Hesed Transition Program Director

Concordia is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.

Position Summary

Hesed Transition Program Director- The HTP Director oversees all aspects of admissions, program administration, curriculum and leadership of staff. This position partners with key strategic partners like educational institutions, state and local government, businesses, parent & guardian groups, and community organizations. This position reports to the Vice President of Student Success at the CUW Mequon, WI campus.

The Hesed Transition Program is a 2-year program for young adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities aged 18-25. This program utilizes HTP classes, vocational experiences, and select CUW classes to promote independent living skills, career exploration and preparation, and personal/faith development. HTP students will receive a Record of Program Completion at the end of 2 years and can then choose an optional 3rd year fellowship.

Hesed, a profound concept in Biblical Hebrew, encapsulates the idea of God's steadfast love, kindness, and mercy shown through action. Just as Hesed emphasizes going above and beyond mere obligation or duty, advocating for and participating in a postsecondary transition program reflects CUW's genuine desire to uplift and empower individuals with developmental disabilities as they navigate the challenges of transitioning into adulthood

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Public relations job functions:

• Understand the needs of all key stakeholders: clients, parents & guardians, education, state and federal agencies, businesses, donors, and community organizations.
• Participate in relevant local, regional, or national boards/counsels/committees to promote or otherwise further the mission.
• Build a college-going culture by counseling prospective students and their families/support networks on educational planning and admission requirements.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with area educational constituencies including area schools, preschools, consultants, admissions directors, and organizations and create networking opportunities.
• Collaborate with and build strong relationships with college-wide departments, faculty, support staff and campus-wide organizations to meet the needs of the program and the students in the program
• Serve as the face of HTP to the school and broader community and with prospective families while communicating the vision and mission at conferences, transition fairs and networking events.
• Work within the community to develop referral sources by with and from school districts in the targeted regions for admissions

Leadership job functions:

• Develop and maintain a fiscally responsible budget to provide excellent student services and support
• Lead staff team on program areas including recruitment strategies, curriculum development, student job development opportunities, development and maintenance of HTP Handbook and other policies.
• Expand funding sources for student tuition emphasizing creating equitable opportunities for all individuals with I/DD.
• Oversee the development of schedules for the students, student staff and HTP staff as needed for the success of HTP students in their courses.

Teaching/ Curricular Job functions:

• Assess, evaluate, and guide curriculum development and alignment, annually, based on the needs of the students. Outline goals/objectives and learning plans for successful outcomes of the program.
• Teach and prepare classes as needed each semester
• Participate in student observations/testing/interview within the application process
• Serve as an advisor and mentor to assigned HTP students and collaborate with families
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills - written and oral
• Ability to teach using a variety of methods to reach a broad spectrum of learners
• Ability to authentically integrate Christian faith with teaching and learning
• Ability to collaborate with faculty in various healthcare disciplines within the School of Health Professions, the campus at large, and within the community
• Ability to work