Associate Director, Transfer Student Success

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Associate Director, Transfer Student Success at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Job Purpose

Oversees daily operations of the Transfer Student Success Center, including pre-transfer advising and awarding of undergraduate transfer credit. Provides quality, student-centered academic support services to help transfer students achieve success. Ensures transfer students experience a smooth transition through the development of strategic data-informed metrics, recommendation of transfer-related best practices and policies, collaboration with campus partners, and innovation in the awarding of transfer credit. These responsibilities include collaboration and strategic planning with director and campus partners in recruitment, orientation, onboarding, pathway development, and student success initiatives to support and advance the entire transfer student lifecycle. Reports to Director, Educational Outreach and Transfer Initiatives.

Essential Functions

• Provides overall leadership and direction to staff, including professional staff and student ambassadors. Sets expectations & focus, assigns duties, delegates responsibilities, evaluates activities, prepares performance appraisals & professional development plans. Provides coaching, mentoring and teaching. Manages the administrative process for assigned staff including hiring, promotions, terminations, disciplinary procedures, and salary adjustments. Provides ongoing performance feedback, goal setting, and development plans for staff. Plans for future staffing needs. Provides timely communications to staff. (20%)
• Establishes priorities to enhance the transfer student experience through campus and external partnerships. (15%)
• Assists with strategic development and implementation of transfer student recruitment strategies to achieve enrollment goals. (15%)
• Collaborates with partners in student success and across the campus to create and implement data-informed interventions designed to improve student success. (15%)
• Manages transfer student communications related to recruitment, onboarding, pathways, and success initiatives. (10%)
• Provides direct student support through appointments, presentations, partnerships, and special events. (10%)
• Facilitates and enhances awarding of undergraduate transfer credit. Identifies innovations and improvements in transfer practices, policies, and procedures. (5%)
• Approves and monitors expenditures. (5%)
• Performs other related duties as assigned. (5%)

Work Context

This grid characterizes the position scope. Job Reports to: Director. Leadership Accountability: Develops strategic plans and interprets policy. Supervisory Accountability: Supervises professionals and non-managers. Organizational Accountability: Manages department. Financial Accountability: Monitors expenditures. Customer Accountability: Interfaces with regulatory authorities. Freedom to Act: Subject to general input from supervisor.

Unique duties:

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree. Requires a master’s degree in Education, Guidance and Counseling or a related discipline from an accredited college or university. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience: Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience). Minimum three years management experience in higher education (enrollment management, advising, student success, records/registrar). Experience with transfer students is preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong communication, presentation, organizational and team-building skills. Awareness and sensitivity to needs and expectations of diverse student population. Ability to employ sound and accurate judgment using valid and reliable evaluations of information when making decisions. Appreciation and understanding of working in an inclusive, engaging and diverse college environment. Ability to motivate staff, including identifying professional development opportunities. Ability to train, develop, and provide feedback to professional and student staff. Ability to delegate work, set clear direction and manage workflow. Experience and proficiency in student information systems preferably Banner, Slate and Degree Works.

Preferred qualifications:

School/College/Division: Generic Division. Primary department: H2003 - Credit Program Lifelong. Employment type: Regular Employee. Job type: Full Time. Job category: Staff/Administrative. Funding/salary information: Compensation type: Annual Salary. Salary hire maximum: $85,895. Working conditions: Some evening and weekend work is required. Job openings: Number of openings: 1. Reposted position: No. Reposted reason: None (New Requisition). Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.