Executive Director - Program Development and Evaluation

This is an executive position responsible for developing and implementing evaluation programs that monitor the progress of initiatives across all enrollment and student engagement functions. Responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships with various stakeholders including K-12 school districts, community colleges, and industry partners. Works under limited supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of independent judgment. Reports to the Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Engagement.

1. Designs and implements evaluation plans to assess student engagement programs and enrollment pipeline and pathway programs from K-12 schools, community colleges, and other feeder institutions that align with the university’s academic priorities and enrollment goals as well as workforce needs identified by academic colleges and departments.

2. Develops evaluation protocols that support the university’s commitment to providing transformative experiences for students.

3. Collaborates with student engagement and enrollment management leadership to develop, implement, and assess programs that support recruitment, retention, and graduation goals.

4. Designs and implements evaluation methodologies for all enrollment and student success initiatives as well as all new and existing programs.

5. Conducts program assessments using quantitative and qualitative measures.

6. Prepares reports on program effectiveness and return on investment that also make recommendations for program improvements and scalability.

7. Presents program evaluation findings to various stakeholders.

8. Develops predictive models to identify high impact practices and opportunities for program enhancement.

9. Evaluates partnership effectiveness and measures outcomes of collaborative initiatives.

10. Tracks and analyzes partnership metrics to ensure alignment with institutional goals in collaboration with institutional research, data managers, and other internal partners.

11. Monitors evaluation plans tied to enrollment trends and program impact on recruitment and retention.

12. Hires, supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned staff.

13. Serves as a liaison between the university and external partners.

14. Provides strategic input on divisional policies and procedures.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.

2. Skill in using assessment tools, statistical software, and other computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.

3. Organizational skills in managing projects simultaneously while maintaining a satisfactory work product.

4. Skill in applying statistical methods and techniques to analyze, interpret, and present data effectively.

5. Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.

6. Ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

7. Ability to analyze complex information and develop plans to address identified issues.

8. Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

9. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

10. Ability to work collaboratively and build strategic relationships with colleagues, coworkers, constituents, and volunteers.

11. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.

12. Ability to train and supervise others.

Master’s degree in higher education administration, educational leadership, program evaluation or a related field is required.

Five years of related experience in higher education program development, evaluation, or enrollment management is required. Demonstrated experience in program assessment and evaluation methodologies is required. Data visualization and reporting experience is required. Supervisory experience is required.

Doctorate in higher education administration, educational leadership, program evaluation or a related field is preferred. Experience in Texas higher education is preferred. Advanced knowledge of program evaluation frameworks and methodologies is preferred. Educational research design and implementation experience is preferred. Grant writing and budget management experience is preferred. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems, enrollment management technology, and data analytics platforms is preferred. Certification in program evaluation or a related field is preferred.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.
This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.

This position is eligible for participation in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), subject to the position being full-time and at least 4 ½ months in length, or the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents Optional Documents