[Internal Hire] Director of Student Success

Primary Accountabilities:

The Director of Student Success provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for student-facing service areas including recruitment, academic advising, financial aid, the welcome desk, and marketing. This role is responsible for creating an integrated, student-centered experience from initial inquiry through enrollment and beyond, with a strong emphasis on access, equity, and retention. This position works collaboratively across departments to ensure seamless student support, consistent messaging, and data-informed practices that drive institutional enrollment and student success goals.

Primary Responsibilities:

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and evaluation for staff in recruitment/admissions, academic advising, financial aid, welcome desk/front office services, and marketing.
• Foster a team culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and student-centered service.
• Lead regular team meetings and cross-departmental coordination efforts.

Recruitment & Enrollment Strategy

• Oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive student recruitment plan, including outreach to high schools, community partners, adult learners, and special populations.
• Ensure timely and effective follow-up with prospective students.
• Monitor application and enrollment trends and adjust strategies accordingly.

Academic Advising & Student Onboarding

• Ensure consistent and high-quality academic advising practices that support student goal setting, retention, and completion.
• Collaborate with faculty and academic leadership to align advising services with academic pathways.
• Oversee new student orientation and onboarding processes.

Financial Aid Administration

• Provide leadership for the administration of federal, state, and institutional aid programs in compliance with all regulations.
• Collaborate with financial aid staff to improve processes, maximize aid eligibility for students, and promote financial literacy.
• Ensure effective communication of financial aid information to students and families.

Welcome Desk & Student Support Operations

• Supervise front desk operations to ensure timely, welcoming, and accurate service delivery.
• Implement procedures to track inquiries, improve responsiveness, and provide efficient triage of student needs.

Marketing & Communications

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and/or marketing staff to develop outreach materials, digital content, and campaigns that support recruitment and enrollment goals.
• Ensure brand consistency and student-focused messaging across all channels.
• Oversee production of print, web, and social media content related to student services.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in education, student services, business, communications, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in student services, recruitment, advising, financial aid, or related areas.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to use data to inform decisions and improve services.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, or related field.
• Experience in a community or technical college setting.
• Familiarity with CRM systems, SIS systems (e.g., Jenzabar), and federal/state financial aid regulations.

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read screens and print material, and communicate effectively via email, in-person, and phone.
• Ability to lift and move supplies up to twenty-five (25) lbs.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and attend events as required.

Work Environment

• Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an educational setting.
• Interact effectively and professionally with students, staff, faculty, and guests.