Director of Student Success Center

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of the Student Success Center (SSC) provides supervisory leadership for the center's services, including academic advising. The Director will sustain and grow student success through hands-on management of the SSC while fostering productive relationships among academic affairs, admissions, and student affairs. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the Director serves on the Academic Affairs Council and collaborates broadly across campus units. Delivering the mission of the SSC and the campus promotes and strengthens retention and graduation rates.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Student Success Center Operations and Initiatives (70%):
* Directly supervise a team of professional academic advisors and other professional staff reporting to this role.
* Develop, implement, and assess a comprehensive student success and retention plan to include strategies and interventions informed by theory, inclusive and equitable practices, and data-informed practices that enhance student retention and graduation rates to include Student Success Program Development.
* Provide oversight of student progress monitoring to proactively and, when necessary, intervene, advocate, and recommend resources and solutions to academic difficulties and barriers student experience in policies and processes.
* For a select number of programs directly related to first-year experience courses, provide leadership for planning, implementing, and evaluating cocurricular programs that promote academic achievement, career exploration, and a sense of belonging for all students.
* Manage a modest programming budget and support university efforts to pursue and secure external funding for programs.
* Plan assigned duties for, and oversee supervision of, SSC student workers.
* Provide direction for Student Success Center services and initiatives including but not limited to advising support, tutoring, supplemental instruction, and academic skill development.
* Plan, direct, and implement major SSC initiatives, either directly or through delegated oversight to the assistant director or other staff members in accordance with SSC needs and individual capabilities. These initiatives may include, but are not limited to, such activities as:
o Campus APLUS lead
o Applied Studies degree program delivery
o Academic Care Team/ Wellness Care Team Support
o UMC 1200/1202 course support and outcomes assessment
o Career Services
* Other duties as assigned

Academic Advising (15%):
* Set goals and strategies for caseload management in accordance with best practices; maintain regular review and consultation, and adjust assignments as needed to maximize effectiveness.
* Create and utilize a network of relationships with faculty and staff to effectively deliver advising and support services.
* Facilitate collaboration between faculty mentors and professional academic advisors in coaching on-campus and online students through major and career decision-making processes to assist students in degree completion.
* Oversee the review of student records and progress to certify degree completion and determine academic standing related to satisfactory progress policies and guidelines.
* Evaluate and act upon requests for exception to policy through petitions; consult as appropriate with colleagues, faculty, and academic administrators in making final decisions.
* Ensure that students are supported through detailed degree planning using technology and interpretation of data to communicate accurate information about students.

Leadership (15%):
* Contribute to the collaborative and advisory work of the Academic Affairs Council
* Set and maintain vision and mission for the Student Success Center and its work, in alignment with those of University of Minnesota Crookston.
* Serve as a liaison with the appropriate agencies and offices within the university system committees and campus committees.
* Engage in appropriate marketing and outreach for the Student Success Center.
* Research, direct, and model best practices in assessment and data-informed decision making
* Contribute to assessment, accreditation, and other continuous improvement processes.
* Advance values of multicultural competence
* Draft, implement, and interpret policy as appropriate for SSC work
* Build a culture of collaboration and teamwork among academic advisors and Academic Success Center staff as well as between these individuals and faculty staff across campus.

Work/Schedule/Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30 pm

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
BA/BS degree plus at least 6 years professional work experience in academic advising, academic support services, or a closely related field or masters degree plus at least four years of relevant experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Advanced degree in higher education administration or other field relevant to this role.
Professional experience working in a one-stop or similar multifunctional student success center, especially with some type of leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
Demonstrated commitment to the land-grant mission of the University of Minnesota Crookston, especially as related to access and student success.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
Proficiency in data analysis related to student success and retention.
Proficiency in a second language, preferably Spanish.
Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competence, and achievement in working with students.

Pay Range: $65,700.00 - $85,000.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Complete applications must include a resume and a cover letter.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).