Director, Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program

Job Description Summary

The Director of the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program is responsible for the strategic leadership, program development, and day-to-day administration of Saint Leo University's collegiate recovery program (CRP), which supports students in recovery from substance use disorders as they pursue their academic and personal goals within a sober, residential community. Modeled after nationally recognized collegiate recovery programs and grounded in Saint Leo's Catholic, Benedictine values — particularly Community and Radical Hospitality — the Director builds a program culture rooted in dignity, accountability, and hope.
The Director develops program design, policies, and programming; manages co-occurring diagnoses in coordination with campus partners; and hires, trains, and supervises program staff. The role coordinates recruitment and admissions with Enrollment Management and partners with Residence Life to sustain a supportive residential recovery community. Given the program's founding through a significant philanthropic gift and a long-term endowment goal, the Director also serves as a key strategic partner to University Advancement — cultivating donor relationships, supporting fundraising initiatives and stewardship activities, and representing the program to prospective supporters, families, alumni, and community partners.

Job Description

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership for the Derek J. Mitchell Collegiate Recovery Program, including program design, policies, and procedures for an abstinence-based, residential recovery community.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate program staff, building a team engaged in ongoing program development and delivery.
• Develop and implement programming, case management, and referral resources that support students with co-occurring disorders, in coordination with Counseling & Access Services.
• Monitor best practices and emerging research in collegiate recovery to keep programming current and effective.
• Partner with Enrollment Management to coordinate recruitment and admissions and to meet program enrollment goals.
• Partner with Residence Life to maintain dedicated sober housing and a supportive residential environment for students in recovery.
• Oversee program budget, including special project and gift funds, ensuring responsible stewardship of donor-funded resources.
• Serve as a lead partner to University Advancement in donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising activity supporting the program's growth and long-term endowment goal, including donor visits, reporting, and events.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, treatment providers, alumni, and professional organizations to expand referral pipelines and philanthropic support.

• Represent the program at university and community events, including donor engagements, orientation, and family programming.
• Partner with Saint Leo departments and staff across the Division of Student Affairs to create a supportive learning environment for students in recovery.
• Prepare program updates, outcomes data, and impact reports for university leadership and donors.
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

• Master's degree required; Counseling or related field preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in management and employee supervision required.
• Three to five (3–5) years of experience working with individuals in recovery required; experience working with individuals in recovery, ages 18–26, preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse students and communities, specifically in building supportive communities.
• Demonstrated experience or comfort engaging with donors, partners, or external stakeholders in support of program growth and fundraising.

• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) or another related professional licensure.
• Knowledge of the 12-step program.
• Experience with donor relations, grant stewardship, or fundraising in a nonprofit or higher education setting.
• Ability to navigate a variety of complex and interrelated relationships among internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
• Ability to lead and mentor others.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment; and work independently with little supervision.
• Commitment to and appreciation for Saint Leo University's Catholic, Benedictine mission and values.

• A typical work environment is an office setting, meeting with students, staff, families, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Some evening and weekend work due to student situations, donor engagements, or program activities, such as Orientation.
• Regular computer use.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the primary job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. This job description may be revised at any time with or without notice. Revised job descriptions will be provided to staff occupying the role. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world.  Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period

2025 ICUBA Benefits Guide_St Leo