What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of First Year Experience & Student Success position at University of Indianapolis?
Job Description
The Director of First Year Student Experience and Retention Strategy will work to measurably increase retention of undergraduate students at the University of Indianapolis by facilitating both reactive and proactive initiatives. Responsibilities of this position include directing the Terry Center for Campus Connections, as well as creating intentionality around freshmen transition events. The Director of First Year Experience & Student Success will work with the Vice President of Student Experience, Success and Belonging to develop grant-supported initiatives and programs that increase retention at the campus. This person will work regularly with other essential offices on campus, including, but not limited to, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, Advising, and the Registrar. This position will directly report to the Vice President of Student Success, Experience.
Requirements/Minimum Qualifications
Experience
Subject-matter expert in student retention. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a higher education setting preferred. Experience working to improve the experience of students in educational environments. Proven track record of collaborating across various departments and levels within a complex organization as well as with community partners. Evidence of leading projects to successful completion with measured outcomes. Experience leading TRiO programs and/or similarly funded programs is highly preferred. Also, extensive evidence of successfully obtaining grants to move student success forward. Thorough understanding of protected classes as described by Federal law.
Education
Master's Degree required. Preference for higher education, psychology, sociology or other related fields.
Essential Functions
Thank you for your interest in the University of Indianapolis! The University is a private, liberal arts university located on 65 acres just minutes from downtown Indianapolis. With more than 700 faculty and staff, it is a place where you can become part of a close-knit campus community that emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in the future growth of the University.
UIndy’s mission is to prepare its graduates for effective, responsible, and articulate membership in the complex societies in which they live and serve and for excellence and leadership in their personal and professional lives. The motto of "Education for Service" provides the foundation for our work to better our communities, both near and far.
As University employees, we know the work we do is important to our students and our communities. To accomplish our mission, we welcome talented, civic-minded, and diverse individuals from all career levels to help maintain our high standards of excellence and quality. If you want to join our dynamic environment and experience hard work, creativity, and teamwork, we welcome your application!
The University of Indianapolis is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The University of Indianapolis does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission as required by Title IX.
Benefits
The Director of First Year Student Experience and Retention Strategy will work to measurably increase retention of undergraduate students at the University of Indianapolis by facilitating both reactive and proactive initiatives. Responsibilities of this position include directing the Terry Center for Campus Connections, as well as creating intentionality around freshmen transition events. The Director of First Year Experience & Student Success will work with the Vice President of Student Experience, Success and Belonging to develop grant-supported initiatives and programs that increase retention at the campus. This person will work regularly with other essential offices on campus, including, but not limited to, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, Advising, and the Registrar. This position will directly report to the Vice President of Student Success, Experience.
Requirements/Minimum Qualifications
Experience
Subject-matter expert in student retention. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a higher education setting preferred. Experience working to improve the experience of students in educational environments. Proven track record of collaborating across various departments and levels within a complex organization as well as with community partners. Evidence of leading projects to successful completion with measured outcomes. Experience leading TRiO programs and/or similarly funded programs is highly preferred. Also, extensive evidence of successfully obtaining grants to move student success forward. Thorough understanding of protected classes as described by Federal law.
Education
Master's Degree required. Preference for higher education, psychology, sociology or other related fields.
Essential Functions
- Follow the guidance and direction of the supervisor(s)
- Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior
- Abide by the University’s policies, procedures, and rules
- Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies
- Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality
- Other duties, including special projects, as required or assigned
- Provide direction to the Terry Center ( Student Solutions Center) as it advocates for students who find themselves struggling to “connect the dots” across the web of support
- Design and implement strategies to holistically serve undergraduate students by fully understanding their situations and concerns, thereby ensuring academic and personal success
- Work with students who are referred to the center by University faculty and staff or who self-identify as having a concern
- Assist the institution in monitoring Bench Enrollment by conducting outreach to students and assisting in removing barriers that may impede their registration for the following semester.
- Collaborate with appropriate entities to create and implement a proactive retention team as well as a case management system (Slate) to monitor retention efforts
- Work collaboratively with areas to create programming that is culturally relevant and supportive
- Engage students in programming that increases their cultural capital as it pertains to their college success
- Extend programming beyond SLAY Welcome Week to maintain connections between students and their House (Leads/Coaches and Mentors)
- The Director of First Year Student Experience and Retention Strategy will work closely with the Office of Admissions in assuring that our enrollment goals and strategies are supported with robust retention initiatives specifically designed to meet the needs of our incoming students.
- Ensure retention strategies are implemented that impact the campuses' overall retention and graduation rates
- Foster an inclusive college community that promotes inclusion and equity for all students
- Foster open communications, and proactively build strong collegial and collaborative relationships with internal and external constituencies
- Collaborate with the Offices of Financial Aid, Student Affairs, and Registrar as well as the Center for Advising and Student Success to increase retention of undergraduate students
- Serve on committees as assigned
Thank you for your interest in the University of Indianapolis! The University is a private, liberal arts university located on 65 acres just minutes from downtown Indianapolis. With more than 700 faculty and staff, it is a place where you can become part of a close-knit campus community that emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in the future growth of the University.
UIndy’s mission is to prepare its graduates for effective, responsible, and articulate membership in the complex societies in which they live and serve and for excellence and leadership in their personal and professional lives. The motto of "Education for Service" provides the foundation for our work to better our communities, both near and far.
As University employees, we know the work we do is important to our students and our communities. To accomplish our mission, we welcome talented, civic-minded, and diverse individuals from all career levels to help maintain our high standards of excellence and quality. If you want to join our dynamic environment and experience hard work, creativity, and teamwork, we welcome your application!
The University of Indianapolis is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The University of Indianapolis does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission as required by Title IX.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Tuition Discount
- Retirement Savings Plan - 403B
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time Accruals
- Paid Holiday time and additional University days off
- Employee Discounts & Services
- Free Parking
- Onsite Health & Wellness Center
