Eastern CT State University

Eastern Connecticut State University is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the Assistant Director of University Opportunity Programs position. Eastern is Connecticut’s Public Liberal Arts University and is located in Willimantic, Connecticut which is 1.5 hours from Boston and 2.5 hours from New York City.  Eastern is one of four universities in the Connecticut State College and University System (CSCU). The position also offers substantial health and retirement benefits.

Position Summary: 
Reporting to the Director of University Opportunity Programs, the Assistant Director will serve as the immediate supervisor of the day-to-day administration of the University Opportunity Programs (UOP) and assist the Director in the development of the strategic vision and goals. The Assistant Director will work with the Director and colleagues to develop comprehensive, high impact, student access programs for under-served students (e.g. first generation, academically under prepared, lower income, etc.) and a student-centered learning environment. 

Position Responsibilities: 
Directs the day-to-day support services for UOP students that includes the STEP/CAP program and academic year Opportunity Programs and recommends administrative and program policy changes to the Director. 
Coordinates with Admissions strategic recruitment and yield initiatives for prospective UOP students (e.g., high school visits, Open House and Admitted Student Decision Day, etc.). 
Provides day-to-day support and mentoring to UOP students. 
Maintains extensive knowledge and currency in best practices for strategies that promote the success of under-served students (e.g., academically under prepared, first generation, lower income, undocumented, foster students, etc.). 
Coordinates collaborative services with colleagues to help UOP students accomplish academic and career goals. Works closely with Financial Aid to coordinate financial aid services for UOP students. 
Represents the Director, as directed, in his/her absence.
May involve occasional work in the evenings and/or weekends. 
Perfom1s other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basic level and responsibilities of the position. 

Qualifications: 
Required qualifications include: a bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of experience working with under-served students. Ability to interact with a diverse student population and campus community and experience advising and supervising students are essential. Experience coordinating residential summer transition or orientation programs preferred. The position requires keen organizational skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks, effective communication skills, both oral and written, and effective engagement of multiple stakeholder groups. The qualifications may be waived for individuals with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

TO APPLY:
Applicants should upload a cover letter, current resume and contact information of three professional references to JazzHR. Cover letter should be addressed to Chair, Search Committee for the Assistant Director of University Opportunity Programs. Applications submitted by August 21, 2026, will receive highest consideration.  

Compensation and Employee Benefits
The Assistant Director of University Opportunity Programs is compensated at the Administrator III salary level in accordance with [CSCU Human Resources Policies for Management and Confidential Professional Personnel, or Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors (CSU-AAUP) Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement, or State University Organization of Administrative Faculty (SUOAF)].

For more information, please visit  Bargaining Agreements/Pay Plans - Eastern.

The State of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University are proud to offer its employees competitive wages and a wide range of fringe benefits including voluntary and supplemental benefits.
Fringe benefits include: paid personal, vacation and sick leave accruals; medical, dental, and prescription plans; group life insurance; retirement; retiree health care; tuition waiver for employee and eligible dependents at any of the Connecticut State Universities (Central, Eastern, Southern or Western) as well as an array of voluntary and supplemental benefits such as Deferred Retirement Contribution plans, Dependent Care Assistance and Medical Flexible spending accounts; long and short term disability insurance plans.
For more detailed information, please visit Human Resources - Eastern.

Eastern Connecticut State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or criminal record. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: LaMar Coleman, Ed.D., Vice President for Equity and Diversity. Dr. Coleman can be reached at: 860-465-5112 or via email at: [email protected].