Director, Academic Support

Salary: $71,858 - $80,000 max - depending on experience & qualifications

Position Summary:

The Director for Academic Support will lead the centralized academic support services for all University Colleges. In this capacity, the director provides leadership, planning, and direction for university-wide academic support initiatives and for programs and services providing academic and professional development support to all of the University’s students. This position has an anticipated start date of June 30, 2025.

Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short-term and long-term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan, which includes an 8% employer contribution once eligible. RFUMS is committed to employee well-being and work-life balance. This position is eligible for 24 days of vacation/ personal leave, 15 sick days, and 9 paid holidays, paid winter break, plus two floating holidays.

Who We Are:

Academic and Accessibility Services is within the Division of Student Success and Wellness. The office works cooperatively as a team with the Office of Student Life and the Office of Student Housing. The office of Academic and Accessibility Services strives to enhance the academic success of all RFUMS students outside of the classroom, serving over 2000 full-time graduate students.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team for Accessibility and Academic Services.
• Lead in the development and implementation of comprehensive academic retention programs.
• Lead University initiatives to track, coordinate, and improve academic support efforts and coordinate efforts with the strategic vision of the University.
• Develop, coordinate, and enhance each of the academic support functions to serve students in each of the University’s five colleges.
• Lead programmatic and services development through collaboration with the College and program leadership of each of the schools to determine programmatic goals and set those parameters as foundation of programs and services to ensure academic services and support networks meet the needs of all students.
• Build and supervise a team of professionals and student workers dedicated to the academic success and retention of the students in all RFUMS programs.
• Provide one-to-one support to students in academic crisis.
• Lead community-wide education efforts to promote and enhance understanding and respect for interacting with a diverse student population and integrating complex community-wide issues in a diversity context.
• Participate in a University-directed strategic capacity in the student behavior review process.
• Oversee orientation initiatives and work cooperatively with academic support staff for this key retention initiative.
• Provide support in developing annual and long-range goals and objectives for the department. Develop and conduct assessments of programs and services.
• Assist with various division and university committees and projects. Establish working relationships with university departments, student groups, and community partners.
• Lead, as part of a multi-disciplinary team, in the planning and implementation of university-wide, programmatic, and academic support programs such as special events, ceremonies, activities, etc.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check.

Required Education & Experience:

• Masters Degree in Student Personnel or related field with three years of progressively more responsible experience required, including primary administrative leadership for a student affairs function.
• Experience in supervision of professional staff and in the area of professional and/or graduate student affairs or service preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic program design and implementation.
• An in-depth understanding of complex educational administration issues.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Possess a strong foundation in student development theory, academic development, and education support structures.
• Knowledge and application of counseling and advising concepts, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge and application of group facilitation and conflict management methods.
• Knowledge of current trends, issues, and policies affecting students.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop appropriate goals and strategies for solution.
• Knowledge of applicable University, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with students, with specific training for work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of event planning, marketing, and implementation concepts and techniques.
• Proficiency and knowledge of personal computer applications and applicable information technology applications for Student Affairs administration.
• Proven ability to lead in a changing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Student Personnel, Education, or related field with five years of progressively more responsible experience required, including primary responsibility for academic support of students.
• Experience in supervision of staff in the area of professional and/or graduate student affairs or service preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic program design and implementation.

Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a typical office environment and will be conducted in a climate-controlled office with extensive use of computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
• Work is of a light physical demand, with duties being performed while sitting, standing, or occasionally stooping.

EOE, Including Disability / Vets