Director of Student Services

Major Responsibilities: Directed the university-wide Student Services Department, providing strategic direction and comprehensive oversight. Championing the holistic development of students, fostering their cultural awareness, professional readiness, and academic excellence. Serve as a dedicated student advocate, while skillfully mediating between the student body and administration to ensure positive, productive interactions throughout the entire university experience.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Communication Management: Respond promptly to daily communications via email and voicemail, addressing inquiries promptly and professionally.
2. Policy Adherence and Ethical Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to the University's mission, policies, procedures, ethical standards, compliance with data protection regulations, and pertinent legal regulations in all aspects of admission activities.
3. University Engagement: Participate in Commencement Exercises, new student orientation, university events, committees, self-studies, and University Commencement Ceremonies.
4. Special Projects: Execute special projects assigned by the President or supervisor.
5. Compliance Adherence: Ensure compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, as well as FNU Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulations, the FNU Code of Ethics, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Florida Information Protection Act of 2014 (FIPA), the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
6. Assigned Duties: Undertake other assigned duties as required.

Position Responsibilities:

1.      Develop and implement strategic plans for student support programs.

2.      Enforces regulations and standards found in the University Catalog and Student Handbook, when necessary, among the student body.

3.      Manage and mentor staff within the department

4.      Develop and maintain policies that promote student well-being and success

5.      Coordinate with other departments to ensure comprehensive student support

6.      Conflict Resolution and Mediation.

7.      Handle student grievances and complaints professionally and fairly

8.      Design and implement new student services programs.

9.      Serve as a liaison between students, faculty, and administration.

10.  Collaborate with academic departments to enhance student learning experiences.

11.  Develop and implement emergency response protocols for student-related issues.

12.  Enforce the usage of student ID cards throughout the campus.

13.  Plan, direct, and execute the Commencement ceremony for graduating students for all campuses.

14.  Encourage student participation and provide support in developing the Student Government Association for the university.

15.  Establish a graduate students list database for future Alumni Association.

16.  Provide health insurance information to domestic and international students.

Student Retention Responsibilities:

·        Developing and implementing comprehensive student retention strategies.

·        Analyzing data to identify retention trends and challenges.

·        Analyze data to identify trends and challenges in student achievement and retention.

·        Coordinating with various departments to ensure integrated support services.

·        Overseeing academic monitoring and counseling programs.

·        Producing regular reports on retention metrics and program effectiveness.

·        Collaborating with faculty and staff to support students throughout their academic journey.

·        Overseeing new students on-boarding and activities.

Student Success Responsibilities:

·        Develop and implement comprehensive student success strategies and initiatives.

·        Oversee and coordinate various support programs, such as academic monitoring, counseling, and mentoring.

·        Collaborate with faculty, staff, and other departments to create an integrated support system for students.

·        Manage and evaluate student support initiatives, including first-year experience activities, academic recovery programs, and retention campaigns.

·        Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and institutional policies related to student services.

·        Create and maintain partnerships both within the institution and with external organizations to enhance student success opportunities.

·        Oversee the implementation of proactive advising and academic mapping to guide students towards degree completion.

·        Direct the planning, development, and implementation of special programs, such as those for at-risk students, English language learners, and students with disabilities.

·        Assess and monitor administrative and support systems, identifying opportunities for improvement in student services.

·        Coordinate and administer assessments related to student success initiatives.

·        Develop and manage budgets for student success programs and related services.

·        Produce regular reports on student success metrics and program effectiveness.

Education / Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree in student affairs administration, school administration, education, counseling, social work, or a related field.
• 5 years of student affairs administration, higher education, counseling, or a related field.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.
• Demonstrated progressive leadership and responsibilities in related roles.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations (e.g., FERPA, Title IX)

·        Experience working with diverse student populations.

• Position requires regular travel between multiple campus locations.

Skills:

• Building productive relationships with students, staff, and management.
• Organizing and prioritizing the needs and goals of a department.
• Team players with a strong work ethic who take the initiative.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills in English & Spanish, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Solution-focused with strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Student-centered approach; balances team and individual responsibilities.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and basic database applications.
• Ability to be present and on the job during all periods deemed critical by management.
• Strong ability to lead and inspire a team.