Upstate New York HERC

St. Lawrence University’s Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) provides academic, financial, and personal support to undergraduate students who meet New York State Education Department guidelines for educational and economic disadvantage. The program is grounded in a commitment to identifying students with the ability and motivation to succeed in higher education, but whose circumstances have limited access to opportunity, and to creating an environment where their potential can be fully realized.

This philosophy is carried out through the recruitment, eligibility documentation, and enrollment of students; the provision of full-need financial aid; preparation for the academic rigor of the University through the Pre-First-Year Summer Program; and comprehensive academic support throughout students’ time at St. Lawrence. In addition, HEOP provides social support to ensure students are fully integrated into the campus community. The expected annual salary is $62,354 with potential for an increased amount based on experience and other factors allowed by law. The anticipated start date for this position is July 1, 2026.

Reporting to the HEOP Director, the Assistant Director plays a key role in implementing HEOP as outlined below:

Recruitment, Admissions and Financial Documentation

• Collaborate with the Admissions liaison and HEOP Director to implement regional recruitment strategies, including fall travel (college fairs, high school visits) throughout NYS and January off-campus interviews.
• Participate in the HEOP admissions and selection process by reviewing 400–500 admission applications, conducting on/off campus and virtual interviews, and assessing applicants’ academic potential and motivation.
• Support university-wide fall visit programs and spring admitted student events specifically for prospective HEOP students.
• Assist the Office of Financial Aid and HEOP Director with the collection and review of required financial eligibility documentation for applicants, as needed.
• Coordinate with Student Financial Services to resolve student account inquiries and assist continuing students with the renewal of financial aid materials (FAFSA, TAP)

Pre-First-Year Summer Program

• Coordinate the summer curriculum and faculty with the HEOP Director, ensuring balanced disciplines and pedagogies, managing classroom space, materials, and instructional resources
• Review high school transcripts, academic interests to place and register students in Pre-First-Year courses; coordinate summer housing, meals, and pre-arrival documentation
• Develop and deliver the College Success non-credit seminar using the SLU Thrives holistic wellbeing framework
• Lead weekly summer academic meetings with faculty and staff to monitor student progress and adjust programming
• Develop and manage the full summer schedule, including classes, field trips, special events, service/seminar, and transportation
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, and training of peer mentors and student worker positions
• Coordinate program assessment and evaluation, incorporating feedback from students, faculty, and staff
• Serve on the planning committee for the HEOP Regional Summer Peer Leadership Conference and support peer leaders in designing and facilitating sessions

Academic Year Student Advising and Support

• Serve as an advisor to an assigned caseload of continuing students, monitoring academic progress, coordinating support services (e.g., tutoring, accommodations), and meeting individually on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis
• Participate in program activities (some evenings/weekends), including monthly student meetings, study breaks, and end-of-semester recognition events
• Maintain knowledge of campus resources and make appropriate referrals (e.g., Student Life, Student Financial Services, First-Year Program, Academic Advising, Intercultural Engagement, Center for Career Excellence, CSTEP, McNair, Community-Based Learning, Student Accessibility Services, WORD Studio/Tutoring/ PQRC, Financial Aid, Health & Counseling, Safety & Security, Business Office)
• Attend weekly staff meetings, A-Team meetings in the Director’s absence, and support the development and coordination of the HEOP Student Advisory Committee

The Assistant Director may serve on university committees, attend off-campus meetings as the HEOP Director’s designee, and perform additional duties as assigned. The Assistant Director is expected to model professionalism and provide mentorship at all times, both on and off campus, regardless of whether they are actively performing assigned responsibilities.

The Assistant Director will be supported with opportunities for professional development, including workshops, conferences, training sessions, and coursework, as approved by the HEOP Director and senior leadership. This position is appointed at the discretion of the President of the University and is eligible for the full range of university benefits.

Interested applicants must apply online at https://employment.stlawu.edu/postings/4488, uploading all required materials which are defined in the “special instructions to applicant” section.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to Erin Colvin, Director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), ecolvin@stlawu.edu.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the finalist successfully passing a background (including criminal records) check.

St. Lawrence University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional information about St. Lawrence, please visit http://www.stlawu.edu.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, higher education administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• 2–5 years of experience in student support, advising, counseling, or financial aid (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Knowledge of New York State HEOP guidelines, financial aid processes, and compliance expectations
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability with Microsoft 365 (including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams), Outlook Email and Calendar;
• Experience with data systems and ability to learn case management and enrollment platforms (e.g., Starfish, Slate)
• Valid driver’s license required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating summer bridge or pre-college programs
• Experience with program assessment, data-informed decision-making, and retention strategies
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, access, and student success within a residential liberal arts environment

About St. Lawrence University

Founded in 1856, St. Lawrence University is a private, independent liberal arts institution of about 2,000 students located in Canton, NY. The educational opportunities at St. Lawrence inspire students and prepare them to be critical and creative thinkers, to find a compass for their lives and careers, and to pursue knowledge and understanding for the benefit of themselves, humanity, and the planet. Through its focus on active engagement with ideas in and beyond the classroom, a St. Lawrence education leads students to make connections that transform lives and communities, from the local to the global. St. Lawrence University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For additional information about St. Lawrence, please visit http://www.stlawu.edu.

Connections working at St. Lawrence University