Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs

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Job Posting Title:

Assistant Director/ Pre-College Programs

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM Pres - EM - Rec - Pre-College Programs (Langley Pierre McClay (00050140))

Work Location:

1155 Ruffin G. Pleasant Hall

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

The Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs will serve under the Director of Pre-College Programs, providing essential support in leadership and operational management of the Pre-College Programs. This role will be pivotal in executing the program's initiatives aimed at connecting the middle-school to graduate student pipeline, ensuring their access to higher education at LSU and beyond. Additionally, this position will have a strong focus on enhancing the undergraduate program component and overseeing summer programming activities.

This role is essential in ensuring the smooth operation and strategic direction of the LSU’s Office of Pre-College Programs, supporting the Director in achieving the program’s goals and expanding its impact on students across Louisiana, particularly in the areas of undergraduate success and summer programming initiatives.

The Office of Pre-College Programs/Future Scholars prioritizes the following:

• Access to support networks, resources, and higher education;
• Connecting students with mentors (LSU faculty, staff, and students) who can support, guide, and encourage them as they transition from secondary to post-secondary spaces;
• Helping students explore personal and academic values as well as career goals while engaging in social & civic engagement activities;
• Educating students and their families about college funding options, the college application process, and transition support;
• Preparing students to reach their full potential at the flagship. 

Team Development and Strategic Planning (30%): 

• Supervise and lead Pre-College program Coordinators and staff, providing guidance and support in the execution of program initiatives and daily operations.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the team, ensuring all program components run smoothly and effectively.
• Evaluate staff performance and provide constructive feedback, ensuring a high standard of program delivery.
• Foster a collaborative team environment, encouraging staff to contribute ideas and engage in professional development.
• Develop and implement programs to ensure the identification, enrollment, retention, high school graduation, and admission rates of Pre-College students to Louisiana State University.  
• Provide data and copy for impact reports, as well as Pre-College Programs' yearly reports and assessments. 
• Responsible for the implementation of the strategic vision for pre-college programs (including but not limited to the Future Scholars Program). 
• Evaluate program effectiveness, particularly in the undergraduate transition initiatives, and suggest improvements based on data analysis and feedback.

Collaboration, Recruitment & Outreach (30%):

• Act as a primary liaison with program partners, supporting the Director in identifying and recruiting eligible participants across the state.

• Partner with EM Comms to implement targeted outreach strategies to engage schools and community organizations, promoting program participation and awareness.
• Works collaboratively with the Office of Communications and University Relations and adheres to the standards set therein.
• Develop and implement target outreach strategies to engage schools and community organizations, promoting program participation and awareness.
• Monitor and analyze recruitment metrics, providing the Director with insights and recommendations to enhance participant engagement.
• Support and foster relationships with the Pre-College Programs Director, the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Success (EMSS), the East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRSS), other Pre-College sites, partners, and other relevant agencies.
• Support the ongoing relationships with relevant Pre-College Program sites and relevant partners and agencies.
• Provides assistance in direction and leadership for building and cultivating constructive partnerships with school districts, community organizations, University staff, State Legislators, Private and Corporation foundations.

Post Secondary Program Oversight (20%): 

• Collaborate with academic departments to create tailored support systems for K-12 pipeline and undergraduate students, focusing on retention and graduation rates.
• Organize workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events to facilitate connections between undergraduate scholars and faculty, alumni, and industry professionals.
• Lead the development and enhancement of the undergraduate support component of the Future Scholars Program, ensuring students receive the necessary resources for academic success.

Summer Programming Leadership (10%): 

• Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of summer programming initiatives that provide enriching experiences for pre-college students.
• Develop curricula for summer sessions that promote academic readiness, college awareness, and personal growth.
• Coordinate logistics and staffing for summer programs, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for participants.
• Serve as a primary contact for the summer college preparation residential program
• This position will be required to live on campus for the duration of the program.

Development and Operations (10%): 

• Manage the program’s operating budget, with oversight from the Director, ensuring compliance with financial policies and effective allocation of resources.
• Research potential grant opportunities and assist in the writing of grant proposals and reports.
• Contribute to organizing fundraising events and campaigns, working with the Director to develop relationships with potential donors and sponsors.
• Implement strategic, assigned administrative projects by Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Three years of experience working with pre-college populations in educational settings or community-based organizations, higher education administration, or related fields.
• LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply— a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience in education, human/youth development, sociology, social work, public policy, science, math, or related technical field.
• Certification and/or experience in an academic discipline, curriculum development or administration preferred.
• Experience working in a college admission setting or working with college-bound students, preferably in an admission and counseling environment.
• Experience with CRM (Client Relations Management) system and demonstrated ability to leverage technology.

Our ideal candidate possesses the following qualities:

• Excellent organizational, public presentation, written communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills and computer literacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to data-driven decision-making, including effective analytical skills and proven results in achieving objectives and goals.
• Knowledge of best practices in pre-college and/or college student transitions and experiences.
• Strong team orientation, effective interpersonal skills, and superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to holistically evaluate applications.
• Commitment to increasing college access.

Special Qualifications:

Must possess a valid driver's license and background check which includes a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. Must be willing to travel and work nights/weekends especially during peak periods. 

This position and/or position’s responsibilities require work directly with minors. Fingerprinting and National Sex Offender Registry check required.

This position regularly engages in financial matters including handling credit cards, cash, grant funds, or other university funds, and must undergo a credit check per FASOP HR-04.

Due to the nature of the position and/or responsibilities, in times of emergencies and/or University closures, this position is considered essential. It may be required to assist the Office of Communications and University Relations on necessary communications matters in times of crisis, including potentially working in LSU’s Emergency Operations Center during those times.

This position is donor-funded and is therefore contingent upon further availability of funding. Should the gift funding for this position cease to continue, your employment will be subject to immediate termination.

As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health-related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.

The employee may be issued University-provided mobile devices to be used for business purposes only. If one is issued, this position requires the employee to possess a personal cell phone.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

The location of this position is LSU-BR and is not eligible for remote work.

To be considered, qualified candidates will submit a complete application which includes a cover letter explaining their specific interest in the position and how their skills and experiences prepare them for success in this role, a resume, and three professional references.

Please provide resume and transcripts, if applicable. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Langley McClay at [email protected].

Posting Date:

September 25, 2025

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

October 9, 2025

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HCM Contact Information: