Assistant Director of Exploratory Program

Overview

The assistant director, exploratory program, oversees the development, implementation, and assessment of the exploratory program for undeclared students. The assistant director works closely with student success and first year experience staff to fulfill the goals of the office and the exploratory program and honor the mission of the university while positively impacting the experience of undeclared students. The assistant director manages the day to day operations of the exploratory program office and is responsible for implementing curricular, transition, and support programs with a focus on major exploration and selection, and works collaboratively with a wide range of offices and academic departments on policies, processes, and opportunities. The assistant director will develop and implement policies and processes related to major selection, progression of undeclared students, and undeclared student academic success. This is a twelve-month in-person position and includes evening and weekend commitments.

At Salem State University, we are passionate about creating a workplace that is as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We welcome and celebrate the diverse identities of all our employees, ensuring that you feel valued and supported. Our strong focus on civic engagement means your work will have a meaningful impact both within the university and beyond. As we continue to emerge as a Hispanic and minority-serving institution, we are committed to advancing social justice and creating opportunities for all. Join us at Salem State, where your career will make a difference, and your contributions will be celebrated.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manage day-to-day operations of the Exploratory Program Office and assist in overall management of the Student Success and First-Year Experience Office, supporting students, faculty, staff, and families on programs, processes, and policies.
2. Advocate for exploratory students by providing information, guidance, and referrals as needed.
3. Supervise and collaborate with the faculty fellow and exploratory program faculty advisors to plan events, communicate with students, create recruitment materials, and develop advising and major exploration resources.
4. Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate graduate and undergraduate exploratory program student staff; assist with similar processes for first-year experience staff and practicum students.
5. Develop and implement communication and outreach strategies for prospective and incoming students, including marketing materials, presentations, and engagement opportunities in collaboration with Admissions.
6. Oversee exploratory programs and initiatives, including major and career exploration activities, community-building events, and interdisciplinary programs, ensuring effective development, facilitation, marketing, and assessment.
7. Provide academic guidance and recommendations, collaborating with faculty advisors, academic advisors, and department chairs; maintain student confidentiality and make professional referrals as needed.
8. Guide students in course selection and scheduling; assist in resolving academic challenges; identify, implementing and monitor academic progress and academic holds (including holds connected to university policy around major declaration requirements); coordinate block registration for all incoming exploratory students (first-year and