Assistant Director for Basic Needs Services:George Mason University's Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC), is looking for an enthusiastic and energetic person for the Assistant Director for Basic Needs Services position. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff and strongly encourages candidates to apply, who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.About the Student Support and Advocacy Center: The Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) is committed to providing an empowering environment for all Mason students to seek support services and to explore healthy life choices. The Center offers educational programming, one-on-one consultations, and resources in the areas of sexual and interpersonal violence, financial well-being, substance use, and collegiate recovery. Staff also assist students encountering barriers to personal success.SSAC staff members are committed to learning about the dynamics of privilege and oppression, and how these impact equity, access, and opportunity in higher education and the workplace. They recognize the importance of intersectionality and the lived experiences of diverse people, and strive to offer programs and services welcoming to all students and relevant to their needs.About the Position:The Assistant Director for Basic Needs Services reports to the Associate Director of SSAC. The Assistant Director will be the primary staff member to provide support services to students encountering food, housing, and other basic needs insecurity (BNI), and to engage with University and community partners to raise awareness and expand support in these areas. Through these services, SSAC aims to increase retention, persistence, and degree completion of students with the greatest need and risk of discontinuing their education. The Assistant Director is a professional who is committed to fostering the holistic growth of students while striving to maintain the well-being and safety of the University community.Responsibilities:Direct Student SupportCoordinate compassionate response to all SSAC referrals related to food, housing, and other basic needs insecurity;Provide non-clinical case management and individualized support to students through one-on-one meetings, pertinent referrals, and personalized action plans;Develop and maintain a net of Mason and community wrap-around services for students facing BNI (including Food for Others, SNAP, etc.);Ensure that student records are maintained in accordance with university policies and applicable laws and are readily available to internal staff;Advise Associate Director and Director when the impact of a student case crosses functional area boundaries; andCultivate an understanding of campus approaches to supporting students' basic needs, including best practices and innovations.Patriot Pantry OperationOversee the daily operation of the Patriot Pantry (order, receipt, and maintenance of inventory; student ordering and shopping process; staffing schedule, etc.);Hire, train, and supervise undergraduate and graduate student staff and volunteers working in the pantry;Work with SSAC's Business Manager to reconcile all purchases and to coordinate all transfers to and from Foundation and state accounts;Market Patriot Pantry services to Mason students; develop and nurture community partnerships serving as pantry donation sources; andExpand pantry services to Mason Square and SciTech campuses.Collaboration with Mason and Community EntitiesIdentify, develop, and maintain working relationships with relevant University and community services, as well as local agencies addressing BNI;Establish and operationalize the Swipe Out Hunger program, expand SSAC's collaboration with Mason Dining and Sodexo, and establish other community-wide BNI supports; andCollaborate with University Life (UL) Advancement to build connections with donors passionate about supporting Mason students' basic needs and assist with grant processes.Prevention and Community EducationDevelop and implement community education about BNI and related topics (awareness campaigns, presentations, websites, social media content, etc.);Collaborate with Mason faculty researchers, scholars, and practitioners working in the field of basic needs insecurity to advance the subject within the University community and outside professional organizations;Work with UL Assessment to better understand the needs of the Mason student population to inform future services;Create reports for SSAC and University leadership about Patriot Pantry usage and BNI student trends;Collaborate with Mason departments and student organizations to incorporate academic internship and volunteer opportunities for students to engage with SSAC and to learn about basic needs insecurity; andAssist the Director and Associate Director with special projects related to basic needs services.Other DutiesAssist the Director and Associate Director with other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications:A master's degree in student personnel administration, higher education, counseling, social work or a related area, or equivalent combination of related education and experience.Preferred Qualifications:Full-time progressive work experience in a university setting within student affairs or equivalent relevant nonprofit work experience;Demonstrated work experience with basic needs insecurity and students in distress issues;Demonstrated experience in direct student service, food pantry management, and supervision of student staff;Demonstrated experience with program or project management;Demonstrated experience with the development of grant proposals and grant administration;Demonstrated experience developing and delivering educational programs, prevention efforts, and trainings; andBudgeting and assessment experience.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."