POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director, Bear POWER
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2456
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Dean, College of Education
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director, Bear POWER develops and manages the Bear POWER program, an inclusive college program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities transitioning out of high school.
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 intellectual
or developmental disabilities and working with advocacy agencies and organizations
tied to programming or vocational goal development is required. Experience supervising
individuals within an office operation is preferred. Experience serving in a leadership
role in fundraising activities is preferred. Experience working with programs in higher
education is preferred.
Skills: Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities in young adults is
required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Implements, operates, and evaluates the Bear POWER program and recruits and coordinates admission to the program.
2. Develops eligibility and application criteria for recruitment and admission of Bear POWER students.
2. Raises funds for Bear POWER program start-up and private scholarship funds through obtaining grants, Senate Bill 40 local and surrounding county boards, crowdfunding campaigns, and/or private donors.
3. Manages and oversees accounts utilized for the operation of the Bear POWER program.
4. Develops and implements the Bear POWER strategic plan.
5. Markets the Bear POWER program to raise awareness on campus, throughout Southwest Missouri, and beyond.
6. Trains and supervises Bear POWER graduate assistants and/or staff.
7. In partnership with the Office of the Provost, creates training workshops for faculty on accessibility, Universal Design for Learning, and inclusion for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
8. Collaborates with divisions on campus, such as Student Affairs and other academic colleges to provide support for students in the Bear POWER program.
9. Oversees recruitment, training, and implementation of volunteer support for Bear POWER students.
10. Represents Missouri State University on the MIPSA (Midwest Inclusive Post-Secondary Alliance) Board and builds relationships with the national organization, Think College.
11. Researches best practices for postsecondary education programs across the country.
12. Develops and identifies the curricula used for Bear POWER support sessions.
13. Builds partnerships with local businesses to provide internship possibilities for students in the program.
14. Provides career support to students graduating and six months post-graduation from the Bear POWER program.
15. Manages and updates the Bear POWER website, marketing materials, and social media accounts.
16. Reports satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to the Office of Student Financial Aid and maintains academic standards for all students in the program.
17. Develops and leads the Bear POWER advisory board.
18. Submits updates to the Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP) application to the U.S. Department of Education in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Aid, as needed.
19. Provides program updates to major administrators and the Board of Governors as requested.
20. 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.
21. Supports the overall success of the College of Education by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director, Bear POWER is supervised by the Dean, College of Education and supervises graduate assistants and staff as assigned.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2025