Director of BLC

Mitchell College is building on its long history of making education more accessible by pioneering an approach which is flexible, strength-based, and interest-driven.  Our abilities-based approach to learning focuses on teaching adaptability through curriculum that provides multiple opportunities for students to apply learning in different classroom, social, and professional contexts.  To keep this model innovative, vibrant, and responsive to students’ needs and interests, we hire staff and faculty who are invested in collaboration and community-building.  Our approach to campus life ensures that students learn what they need to live life well, both professionally and personally.

Mitchell College seeks to hire a Director for our Bentsen Learning Center (BLC), to begin on July 5, 2023.  This position reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and requires fully in-person work.  The director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Bentsen Learning Center https://mitchell.edu/support/blc/ and directly supervises the staff of Learning Specialists.  

The BLC is a key support service for Mitchell’s “kaleidoscope of learners.”  We seek an individual who can articulate and implement a vision for relevant, efficient, and inspirational learning support as higher education rebuilds after the pandemic.  The successful candidate will be highly collaborative, skilled in working with students and their families, and able to raise the profile of the BLC on campus.   Additionally, an opportunity exists to rethink how learning support is integrated into students’ other daily college experiences.  The Director will be responsible for growing the program in exciting new directions, contributing to retention efforts, and offering professional development for the BLC staff and other campus constituents including faculty.  This is a tremendous opportunity for an individual who is passionate about serving students with learning differences and who dreams of leading a dedicated and talented staff as they explore new approaches to student support and success.  

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Articulate and implement a vision for the Bentsen Learning Center
• Manage the Center, including scheduling and supervising professional-level specialists
• Provide reports to key College stakeholders
• Review disability documentation and make recommendations regarding eligibility for the program
• Develop student rosters by assigning students to Learning Specialists each semester 
• Attend Admissions and campus-wide meetings on behalf of the BLC
• Educate students, families, guidance counselors, and independent educational consultants about the Bentsen Learning Center, Accessibility Services, and other academic supports at Mitchell College. 
• Coordinate with Admissions regarding prospective students and families who inquire about academic support and communicate with these students/families in person, by phone, and/or email
• This position may include occasional evening and weekend activities.

Required Education and Experience: 

• Master's degree in special education, educational psychology, higher education leadership, or related field
• 5 years' minimum higher education experience, including significant work with college students who have learning differences
• Experience leading and supervising a team
• Deep understanding of and experience doing work around student success and retention
• Practical understanding of assistive technologies, cognitive and achievement testing, and relevant legislation pertaining to higher education and disability
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships with administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and students and maintain confidentiality as needed
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple demands on time
• Ability to lead a team energetically and positively
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Physical Demands: 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, use repetitive motion, type, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to bend and reach overhead and may occasionally have to lift something.  

For full consideration, please apply at  http://mitchell.edu/careers/.  A brief cover letter and CV is required. Application deadline is March 29, 2023.

Mitchell College is an Affirmative Action-Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors.