"Director of Student Success"

Job Description

The University of Indianapolis is seeking a student-centered leader with a proven track record of implementing high-impact orientation, student success and case management services to improve the quality of the student experience, and increase student retention and persistence. The Director of the Terry Center for Student Success will lead a team of Student Success staff who coordinate new student orientation programs, work closely with students in the 21st Century Scholar and Achieving College Excellence programs, and provide intrusive and ongoing case management for students throughout the full student lifecycle. The Director will also collaborate with campus stakeholders, specifically academic affairs partners, on new student experience and other student success initiatives.

REQUIREMENTS/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience

• Subject-matter expert in student success. Experience leading new student orientation and/or student retention and persistence initiatives. Proven track record of collaborating with staff and faculty across various departments and levels within a complex organization. Evidence of leading projects to successful completion with measured outcomes.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a higher education setting required.
• Minimum of 2 years experience supervising professional staff.

Education

• Master's Degree required. Preference for higher education, psychology, sociology or other related fields.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Leadership and Management

• Lead and supervise the Terry Center for Student Success staff, providing performance management, professional development, and direction to ensure effective delivery of services.
• Manage the comprehensive budget for the Terry Center, including resource allocation for orientation, student success programs, and staff development.
• Establish and maintain effective policies and procedures for all Center operations, ensuring compliance with University and relevant state/federal regulations.
• Report regularly to senior leadership on key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and outcomes related to orientation, retention, persistence, and student success initiatives.

Student Success and Retention Strategy

• Design, implement, and continuously evaluate high-impact orientation and transition programs for all new students (first-year, transfer, etc.) to improve early engagement and successful integration into the University community.
• Develop, lead, and assess strategic student success and retention initiatives aimed at improving student persistence and graduation rates.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Students and Dean of Students, oversee and direct the case management process for students, ensuring the provision of intrusive, ongoing, and comprehensive support throughout the full student lifecycle.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for specialized student success programs, including the 21st Century Scholar and Achieving College Excellence (ACE) programs, ensuring program goals are met and compliance standards are maintained.

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Serve as a primary collaborator and liaison with Academic Affairs partners (e.g., advising, faculty, academic departments) on matters related to the first-year student experience, academic support, early alert systems, and retention strategies.
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key campus stakeholders (e.g., Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Financial Aid, Residence Life) to create a seamless, student-centered support network.
• Represent the Terry Center and the University on relevant institutional committees, task forces, and external professional organizations.

Data and Assessment

• Utilize institutional data and best practices to inform and drive decision-making related to student success strategies, resource allocation, and program enhancements.
• Establish and execute robust assessment plans for all major programs (orientation, case management, specialized success programs) to measure their effectiveness on key outcomes like academic standing, persistence, and overall student satisfaction.
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection and reporting to meet internal management needs and external grant or compliance requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow the guidance and direction of supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior.
• Abide by the University’s policies, procedures, and rules.
• Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties, including special projects, as required or assigned.