Director of Student Success

Summary:

The Director of Student Success reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs and is tasked with developing and implementing strategies to support students in achieving their academic, personal, and professional goals. This position is responsible and accountable for increasing retention rates (especially amongst first-year CU students) and graduation rates. This requires an in-depth understanding of academic information and policies, as well as student support services, to empower students toward success.

The Director of Student Success communicates with the campus community to promote collaboration and improve services to students. They serve as the strategic and operational leader to enhance student success by developing and implementing student success and advisement strategies to advance learning, engagement, retention, and completion. They will coordinate the daily student support activities and follow-up services, as well as organize reports related to student success. The role of the Director of Student Success is pivotal in shaping the educational experience and outcomes for students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop a retention plan/program, especially for first-year students
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to align student success initiatives with institutional goals and objectives
  • Work with students, staff, and faculty to implement goals and objectives for student success
  • Create a plan to promote student success events, activities, and support
  • Conduct weekly grade checks to discover any students needing assistance
  • Provide weekly progress reports to the academic department, athletic department, and other campus stakeholders
  • Develop and monitor student risk assessments and employ intervention strategies at critical points of the student’s educational journey
  • Meet regularly with students who are on academic warning to provide support
  • Oversee the ‘Early Alert System’ and educate staff/faculty often on its use
  • Continually seek ways to improve service to students by developing new initiatives or success measures that will contribute to retention and student satisfaction
  • Be available to meet student needs that may arise after business hours, over the weekend, and during school holidays
  • Resolve issues and recommend solutions related to student success
  • Analyze retention and attrition data to identify trends and potential solutions
  • Make data-driven decisions to continuously improve services and outcomes that align with the University's strategic plan
  • Handle confidential student information with discretion and in compliance with FERPA regulations
  • Serve as a resource for students navigating academic challenges, personal crises, or other barriers to success
  • Oversee and manage the Ashburn Center for Student Success (ACSS)
  • Oversee and organize tutoring sessions for both on-campus and online students
  • Supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of tutors and student-workers
  • Oversee the development and implementation of the Online Writing Center
  • Coordinate with student services to assist in new student onboarding/orientation
  • Oversee the Office of Accessibility and Student Inclusion Services (OASIS)
  • Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and research in student success and higher education
  • Develop and manage the budget for student success programs and initiatives
  • Meet on a regular basis with the Vice President for Student Affairs to report on the status of retention data and efforts
  • Perform other duties and/or projects as assigned by the Vice President for Student Affairs

Skills and Abilities:

  • A genuine commitment to supporting students and helping them achieve their full potential
  • Capacity to analyze data and trends to make informed decisions
  • Flexibility to respond to changing needs and circumstances within a higher education environment
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse campus constituencies
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
  • Strong commitment to ethical conduct and integrity

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 403(b)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person