Government Affairs Director jobs in New London, CT

The Division of Student Affairs is sponsoring a new Future Leaders in Student Affairs Program for students interested in pursuing a career in Student Affairs.  The fellowship program combines hands-on experience within student affairs, one on one mentorship and professional development opportunities.  This is a full-time, live-on position with programmatic responsibilities and some residence hall supervision. Compensation includes housing, utilities, a meal plan and access to the tuition exchange program. Appointments are for 1 year with the possibility of a second year appointment based on performance. 

The fellow, under the supervision of the Dean of Student Experience and Belonging will be responsible for utilizing the Community Development Model to enhance the living and learning environment, to build relationships between and among the residential community, to facilitate student development, and to encourage active participation in extracurricular opportunities. Responsible for collaborating with the Thames to Mitchell Team and Residence Life Staff,  responding to student concerns, administrative and facility management, and participation in department initiatives. The position requires an ability to promote student academic success; provide leadership for positively managing a diverse student community; and applying student development theory to residence hall community development, student concerns, staff supervision, student organization advising, educational & social programming.

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Positively contribute to the development and maintenance of cohesive residence hall community under the direct supervision of the Dean of Student Experience, and having a dotted line to the Director of Residence life and Director of Thames at Mitchell.  
• Be highly visible, maintain office hours and support and help coordinate evening and weekend programming both on and off campus.
• Regularly host evening study hall sessions. 
• Provide regular and timely support for Thames clubs by regularly attending meetings, programs, and maintaining regular contact with officers, and ongoing training for leaders and members.
• Advise, confer, and offer appropriate support and referrals for students who exhibit academic and personal concerns.
• Communicate, educate and provide appropriate response to student concerns and behaviors including crisis situations, behavioral concerns and student conflicts. 
• Prepare all required reports, records and evaluations promptly and accurately as assigned.
• Complete collateral assignments and duties as assigned by the Dean of Student Experience and Campus Life or designee. 

Physical Demands: 

This position will require climbing up and down stairs to execute routine job functions and serve in an on call capacity. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request.

Required/Preferred Education and Experience: 

• A minimum of Associates Degree required; a bachelors preferred.  
• Knowledge of and experience in working with students who have learning differences and/or are on the spectrum is desired.
• Experience developing residence hall communities, providing educational and personal support for students, responding to student concerns and behaviors, advising student organizations, facility and administrative management, and participation in department initiatives and campus life is preferred. 
• The position requires excellent written and verbal communication, organization, and problem solving skills, especially during high stress situations. Individuals who are able to work in a continuously changing organization and are highly motivated are best suited for this position.
• Enthusiasm, creativity and flexibility required.  

Mitchell College is building on its long history of making liberal arts education more accessible by pioneering an entirely new approach which is flexible, strength-based and interest driven. Our ability-based approach to learning focuses on teaching adaptability through a core academic discipline curriculum, which provides multiple opportunities for students to apply skills in different learning and professional contexts. To keep this model innovative, vibrant and responsive to students’ interests, we need instructors and faculty who are experienced in building cross-disciplinary collaborations between areas of interest, both in our core curriculum and in dynamic new concentrations of study. This revolutionary approach to learning ensures students learn the adaptive skills they need to live life well, both professionally and personally.

As a small liberal arts college, Mitchell developed its distinct educational approach over almost 80 years, blending a tradition of mentoring with an expertise in teaching diverse learning styles to create a highly individualized model that benefits all students. Mitchell is committed to the broader community through building strong, creative and cooperative partnerships. Located on a beautiful waterfront campus in historic New London, it is also home to championship NCAA Division III athletics and the Duquès Academic Success Center which includes the renowned Bentsen Learning Center.