POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Executive Director, Center for Academic Success and Transition
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2397
GRADE Unclassified
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Provost
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Executive Director, Center for Academic Success and Transition is a member of the leadership team for Academic Affairs and is responsible and accountable for planning, coordination, and collaboration related to activities that promote student success, transition, retention, and graduation initiatives. The Executive Director, Center for Academic Success and Transition assists students from admission to the University through graduation, including, but not limited to, transition programs (e.g. Jump Start), the first-year experience and related programs, retention programming for specific student groups, graduation planning, coordination with tutoring and writing services, and select advising initiatives. The Executive Director, Center for Academic Success and Transition accomplishes this work through the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, and administrators in both curricular and co-curricular efforts and works with the Provost, Deans, Department Heads, the Vice President for Student Affairs, and community representatives when appropriate.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A terminal degree is required; the incumbent holds a ranked faculty appointment of Associate Professor, Professor, or higher.
Experience: A successful record of teaching, research, and service is required. Administrative and leadership experience is required. A proven record of effectiveness in strategic planning and program assessment is required. Evidence of effective collaborative relationships with peers is required. Experience with first generation college students from impoverished and rural areas is preferred.
Skills: A demonstrated record of commitment to the values and initiatives of community engagement, cultural competence, and ethical leadership is required. A demonstrated commitment to high quality undergraduate education is required. The ability to develop and implement a vision for improved academic and student success, retention, and graduation is required. Demonstrated leadership ability is required, including the ability to work effectively and collegially with University administrators, faculty, staff, and students. The ability to effectively delegate tasks, administer a budget, and implement established goals is required. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills are required. Effective interpersonal skills and sensitivity to issues affecting a wide range of constituencies are required. An appreciation and understanding of instructional technologies and pedagogies in expanding curricular offerings is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Helps to ensure the achievement of the mission of the University by assisting the Provost’s Office.
2. Participates in the leadership team in policy development, process, and decisions relating to student success efforts including retention and graduation.
3. Works with other offices, including Institutional Research, to assess student retention and graduation rates.
4. Monitors, reports, and improves outcomes related to retention and graduation rates.
5. Creates and maintains program initiatives to support University goals regarding retention and graduation.
6. Provides leadership and planning for initiatives designed to improve student success and retention, including the first-year and second-year experience, select student populations, undergraduate transfer students, and graduation planning.
7. Communicates retention and student success initiatives to the University community and relevant constituencies.
8. Supervises the Associate Director, Center for Academic Success and Transition (including First Year Programs, Peer Leadership, and First Generation Student Programs) and coordinates with the Director, Student Learning Services and Director of the Learning Commons.
9. Serves as a point of contact and coordination with college deans, associate deans, and school directors for retention and student success activities for the colleges and coordinates with center directors for college-related advising assignments and programming development.
10. Demonstrates sound fiscal management by overseeing program development, budgets, and facilities of the Center for Academic Success and Transition.
11. Works with the Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs in fostering collaboration and coordination with Student Affairs.
12. Promotes a positive image and maintains effective relationships for the Office of the Provost by representing the Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs at various meetings, communicating with University administrators, faculty, staff, and students in matters related to academic and student success, and leading or serving on selected University committees and task forces.
13. Promotes positive student relations by serving as an advocate for the non-academic, extracurricular, and co-curricular needs of students.
14. Teaches one section of GEP 101 per academic year or a course in discipline.
15. Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
16. Ensures that miscellaneous assignment related to academic affairs are completed in the best interest of the University by accepting and accomplishing tasks which are delegated by the Provost.
SUPERVISION
The Executive Director, Center for Academic Success and Transition is supervised by the Associate Provost for Student Development and Public Affairs and the Provost and supervises professional and support staff.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APRIL 2018