POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director, Autism Transition Program - WP
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2434
GRADE 43
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Dean of Student Services, WP
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director, Autism Transition Program manages the Autism Transition Program (ATP), an inclusive college program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) transitioning out of high school. The Director, Autism Transition Program researches and develops guidelines, processes, policies, and curricula used for the Autism Transition Program. The Director, Autism Transition Program creates awareness and markets the Autism Transition Program on and off campus, collaborates with departments and divisions on campuses in partnership with the Office of Academic Affairs, builds relationships with local businesses, and manages the Autism Transition Program website, social media accounts, and marketing materials.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
Experience: At least one year of experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is required. Experience working with advocacy agencies and organizations tied to programming or vocational goal development is required. Experience working with programs in education is required; experience in higher education is preferred. Experience supervising individuals within an office operation is preferred. Experience overseeing a budget which includes personnel and operating costs is preferred.
Skills: Excellent communication skills is preferred. Knowledge of grant writing is preferred. An understanding of strategic planning, project management, and marketing is preferred. Knowledge of web maintenance is preferred. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develops, implements, operates, and evaluates the Autism Transition Program strategic plan, program, eligibility, and application criteria for recruitment and admission of students to the Autism Transition Program.
2. Raises funds for the Autism Transition Program start-up and private scholarships through obtaining grants, crowdfunding campaigns, and/or private donors; applies for and manages the Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) with the U.S. Department of Education in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Aid; and manages and oversees accounts utilized for the operation of the Autism Transition Program.
3. Trains and supervises the Autism Transition Program staff, recruits and coordinates student mentors, and oversees recruitment, training, and implementation of volunteer support for Autism Transition Program students.
4. Markets the Autism Transition Program to raise awareness on campus, throughout south-central Missouri and beyond by managing and updating the Autism Transition Program website and social media accounts and utilizing other marketing materials.
5. Collaborates with departments and divisions on campus to provide support for students in the Autism Transition Program, creates training workshops for faculty on accessibility, Universal Design for Learning, and inclusion for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.in partnership with the Office of Academic Affairs.
6. Develops and identifies the curricula used for the Autism Transition Program support sessions by researching best practices for postsecondary education programs across the country.
7. Builds partnerships with local businesses to provide internship possibilities for students in the Autism Transition Program and provides career support to students graduating and six months post-graduation from the Autism Transition Program.
8. Develops and leads the Autism Transition Program advisory board and provides program updates to major administrators and the Board of Governors as requested.
9. Reports satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to the Office of Student Financial Aid and maintains academic standards for all students in the Autism Transition Program.
10. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
11. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
12. Supports the overall success of Missouri State University-West Plains by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director, Autism Transition Program – WP is supervised by the Dean of Student Services WP and supervises full-time employees, student employees, and volunteers as assigned.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
DECEMBER 2021
