Associate Director, University Counseling Center Staff & Administration

The Associate Director of UCC Staff & Administration is responsible for leading operations for the University Counseling Center (UCC), ensuring effective and efficient processes that support the UCC’s mission. Reporting to the Director of the UCC, this role leads the development and implementation of operational strategies, protocols, and quality assurance measures while ensuring alignment with university standards and healthcare best practices.
Key responsibilities include partnering with the leadership team to drive operational excellence, and advance strategic initiatives. The Associate Director also partners with Student Affairs' human resources, finance, communications, project management, and central administration teams, facilitating collaboration and alignment with broader institutional goals. This position plays a crucial role in fostering an environment of operational excellence that enables the UCC to effectively serve the university community and advance its strategic objectives. This department is internally funded and does not bill insurance.

About the Work Unit:
The UCC supports the mental health needs of Vanderbilt students, encouraging their work toward their academic and personal goals. Our highly skilled and multidisciplinary staff develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to everyone’s unique background and needs by working together with students, campus partners, and community providers. The UCC also emphasizes prevention and education through collaboration and consultation focused on the development of the skills and self-awareness needed to excel in a challenging educational environment. We offer culturally responsive services in a safe and affirming space and are committed to engaging in an ongoing dialogue that provides our team with opportunities to grow in the context of their own cultural identity development. The UCC is committed to understanding the role of diverse experiences and backgrounds in order to best promote mental health and wellbeing in the lives of individuals and in our community.

About the Student Care Network:
The Student Care Network (SCN) is comprised of the Center for Student Wellbeing, Student Care Coordination, the University Counseling Center, and the Student Health Center. The SCN is a holistic network of services and resources pertaining to health and wellness available to all Vanderbilt University students who have paid the Student Health Fee. As such, staff within the offices comprising the SCN work collaboratively to create integrated processes, referrals, and treatment plans to better serve the entire student.

About Student Affairs at Vanderbilt:
Student Affairs serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. Student Affairs at Vanderbilt cultivates vibrant, inclusive communities that foster a student’s sense of belonging and wellbeing through collaborative partnerships, transformative learning experiences, and an accessible and holistic network of resources. We value connection, belonging, compassion, development, and innovation. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
Operations 70%

• Serving as a thought partner to the UCC Director, the Associate Director develops and executes operational strategies for the center to enhance workflow efficiency and achieve satisfactory levels of student services received at the center.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate operational policies, procedures, and systems to optimize the delivery of counseling and psychiatry services.
• Oversee daily operations of the University Counseling Center (UCC), ensuring efficient workflows, compliance with university policies, and alignment with best practices in healthcare administration. In partnership with UCC Leadership team, ensure consistency in the delivery of clinical services as well as in the performance of administrative tasks regarding UCC Clinical Guidelines and Procedures.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and processes within the center.
• Supervise the Administrative Manager and set strategy and goals for the administrative support team, including managing scheduling systems and resource allocation to ensure the UCC is appropriately staffed to meet student needs. Ensure UCC compliance with regulatory standards, university protocols, and accreditation requirements.
• Partner with Student Affairs’ finance team to develop, manage, and oversee the UCC budget, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship.
• Manage UCC operational contracts and vendor relationships for operational needs, including technology system