Director, Student Support Services

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

Director of Student Support Services

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is a leading nonprofit biomedical research and science education institute located in the heart of Grand Rapids, MI's vibrant Medical Mile. The VAI Graduate School develops future leaders in biomedical research through an intense, problem-focused Ph.D. degree in molecular and cellular biology. The Graduate School is renowned for its innovative programs, exceptional funding, and unparalleled support for students. The Graduate School seeks a dynamic and visionary Director of Student Support Services to lead and enhance our comprehensive graduate student support.

Position Summary:

The Director will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing evidence-based student success strategies and co-curricular programs. The Director's primary goal is to enhance student persistence, retention, and academic success, with a strong focus on closing the equity gap for underserved student populations. The Director will work closely with Graduate School staff and VAI faculty to integrate and align student support efforts with the Graduate School curriculum. The Director supports students across the higher education lifecycle, from acceptance into the Ph.D. program through graduation and continued long-term engagement with alumni. This is an on-site, in-person position with a blend of administrative, program development, career and professional development, and advising responsibilities. The Director will report to the Associate Dean.

Upon joining Van Andel Institute Graduate School, you can expect to:

• Plan, coordinate, execute, and evaluate orientation and onboarding for new students.

• Foster a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment for all graduate students. This includes leading initiatives in diversity and equity, cross-cultural competencies, and accommodation consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Create, coordinate, support training for, and enforce student-related policies and procedures.

• Advise and assist students with addressing non-academic issues; refer students to appropriate resources for medical concerns, emotional stress, housing issues, and/or other non-academic matters.

• Foster effective and professional mentoring relationships between students and faculty, emphasizing pro-active communication and conflict resolution.

• Collaborate with VAI Postdoctoral Affairs and the Organizational Development and Learning offices to administer personal strengths assessments and career planning and preparation programs for graduate students.

• Coordinate student and alumni-engagement events with the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and serve as the GSA advisor.

This job might be for you if you:

• Have a minimum of a Master's degree in Student Affairs and Development, Higher Education Leadership or Administration, Clinical Social Work, Counseling, or related field of study. Relevant work experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-by-year basis.

• Have three or more years of experience in student affairs at a college or university.

• Can demonstrate the ability to support students across various stages of their higher education journey.

• Have excellent collaborative skills and can work well with students, faculty, and staff in a personal team setting.

• Are self-motivated with the ability to work independently.

• Have experience in natural science, medical school, or other research-intensive environments.

• Have a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Get excited about providing students with guidance, resources, and opportunities to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

• Enjoy working with a small but powerful team dedicated to providing higher education experiences in ways that other programs can only dream of!

Please include in your application:

• cover letter highlighting key qualifications and interest in the position,
• current curriculum vitae,
• names and contact information of 3 professional references.

For more information about this position, please direct inquiries to Natalie Hartford at natalie.hartford@vai.org

About Van Andel Institute

Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to nearly 500 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute's scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K-12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology.

VAI is committed to achieving excellence through increasing diversity. We actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer.

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.

About Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It's fun affordable and family-friendly.

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.