day-to-day operations of the office of Planning & Assessment, including the development and oversight of all major programs related to the division's strategic plan goals and objectives. Coordinates and facilitates the functions of the staff including an Assistant Director, graduate assistant, and student workers. Overall responsible for the development and implementation of professional development and assessment programs in support of Division of Student Affairs goals and objectives. Facilitates special projects in support of the overall mission of the Division of Student Affairs.

Salary Grade : 16

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

At Mississippi State, the Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment where students thrive. We prioritize their success, well-being, and growth through programs, services, and experiences that nurture personal development and academic achievement. Our commitment is to empower every Bulldog to excel in their journey, make meaningful contributions to campus, and to prepare them to lead in their lives after college.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide leadership and educational opportunities on assessment for the units within the Division of Student Affairs. Convene and chair the division’s Planning & Assessment Workgroup (PAW).
2. Coordinate divisional program reviews with individual units based upon the respective standards of the functional area being reviewed.
3. Support the VP for Student Affairs in division-wide strategies and initiatives, including development and implementation of the Division's Strategic Plan.
4. Collaborate/consult with SA departments, staff members, and others in developing and implementing various assessments and research projects.
5. Expand and enhance professional training and development opportunities related to planning & assessment for staff in the Division of Student Affairs.
6. Promote and implement ethical principles and standards of good practice in assessment and program review.
7. Develop partnerships with departments on campus such as Office of Research & Economic Development, The Social Science Research Center, and other academic and research departments to advance divisional goals and objectives.
8. Coordinates the preparation of the Division of Student Affairs annual report and coordinate the completion of the institutional effectiveness report with the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness.
9. Works with student affairs teams, committees, and leadership in the coordination, facilitation, and management of special events in support of student affairs including professional development programming and training, new employee onboarding, and student success initiatives.
10. Directed by strategic guidance from Student Affairs leadership, coordinate special projects and activities designed to reinforce plans, policies, and procedures.
11. Manage and oversee the planning and assessment department budget and office processes and procedures.
12. Identify, design, and conduct research efforts in support of research questions related to the division of student affairs and the institution.
13. Represent the division of student affairs on institutional committees and workgroups as needed.
14. Coordinate and facilitate the functions of departments staff including supervising the Assistant Director, graduate assistant, and student employees.
15. Assume other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master's Degree.
2. Five years of relevant full-time experience in college or University office setting.
3. Experience in the supervision of staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Doctoral in Higher Education & Student Affairs; Educational Measurement & Evaluation; or related field.
2. Understanding of Student Learning and processes.
3. Superior leadership and management skills, including interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.
4. A foundational understanding of the ACPA/NASPA Professional Competencies and CAS Standards.
5. Experience in developing and evaluating programs to promote a sense of belonging among students and student success more broadly.
6. Personal and professional experiences that strengthen one’s understanding, perspective, and awareness of the importance of developing programming and events in support of student success and development.
7. Excellent presentation skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office Suite of programs.
2. Ability to work effectively with a wide-range of staff from across the division.
3. Strong interpersonal skills, including oral, written, and listening communication capabilities.
4. Ability to research and understand higher education models, especially those applicable to Student Learning, Assessment, and Strategic Planning.
5. Effective written and oral communications skills.
6. Knowledge of a type of statistical software (ex. Jamovi, SPSS, Stata, or alternative) and knowledge of Microsoft Power Bi or other "dashboard" type software.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Job requires limited lifting of files/records; nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
2. Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.
3. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu .

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu . Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.