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Academic Director, Student Success

Classification Information

Student Success
Student Success fosters an environment that helps students achieve success. Evaluates students and may make referrals for tutoring, more specialized counseling, and other resources as warranted. Serves as a liaison to other university student resources. Develops and implements academic support programs.
Management / Leadership
Manager: The positions work is achieved through the direction of others. Managers have direct accountability for setting goals and using resources. They are responsible for administrative oversight of individuals, including conducting recommendations for hiring and termination, writing evaluations, disciplinary actions, day-to-day oversight as well as long-term goal setting and accountability for the performance and productivity of the employees. Managerial positions are reflected in the M1-M3 career track levels in the management/leadership track.
Level 3
Director: Directs and controls the activities of multiple university units or leads a team of professionals with significant university wide impact. Typically has indirect reports. In charge of overall control of planning, staffing, budgeting, etc. for the unit. Collaborates with executive leadership on establishing strategic goals across the function.
A - Academic Administration
Roles that are student facing or academic in nature.

Position Summary

The Academic Director within Student Success provides strategic direction and oversight for programs and services that support student academic achievement, retention, and overall well-being. Operating within the broader Student Services division, this position leads initiatives aimed at creating a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The director collaborates with departments such as academic advising, tutoring, learning support, and wellness services to ensure that students are connected with the resources and support systems they need to succeed from enrollment through graduation. In this role, the Academic Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating high-impact student success programs, including early alert systems, academic recovery initiatives, success coaching, and peer mentoring. The director also oversees the development of referral pathways for students in need of tutoring, counseling, or specialized services, and serves as a key liaison among academic units, student support services, and campus leadership. Through a student-centered approach and data-informed decision-making, the director ensures continuous improvement in student outcomes, retention rates, and equity in academic support services. At the M3 level in the management/leadership track, the Academic Director oversees the planning, staffing, budgeting, and overall operations of the student success unit. The role includes the supervision of managers and professional staff, management of cross-functional initiatives, and participation in university-wide planning efforts. The director works closely with executive leadership to establish strategic goals that advance the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, student persistence, and inclusive support practices. This position requires a visionary leader with a deep understanding of student development and the ability to cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact.