Executive Director of Academic Success Center, First Year Experience & First Generation Center

Posting Details

Come and join the Bearkat community!

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work / life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition

202500003ES

Title

Executive Director of Academic Success Center, First Year Experience & First Generation Center

FLSA status

Exempt

Hiring Salary

Commensurate with education and experience.

Department

Student Success Initiatives

Division

Division of Academic Affairs

Open Date

01 / 09 / 2025

Open Until Filled

Educational and Experience Requirement

Bachelor's degree in education, social science, or related field. Ph.D. preferred. Minimum of seven years' experience in higher education with successful administrative and leadership experience. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.

Nature & Purpose of Position

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Academic Success Center, First Generation Center, and First Year Experience programs. This role ensures day-to-day operations align with institutional goals of enhancing student success, retention, and completion. The position requires managing staff, overseeing program budgets, and leading innovative strategies to support first-year and first-generation students while fostering a culture of academic excellence.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Planning :

Develops, implements, and evaluates strategic initiatives for the Academic Success Center, First Generation Center, and First Year Experience programs. Aligns programs with institutional priorities to enhance student access, retention, and graduation rates.

Operational Management :

Oversees daily operations, ensuring efficiency and quality of services provided. Manages and supervises program staff, includes hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating personnel. Establishes policies and procedures for program operations to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal guidelines.

Program Development and Oversight :

Directs programmatic efforts to support academic success, including tutoring, mentoring, workshops, and orientation programs. Leads initiatives tailored to first-generation students and first-year student transitions, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Evaluates program effectiveness through data collection and analysis, making recommendations for improvement.

Fiscal and Resource Management :

Oversees budgets for all three centers, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources. Prepares budget reports and submit them to senior leadership. Seeks external funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to enhance program offerings.

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach :

Serves as the primary liaison with campus departments, faculty, and external partners to promote awareness and integration of center services. Develops outreach strategies to connect with students, families, and community stakeholders. Represents the centers on institutional committees and initiatives.

Assessment and Reporting :

Regularly assesses the impact of programs on student success outcomes. Provides comprehensive reports to the Assistant Vice President, including data-driven insights and recommendations.

Other Duties :

Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to advance student success and institutional priorities.

Other Specifications

Leadership Skills : Demonstrated ability to inspire and manage diverse teams. Must exhibit professionalism, executive-level decision-making, and a high degree of accountability.

Organizational Skills : Ability to prioritize objectives, manage multiple tasks, and implement strategic plans effectively.

Communication : Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to engage with administration, faculty, students, and external stakeholders.

Data-Driven Approach : Ability to analyze complex data sets to inform program decisions and measure success.

Student-Centered Focus : A deep understanding of the challenges faced by first-generation and first-year students.

Fiscal Oversight : Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and identifying funding opportunities.

Up to 20% of this position, over the fiscal year during off-peak periods, may be performed remotely as determined by the supervisor.

Full Time Part Time

Full Time

Position Number

Quicklink

https : / / shsu.peopleadmin.com / postings / 41926

EEO Statement

EEO Statement

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke / Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report