ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, STUDENT AFFAIRS

ABOUT US:

Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Celebrating a Century: https://100.scripps.edu/

 

POSITION TITLE:    Associate Director, Student Affairs

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Associate Director of Student Affairs is one of the senior leaders responsible for ensuring the ongoing success of the Skaggs Graduate School and other education and training programs at Scripps Research. The primary emphasis for the Associate Director is the management of programs, services, and people to support student engagement and success. The individual has broad impact and responsibility in areas of student recruitment, admissions, first-year experience, retention and progression, wellness, and degree completion.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Student Support & Counseling

• Monitor and support students’ academic progress, including providing counseling and coordinating interventions to ensure student progression.
• Offer ongoing counseling to graduate students, with referrals to internal and external resources.
• Respond to student crisis situations and provide consultation and recommendations regarding complex graduate student cases.
• Lead and coordinate strategies for student leaves, accommodations, and disability services, ensuring compliance with legal standards.
• Provide faculty with guidance and support on student engagement, well-being, and mentoring best practices.

Policy, Procedures, and Compliance

• Engage with faculty, staff, and administrators to evaluate and optimize policies, procedures, and services related to graduate student support.
• Develop and interpret academic policies, making recommendations to enhance the graduate training experience.
• Uphold academic standards and manage disciplinary, probation, and dismissal processes.
• Partner with the International Services Office to refine policies and workflows for required documentation, forms, and approvals.

Community Building & Wellness

• Oversee community building, academic readiness, and wellness initiatives for trainees in collaboration with campus partners and trainee groups.
• Advocate for the diverse needs of graduate students and contribute to efforts to promote inclusive learning environments and practices at the institute.
• Advise campus trainee groups, coordinating events, approving budgets, and representing the Office of Graduate Studies at meetings.

Academic Events & Engagement

• Work with teams to ensure the successful execution of key academic events, such as commencement, recruitment visits, orientation, and research symposia.
• Partner with staff and communications teams to support internal and external recognition of student and intern achievements.

Supervision & Leadership

• Supervise members of a bi-coastal Office of Graduate Studies team.
• Provide oversight for graduate student recruitment, admissions, retention, records, and degree certification. 
• Provide strategic leadership for educational and community outreach programs, including high school internships, college summer internships, outreach-related grants, and community activities.Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.    

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's Degree or PhD in higher education, education administration, student affairs, business or public administ