ACE Program Director

Position Summary

The ACE Program Director will oversee the implementation and management of the Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program at SUNY Cortland. This program is designed to support students in completing their degrees on time by providing comprehensive academic, financial, and personal support. The Program Director will manage all aspects of the program, ensure fidelity to the established model, and collaborate with SUNY and various college departments to achieve program goals and ensure student success.

Major Responsibilities

ACE Program Management:

• Lead the implementation and coordination of the program, ensuring alignment with SUNY guidelines, policies, and objectives.
• Recruit, train, and supervise program staff, fostering a collaborative and student-centered environment.
• Manage the program budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and compliance with funding requirements.
• Carefully monitor program metrics and utilize data to inform decision-making and program management.
• Establish and maintain relationships with internal departments (e.g., admissions, financial aid, registrar) and external partners to enhance program effectiveness.
• Formulate and implement local program policies and processes that align with the overarching mission of ACE.
• Develop strategies to meet enrollment targets and support student retention through comprehensive services.

Leadership and Supervision:

• Supervise ACE staff.
• Articulate a vision that unites team members and define departmental objectives and goals to establish a common purpose.
• Assign duties to staff based on their roles and adjust assignments as needed; and, plan, organize and monitor the progress of work and goal completion.
• Hire, onboard, and train staff; provide clear instructions, regular feedback, and coaching; communicate performance expectations and goals, complete performance programs and evaluations in a timely manner; and, nurture the development of staff by identifying opportunities for training and career development.
• Confirm staff complete required training to maintain compliance with university policies and state and federal laws.
• Act as a liaison between staff and senior management, relaying information in both directions; facilitate open communication and collaboration within the office; and address and help resolve staff issues and workplace concerns.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in counseling, educational psychology, social work, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in higher education administration, with a focus on student success initiatives and program management.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and familiarity with student information and student success software products.
• Demonstrated dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within an educational setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students from underserved communities and from diverse backgrounds.
• Supervisory experience, including recruiting, training, and managing staff.
• Budget management experience, including allocation and compliance with funding requirements.
• Experience with grant-funded programs, reporting, and compliance.
• Experience developing enrollment strategies and meeting recruitment targets.