Assistant Director, Multicultural Engineering Program

Engineering a world of possibilities

Mines is seeking an Assistant Director for the MEP department to support the academic, personal, and professional success of students in our community, contributing to a meaningful and lasting impact on their college experience.

In this key role, you’ll work closely with campus partners to empower students thrive academically and professionally. You’ll plan and lead innovative programs, advise student organizations, support outreach and student success efforts, and contribute to initiatives that assist with the recruitment and retention of students from a range of backgrounds, including first-generation college students, nontraditional students, those most in need of access, and those looking for community.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and experience working directly with students fostering welcoming and supportive environments. This role offers a dynamic work environment with a variety of competing priorities, providing an exciting opportunity for those who thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing settings. This work is done primarily on campus in Golden, Colorado. Occasional weekend and after-hours work may be required to support student events and programs.

About the Department

MEP at Colorado School of Mines has been a cornerstone of community, support, and belonging for students since its establishment in 1989. Rooted in a mission to recruit, retain, and graduate students who are first-generation, are most in need of access, and are looking for community, MEP is dedicated to creating an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and valued.

Through a holistic approach, we focus on student success by providing meaningful opportunities for all members of our community—students, faculty, and staff alike. As a central piece of this work, MEP is proud to support a vibrant network of professional societies and student organizations that are focused on community, including AISES, Kickstart, NSBE, oSTEM, SASE, SHPE, and Roots. These groups help create spaces for connection, growth, and empowerment and play a critical role in developing leadership skills while also providing community for students to navigate their academic journeys with confidence. Above all, MEP serves as a home away from home—a welcoming community where students find belonging, build relationships, and are supported on their journey to thrive both academically and personally. Everything we do is centered on ensuring students understand they matter and that their lived experiences enhance the STEM fields they will one day work in.

MEP maintains a community of support through many partnerships and advocacies, some of which include the following opportunities for MEP students: academic support, undergraduate research opportunities, summer bridge programming, K12 efforts, graduate school pathway partnerships, Foundation and advancement efforts, industry connections, and professional development programs. MEP is an environment of collaboration, support, and shared leadership where programming and culture positively impact and engage our community of students.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the Challenge Summer Bridge Program for first-generation students:
  • Serve as lead in planning, implementing, and assessing the five-week Challenge summer bridge program, including pre-program and post-program communications with students and their families, as well as overseeing on-site summer classes, workshops, and activities.
  • Engage in regular communications with campus support departments during planning and implementation of the program, organize summer classes, tutoring, and activities for bridge students, and conduct regular check-ins with bridge students throughout the program.
  • Create a culture of welcome, enthusiasm, and support centered on a positive student experience. Build and manage ongoing support for bridge students, including student advising throughout the academic year.
  • Work closely with the Director to manage budget of program, assess Challenge applicants, review academic performance of participants, and assess program outcomes.
• Oversee MEP community-based student organizations:
  • Foster positive relationships with student leaders in the student orgs named above, actively engage in organization meetings and conferences, collaborate with organization advisors, and provide advocacy for both students individually and their organizations collectively.
  • Oversee budgetary accounts and compliance requirements through strong working relationships with departments external to MEP, including the office of Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership. Develop semester Leadership Retreats, collaborate on events, such as for history and heritage months, and foster strong workin