Vice President for Student Success & Retention Strategy

Vice President for Student Success & Retention Strategy

Ivy Tech Community College, in partnership with the national search firm, Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President (VP) for Student Success & Retention Strategy. The VP for Student Success & Retention Strategy will provide College-wide leadership and oversight for the College’s student success and retention initiatives. The VP will lead initiatives that enable Ivy Tech to better serve its diverse student and community populations by connecting college-level data with national research on effective practices, research trends, and programs focused on student success and completion. This position works closely with Campus and Systems Office leadership (in particular, Academic Affairs, Workforce and Career, Enrollment Services, and Business Intelligence) and supports the work to coordinate statewide efforts in key areas including completion, retention, advising, and student success.  

Responsibilities:

• Leads the design and implementation of a student success plan to successfully meet the statewide metrics for student retention and completion. Collaborates with College leadership to develop and oversee implementation of college-wide student success and retention strategies. Leads oversight for the College’s academic advising model. Supports College-wide strategic projects related to student success and retention. Contributes to the development of retention strategies targeted to high-risk groups and provides periodic analysis of impact. Oversees various student engagement and supports including Student Life, wraparound services, and testing services. Identifies national best practices pertaining to academic advising and its direct impact on student success, retention, transfer, and degree completion. Advocates for student interests by working collaboratively with a wide variety of functional departments to advance strategic goals relating to student affairs and to support student learning and student success. In collaboration with the Vice President for Academic Programs, maintains transfer agreements, training materials, and student resources for transfer. Represents the College at external higher education and community events. Serves as a member of the College’s Student Retention and Success Committee. Coordinates with external organizations in regards to institutional research projects associated with student success.

This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.  Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned.  All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in higher education, education, social sciences, or policy analysis required. Doctorate degree is preferred. Experience managing projects and leading others to success. Record of success in delivering results. Leads with integrity and inspires others. Strong collaborative leadership style and a strategic and creative approach to issues. Superior written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated analytical skills. Demonstrated skills and abilities to concurrently manage numerous tasks, some with conflicting priorities. Advanced computer skills in a Windows-based PC environment; proficiency with software applications for data and statistical analysis. Ability to work in fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Demonstrated ability to promote an inclusive environment that reflects the broad diversity and backgrounds represented by the students and employees, in which every individual feels respected and valued.

Core Competencies:

Every member of the Systems Office Cabinet is expected to be skilled in each of these seven core competencies. In addition to these core competencies, members of the Systems Office Cabinet may have other competencies that are required for success in their area of specialization.

1. Agility & Innovation - Demonstrates curiosity in their willingness to find and solve problems and engages in entrepreneurial and innovative thinking. Approaches and embraces change as a way to improve the organization. Thoughtfully uses data and research to propose, lead, and manage change initiatives for long-term impact. Takes strategic risks to support the mission of the College. Empowers and supports others to approach their work using creativity and innovation. Communicates to the College community the rationale for taking risks and garners buy-in and support for change initiatives. Clear & Transparent Communications - Creates an environment of open dialogue by communicating with internal and external stakeholders in a welcoming manner. Conveys the “why” on change initiatives, ideas and information succinctly and frequently using both written and verbal communications. Engages with varying audiences using trustworthy and authentic communication. Selects words carefully so that everyone feels respected and included. Determines purpose of communication, then tailors and targets messages to the intended audience. Accountability - Demonstrates and promotes accountability across their functional area. Takes steps to role model, establish, and incorporate accountability measures in their work. Takes ownership for results and mistakes. Fosters a culture and mindset where employees are accountable for their actions, results oriented, and encouraged to reflect upon and learn from successes and failures. Commitment to Employee Engagement/Experience - Recognizes that investments in our employees will lead to better services and experiences for our students. Promotes effective team building practices to build trust and establish partnerships. Empowers employees by leveraging their strengths, supporting professional development, and engaging in shared-decision making. Builds a sense of belonging and promotes the value and acceptance of diverse perspectives. Creates a talent-focused culture by making strategic hiring decisions, communicating clear expectations, providing actionable feedback, coaching for high performance, and using strategies to reward and motivate. Leads with authenticity and integrity, is accessible and approachable, and role models a growth mindset. Stewards of the Mission, Vision, and Culture - Serves as a steward for the College’s mission and vision, and a role model for the College community. Has an in-depth understanding of the student experience and the challenges that students face. Creates a culture of caring and advocating for the diverse populations we serve. Demonstrates commitment to the College’s strategic plan and its implementation. Communicates the “why?” behind strategic initiatives in relation to our mission, vision, and culture. Leads by example as a representative of Ivy Tech, to keep employees and Board of Trustees focused on student success. Decision-Making - Leans in to find and solve problems by facilitating an environment of creative problem solving and shared decision-making college-wide. Leads data-driven initiatives to strategically improve performance. Demonstrates the ability to make strategic and tactical decisions by considering the implications of possible solutions. When necessary, can quickly take clear and decisive action. Continuously coaches teams to employ tactical and operational decision-making skills. Relationships & Partnerships - Builds and maintains relationships with campus and statewide leaders, cabinet and board members. Possesses a range of interpersonal skills and approaches and knows when to use what with whom. Develops strong relationships with key external partners to advance the mission, vision, and goals of Ivy Tech. Considers the impact of college decisions on community partners and anticipates needs of the community. Places the needs of students at the forefront by viewing things through a customer service lens and promotes accountability around customer service. Listens to all stakeholders to gather feedback and promote the value and acceptance of diverse perspectives.

About Ivy Tech Community College:

Ivy Tech was founded in 1963 as Indiana Vocational Technical College. Back then, the College focused primarily on technical and vocational education. In the more than 50 years since, Ivy Tech has gone through enormous changes. Today, the College is Indiana’s only full-fledged community college, offering programs in the following schools (and offering more than 100 transfer programs with in-state and out-of-state schools):

• School of Business, Logistics, & Supply Chain School of Public Affairs & Social Services School of Information Technology School of Arts, Sciences & Education School of Health Sciences School of Nursing School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science

The College offer hands-on experience with some of the state’s most advanced technologies and training facilities, plus the convenience of more than 1,000 online classes, and the attention that comes with small, average class sizes. Ivy Tech has 19 campuses with 40 locations. The College has grown to become the largest, public postsecondary institution in Indiana and the largest, singly accredited statewide community college system in the country.

Ivy Tech shapes their curriculum to align with the needs of Indiana’s economy. The College’s affordable tuition rates (annual full-time tuition just over $4,300) keep higher education accessible for those communities’ residents, a consideration that results in 91% of our graduates staying in Indiana. All those elements combine to make Ivy Tech a true engine of Indiana’s workforce, training Hoosiers for the careers that will grow our future economy.

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (312-263-0456). For additional information, visit www.ncahlc.org.

About Indianapolis, Indiana, and beyond:

Indianapolis, the largest city in Indiana is a thriving city with burgeoning healthcare and technology sectors. It also serves as the state capital.  The city is home to three Fortune 500 companies, two major league sports clubs, four university campuses and numerous museums, including the world’s largest children’s museum and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.  Indianapolis boats more than 200 public parks covering over 11,000 acres of green space.  Eagle Creek Park is the largest of these parks and ranks among the largest municipal parks in the country covering 4,766 acres. 

The city boats several neighborhoods including Center Township, Broad Ripple, Irvington, and University Heights.  The North Meridian Street Historic District is among the most affluent urban neighborhoods in the U.S.  Indianapolis is home to various festivals and cultural events including the “Month of May”, a series of celebrations leading up to the Indianapolis 500 auto race.  It is also becoming a destination for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike.

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Vice President for Student Success & Retention Strategy at Ivy Tech Community College should be directed in confidence to the College’s executive search consultant:

Mr. Adam W. Barrett, Associate Vice President

Scott Healy & Associates

adam@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. A cover letter, not to exceed 2 pages in length, outlining your experience and interest in this position; A complete CV outlining your career in higher education, and if relevant, in professional roles; and The names of five professional references including their relationship to you, their position, email, and direct phone numbers. References will not be contacted without written permission.

Applications received by August 31, 2022 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.