Executive Director for Student Success

The Executive Director for Student Success is a senior leadership role in Academic Affairs responsible for the strategic direction and management of programs and services that promote student achievement, retention, and graduation. The Executive Director will lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with academic, administrative, and support units to create a student-centered environment that fosters academic success, personal development, and a strong sense of belonging. This individual will play a key role in shaping institutional policies and initiatives aimed at increasing student engagement, equity, and success for all students, including underrepresented populations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive student success strategy aligned with the institution’s mission and goals.
  • Lead initiatives aimed at improving retention, graduation rates, and overall student outcomes.
  • Collaborate with department chairs, faculty, and Student Affairs to design and execute evidence-based interventions.
  • Oversee data collection, analysis, and reporting on student performance and engagement metrics to inform decision-making and policy changes.
  • Coordinate the process for determining student academic standing, including the use of academic probation and suspension; oversee the appeals and reinstatement process.
• Program Development and Oversight:
  • Oversee the development and management of student success programs including academic advising, the Academic Success Center, mentoring, Living and Learning Communities, TRIO/SSS, and first-year experience initiatives (including the College’s QEP).
  • In conjunction with the Center for Educational Excellence and Innovation, drive initiatives to enhance student learning, including workshops, academic success coaching, and skill-building programs.
  • Identify needs of and enhance services for transfer students.
  • Ensure that programs are inclusive and tailored to the diverse needs of the student population, with a focus on closing equity gaps.
• Collaboration and Partnerships:
  • Build strong partnerships across departments to foster a coordinated approach to student success.
  • Work closely with faculty and academic leaders to integrate student support services and the overall academic experience.
  • Coordinate with the Office of Student Engagement and the Counseling Center to ensure a wholistic approach to Student Success.
• Staff Leadership and Development:
  • Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for the staff in the Student Success division.
  • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture among staff members to achieve institutional and departmental goals.
  • Lead by example, setting high standards for student service and engagement.
• Resource Management:
  • Manage the budget for student success programs, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
  • Seek external funding through grants or partnerships to support innovative student success initiatives.
  • Regularly evaluate and assess programs to ensure they meet student needs and institutional goals, making adjustments as necessary.
• Data-Driven Decision Making:
  • Working closely with the Office of Institutional Research, utilize data analytics to assess the impact of student success initiatives and drive continuous improvement.
  • Implement early warning systems to identify students at risk of not persisting or graduating and collaborate on intervention strategies.
  • Monitor trends in student behavior, enrollment, retention, and performance, and adjust programs accordingly.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree required (Doctorate preferred) in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Student Affairs, or a related field.
• At least 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in student success, student affairs, academic advising, or a related area, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing student success initiatives that improve retention, persistence, and graduation rates.
• Strong understanding of higher education trends, particularly those related to student retention, equity, and success.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Experience managing staff, budgets, and resources in a higher education setting.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to leverage data for decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience supporting the success of underrepresented and first-generation college students.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with student success platforms and technologies (e.g., CRM, retention software).
• Grant writing or fundraising experience.
• Knowledge of current research and best practices in student retention and success.

UVA Wise is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence, affordable access, and unwavering support of a collaborative and diverse community. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Employee fulfills duties as a “responsible employee” under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. A Responsible employee includes any employee: who has the authority to take action to redress sexual violence; who has been given the duty of reporting incidents of sexual violence or any other misconduct by students to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate school designee; or whom a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

UVA Wise is committed to helping the campus community provide for their own safety and security. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report containing information on campus security and personal safety, including alerts, fire safety, crime prevention tips, and crime statistics is available at www.uvawise.edu/ASR . A copy is available upon request by calling 276-328-0190 or 276-376-3451.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.