Executive Director of Student Success

The Executive Director of Student Success will provide direction for the creation and implementation of initiatives to strengthen the development of both prospective and enrolled students to support them in identifying and mitigating barriers to college access and success in an equitable and inclusive environment.

The Executive Director of Student Success, reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, will have primary responsibility for managing Gardner-Webb University’s Student Success division and for working collaboratively with other areas such as Student Development, Enrollment Management, Institutional Effectiveness, and Admissions as well as with Academic Affairs, First Year Programs, and other campus partners to evaluate student needs and trends to create various interventions with the goal of improving student persistence and retention rates. The Student Success division will provide a comprehensive program of proactive outreach, coaching, success planning, and other efforts designed to strengthen the connection between students and GWU, with particular focus on data-driven strategies. 

The Executive Director of Student Success will:

• Encourage and develop collaborative efforts with units and programs across campus to build a unified community of support that is coherent, visible, and accessible, and that creates a sense of belonging for students
• Evaluate current retention activities and recommend appropriate and effective strategies and resources necessary to achieve increased student retention and graduation rates
• Complete a comprehensive retention plan that aligns resources to achieve retention goals Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Student Success division, including budget management
• Recruit, select, supervise, train, and evaluate the Student Success division personnel
• Oversee the development of workshops and other programming for Student Success, including oversight of the Director of First Year Program, the Noel Center for Disability Resources, and programs that enhance diversity and inclusion of minority populations for results-oriented outcomes Produce evaluative reports assessing the effectiveness of SS services and initiatives; maintain accurate data to inform planning, reporting and program improvement Strengthen relationships with campus partners to establish referral and resource sharing protocols
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of print and digital marketing materials for stakeholders across campus, including ensuring the Student Success website is current Identify, develop, and submit grants that support the programmatic mission of Student Success Represent the College in campus-wide and university-wide groups and councils focusing on priority student issues
• Regularly update university leadership on the progress of retention strategies
• Actively lead and engage in a number of committees across campus
• Remain informed of best practices in student retention efforts and foster the same in direct reports
• Perform related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree with Doctorate preferred and not fewer than four (4) years of progressively responsible experience administrating related programs and working in an educational or social service capacity with diverse student populations;
• We seek a person who is creative, energetic and demonstrates the ability to provide direction and coordination between the Student Success and other areas on campus in the implementation and improvement of a comprehensive retention initiative.
• Desired skills: strong program design, planning/management and organizational skills; data-informed, supervisory experience; strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills; strong leadership skills, ability to maintain confidentiality and positive communication, computer literacy and/or knowledge of database/information systems extremely helpful; AND
• A willingness to comply with all policies and procedures regarding staffing, budgeting, safety, reporting, and grants administration;
• Working knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations and ADA compliance

Application

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Candidates should complete the application using the link provided and include a letter of interest, current vita, and transcripts with their submission.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Gardner-Webb University maintains a policy of non-discrimination. No aspect of employment will be influenced by race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, age, or any other basis prohibited by statute.

Gardner-Webb University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity within its faculty, staff, and students.