Job Description:

1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION

Position Name: Director, Student Success

Classification: Exempt, Benefited

FTE: 1.0

Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – occasional evening or weekend hours may be required

This position works a hybrid schedule, with at least three days per week on campus, and up to two days per week remote.

Department/Division: Student Success

Supervisor: Associate Vice President, Student Affairs and Registration

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plan options. 403(b) retirement plan with up to 10% match after one year. Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced cost care in the campus health center for employees and their immediate family members. Paid vacation, sick, wellness time and holidays.

2. POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Student Success provides leadership for and oversight of the Office of Student Success and develops targeted programming and services to meet the needs of students in each academic program. The director is responsible for developing and implementing programs, services and strategies to increase student retention and promote a student-focused environment. The director serves as a liaison between student success and academic program leadership to ensure that student support services are aligned with the goals, objectives and activities of each academic program and to ensure the needs of students are met. The director also represents the interests of the Office of Student Success on divisional and university committees and leads the development of policies and processes for the Office of Student Success and other identified university needs.

3. SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

# of employees this position supervises: 5

Job titles of employees supervised:

Student Success Advisor (2)

Student Success Advisor, Online Students (2)

Writing Tutor

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Success Initiatives (60%)

• Develop, implement and manage student support services. Assess needs of students, recommend increased support initiatives and implement approved initiatives.
• Develop and implement student support services that promote diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion, student well-being, and the overall student experience.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of onboarding and orientation processes for new students, in coordination with college deans and academic program leadership.
• Develop, implement and facilitate academic advising and coaching services appropriate for students in each academic program, in coordination with academic program leadership.
• Lead and oversee university retention programs and initiatives that impact student persistence, including ongoing registration outreach.
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of Student Success and the Office of the Registrar
• Represent the Office of Student Success on committees and work groups, as assigned.
• Regularly collaborate with various departments at The Community Solution Education System office to initiate and coordinate projects and/or develop processes that benefit students, the university, and/or the education system.

Compliance with External Regulations (15%)

• Lead, monitor and promote university compliance with external regulations in the areas of ADA, FERPA, Title IX, SEVP, and other legislative and regulatory mandates.
• Develop and implement policies and programs that facilitate the delivery of ADA-related accommodations for students.
• Partner with the provost/vice president of academic affairs, college deans, and program directors to provide information and materials to faculty regarding ADA accommodations.
• Serve as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, and coordinate supportive measures, investigations and hearings when applicable.
• Serve as a student conduct administrator ensuring compliance with university policies and processes, as well as the protection of student responsibilities and rights.
• Receive and address reported violations of student conduct expectations, in collaboration with administrators, staff and faculty.

Office of Student Success Leadership (15%)

• Provide leadership in developing and coordinating annual and long-range goals and objectives for the Office of Student Success, consistent with the mission of the university.
• Provide consultation and assistance to faculty, staff and administration related to the needs of students.
• Contribute to reports such as the annual university appraisal report and/or accreditation reports.
• Develop annual operating budget for the Office of Student Success.
• Monitor departmental budgets on an ongoing basis.
• Oversee and manage long and short-term fiscal planning and budgets for the Office of Student Success.
• Promote and demonstrate a commitment to a culture of continuous improvement.  
• Maintain accurate records related to student success program effectiveness.
• Stay current on national trends and best practices in student support services and student advising. 

Employee Supervision (10%)

• Accomplish department/division objectives by supervising employees and monitoring their progress and performance.
• Maintain departmental staffing by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees and developing personal growth opportunities.
• Develop and support employees within their roles via coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees.
• Conduct regular check-ins with all direct reports to monitor performance, track progress on the completion of work duties and responsibilities, and discuss successes and challenges.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations for all direct reports.
• Maintain safe and healthy work environment by establishing and enforcing organization standards and adhering to legal regulations.

5. UWS CORE VALUES

Best Practices: We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines.

Curiosity: We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking.

Inclusiveness: We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing.

Professionalism: We are responsible, respectful, and accountable.

Student-Focus: We work for the common good of students’ academic and professional success.

Whole-Person Health: We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience.

6. EXPECTED COMPETENCIES FOR SUPERVISORS

Developing & Retaining Talent           

Ability to recruit, retain, and develop high performing individuals aligned with UWS’ core values and institutional goals. Completes performance reviews and development plans for all direct reports on time. Ability to provide constructive feedback and coaching to direct reports, including individuals who are underperforming.

Managing & Stewarding Resources

Prepares budget(s) to appropriately support department/division functions and goals. Meets or exceeds performance goals and budget targets. Effectively manages departmental resources and processes and seeks opportunities to create efficiencies. Demonstrates the financial acumen for managing budgets aggressively. Effectively manages relationships with vendors and/or contractors.

Leading & Managing Change

Promotes a culture of continuous improvement within department/division with a focus on effective and efficient processes and procedures. An openness to change and the ability provide leadership and clear communication to stakeholders throughout the change process. Engages employees in the change process and develops commitment for sustaining change.

7. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Education & Training: Bachelor’s degree

Experience: Five years of experience working in higher education student affairs.

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Working knowledge of current laws and best practices related to FERPA, ADA, and other applicable regulations
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Proficiency in use of student information systems and/or other enterprise systems

Other Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to build strong student relationships with a diverse student population
• Demonstrated high level discretion and sound judgement with confidential information
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to new conditions and assignments.
• Strong project management skills, with demonstrated ability to coordinate, manage, and evaluate multiple projects over varied timelines.
• Demonstrated record of leadership, conflict management, team-building and advocacy skills.

Preferred

Education & Training: Master’s degree

Experience: Two years of supervisory experience

Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge of registration functions

8. APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS

Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Please submit a cover letter and resume.

Official transcripts from prior institutions of higher learning must be received prior to offer being extended to the finalist.

University of Western States offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.

https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/

University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.