Position Overview:
The School of Education and Social Policy has an opening for an Assistant Director of Graduate Education Programs. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, the Assistant Director provides comprehensive services, including advising, to master’s level students in the School of Education and Social Policy’s degree and certificate programs, as well as non-matriculated students. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with staff and faculty and other personnel to ensure high-quality advising and academic services for all graduate students, with particular emphasis on supporting incoming, transfer, and at-risk students. The role requires a background in PK-12 education, deep understanding of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations and licensure requirements, leadership experience, and a capacity for effective and empathic communication with students. In addition, candidates must demonstrate proficiency with computer-based registration and academic records technology, including Canvas, Jenzabar, and Slate, and the ability to respond effectively to the varied needs of master’s student populations in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Essential Functions
Leadership:
- Under the direction of the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, coordinate academic advising and registration for graduate students within the School of Education and Social Policy.
- Serve collaboratively with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, as a secondary liaison to the Office of Admission, helping prospects with questions.
- Help students with operational processes, including: course registration, course withdrawal, program withdrawal, and onboarding.
- Maintain student records in accordance with existing College protocols and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Initiate changes to academic plans as required over the duration of students’ programming.
- Serve as an intermediary between the academic review team and success coaches to support student academic progress and success.
- Build collaborative and supportive relationships with full-time and adjunct faculty.
- Maintain student records and assist students in tracking degree progress under the direction of the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs.
- Join the team representing the School of Education and Social Policy at graduate admission and orientation events throughout the year as needed.
- Make appropriate referrals to professionals across campus and serve as overall communication liaison for students.
- Prepare graduate advising resources and video-based assets for orienting and onboarding new students, updating web content, and marketing fliers as needed.
Academic Advising & Student Support:
- Provide comprehensive, individualized, and small group advising to varied student populations throughout six enrollment terms per academic year, including prospective, new, reenrolling, and transferring students
- Address all student issues related to registration, degree requirements, and teacher education licensure concentrations as aligned with the DESE.
- Assist students with complex academic planning, including goal setting, self-assessment, time management, course selection, and transfer credit (in collaboration with the Assistant Dean)
Program Administration & Compliance:
- Under the direction of the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, work with the Director of K-12 Placement and Licensure to ensure compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for licensure programs
- Remain current with changes in all School of Education and Social Policy graduate education degree and certificate programs
Student Crisis Management & Support:
- Work with the Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs to support at-risk students experiencing academic and personal challenges
- Address relevant issues and make appropriate referrals to College support departments
Outreach & Communication:
- Participate in information sessions for current and prospective students
- Attend evening and weekend activities, including Open Houses, graduate celebrations, Commencement, and other institutional events
- Provide administrative support, including management of advising records, course scheduling input, and website maintenance
Additional Responsibilities:
- Alert the Assistant Dean regarding student issues requiring more comprehensive intervention
- Demonstrate understanding of Title IX, FERPA, and other compliance requirements
- Engage collaboratively with colleagues and campus stakeholders to meet the institutional mission
- Maintain current knowledge of best practices in graduate student services and advising
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Master’s degree required
- Experience in PK-12 educational settings
- Deep understanding of DESE and licensure requirements
- Previous experience in academic advising or student support
Skills & Competencies:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, in both online and in-person interactions
- Strong organizational and interpersonal abilities
- Proficiency with Google Suite and ability to create and maintain data management systems
- Capacity to work independently and collaboratively with College personnel
- Understanding of student development and commitment to holistic student advising approach
- Skilled in small group presentations with awareness of confidentiality requirements
- Ability to manage high-volume, complex, and varied student needs
- Ability to recognize at-risk individuals and provide appropriate support
- Knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, and the College’s academic policies
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Teacher Education, Counseling, or Higher Education
- Five to seven years experience serving a wide variety of populations
- Willingness and capacity to take initiative, furthering professional growth
Application Materials Should Include:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.
Work Location:
- This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.
- Evening and weekend work required for special events and student services
This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.
Statement on Our Mission
Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.
Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.
About Merrimack College
The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.
Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.