Director of Student Success Initiatives –Jacob Scholar Program –College of Nursing

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Director of Student Success Initiatives –Jacob Scholar Program –College of Nursing 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):

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Jacob Scholars Program.
• Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive student success initiatives, including mentoring, tutoring, academic coaching, and enrichment programming.
• Oversee scholars' academic progress and implement proactive intervention strategies for students experiencing academic challenges.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and cohort-building activities.
• Manage program budget, scholarships, and financial tracking in collaboration with the College of Nursing Budget Analysts and Assistant Dean of Enrollment & Student Services.
• Collect and analyze program data to assess outcomes, retention rates, and student performance; prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with faculty, advising, financial aid, housing, student affairs, the Director of Nursing Major Gifts, and community partners to ensure coordinated student support.
• Supervise program staff, Assistant Director, ASO I-tutoring, and student employees as assigned.
• Represent the Jacob Scholars Program at College, University, and Community Events.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive mentorship program, including recruitment, training, matching, and ongoing engagement of faculty, alumni, and professional mentors.
• Partner with the Dean and Director of Nursing Major Gifts to support donor engagement, stewardship, and reporting, including preparation of annual impact reports and participation in donor-related events.
• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships with community organizations, healthcare systems, and K-12 institutions to strengthen recruitment pipelines and student opportunities.
• Manage multiple cohorts across different entry points, ensuring consistent program delivery, student experience, and support across all populations.
• Collaborate with the Academic Success Center to scale tutoring and academic support services, including oversight of utilization, effectiveness, and alignment with student needs.
• Provide oversight of the execution of program events, including community-building activities, professional development workshops, and scholar engagement experiences.
• Promote a culture of belonging, inclusion, and student engagement, with intentional focus on supporting underrepresented and first-generation nursing students.
• Provide strategic oversight of the Jacob Scholars admissions process, including development of selection criteria, management of application review and interview processes.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in Higher Education, Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Public Health, Nursing, or related fields. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in student success, retention initiatives, academic program management, or related roles. Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations. Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Experience with data tracking, assessment, and reporting.

Preferred qualifications: Terminal degree in Education Leadership or equivalent. Experience in nursing education or health professional programs. Supervisory experience with students and staff. Familiarity with evidence-based retention and persistence models. Budget management experience.