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 administration, counseling, or related field required.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in academic settings and recognized expertise in graduate education and student services, particularly in the life sciences.
• Demonstrated commitment to and knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in higher education. Experience with international graduate students highly preferred.
• Experience counseling students. Knowledge of theoretical and practical aspects of student development, engagement, belonging, and success.
• Skills in conceptualizing, analyzing, and interpreting policies and regulations, particularly as they pertain to graduate student life.
• History of partnership and collaboration with other campus offices working directly with faculty and academic leadership on programs and student support.
• Strong relationship-building, leadership, supervisory, communication, project management, analytical, and public speaking skills.
• Proven experience in supervising and managing the work of others.
• This is an on-campus position requiring 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus.

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $120,000 to $138,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.

EEO Statement:

The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply.