"Director of Access and Persistence"

Kutztown University invites applications for the position of Director of Access and Persistence a key leadership role within the Division of Student Affairs reporting directly to the Vice President of Student Affairs. This position provides strategic vision and leadership for university-wide initiatives that recruit, retain, and support underrepresented, first-generation, foster care, and at-risk students, ensuring equitable access, meaningful belonging, and persistence to graduation.

The Director plays a central role in advancing Kutztown University's mission and values—Academic Enrichment, Accountability, Community Engagement, Diversity, Empowerment, and Integrity—by coordinating a comprehensive continuum of student support from admission through graduation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Student Success

• Develop, implement, and assess comprehensive retention and persistence strategies for underrepresented, first-generation, foster care, and at-risk student populations.
• Serve as a core member of the University's Student Success Team, partnering closely with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs units.
• Use data, assessment, and benchmarking to guide decision-making and measure outcomes related to retention, GPA, credit momentum, and graduation.

Program Leadership - PROFS (Providing Resources and Opportunities for Future Standouts)

• Provide leadership and oversight for PROFS, Kutztown University's signature program supporting students with foster care experience.
• Supervise program staff and graduate assistants, manage budgets and grant funding, and ensure compliance with state and federal foster care regulations.
• Serve as the University's primary contact for the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program and foster youth services.
• Cultivate partnerships with campus offices, community agencies, foundations, and peer institutions to strengthen services and student outcomes.

First-Generation & At-Risk Student Initiatives

• Lead campus-wide efforts supporting first-generation and at-risk students, including onboarding programs, mentoring initiatives, academic success workshops, and financial literacy programming.
• Collaborate with faculty, advisors, residence life, counseling, and care teams to provide coordinated, proactive interventions.
• Design and assess high-impact programs that promote resilience, belonging, and long-term success.

Student Advocacy, Training, & Partnerships

• Provide training and resources for faculty, staff, and student leaders on supporting underrepresented student populations.
• Advocate for institutional policies and practices that close equity gaps and strengthen student success.
• Represent the University at state, regional, and national conferences and with community partners.

Assessment, Compliance, & Reporting

• Track program participation and outcomes; prepare reports for divisional and university leadership.
• Ensure compliance with FERPA, Title IX, Clery, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Identify and pursue external funding and grant opportunities to enhance programming and sustainability.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Progressive professional experience in student success, student support services, mentoring, case management, advising, diversity/inclusion, TRIO-style programs, or related areas.
• Demonstrated success in program leadership and staff supervision
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with different student populations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders (e.g., faculty, staff, community partners, agencies) to coordinate services and support.
• Basic proficiency with student information systems, early alert tools, or case management platforms (e.g., Starfish, Maxient, Navigate), or a willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs, Counseling, Social Work, or related field.
• Experience in supporting underrepresented, first-generation, and/or foster care students.
• Knowledge of state/federal foster care regulations and student success compliance tools.
• Experience with grant writing, donor relations, and fundraising.
• Experience with budget management.
• Lived experience as a first-generation college graduate and/or foster care alum.
• Experience with strategic planning and retention initiatives at the university level.