Director - Student Success & Retention
Gaston College is seeking to fill the following position: Director - Student Success & Retention
Develops, directs, and assesses College-wide student success programs, initiatives, and services designed to increase the persistence, academic goal completion, and graduation rates of students Provides leadership, management, supervision, and evaluation for counseling services. Services include career counseling, personal counseling, crisis intervention, and accessibility/disability services. Manages and supervises grant-funded programs and positions related to persistence and retention. Assists in developing and implementing budgets, collaborates with various program areas, and demonstrates appropriate professional balance in coordinating multiple tasks.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Directs College-wide student success programs, initiatives, and services designed to increase the persistence, academic goal completion, and graduation rates of students. Creates, develops, and manages the College's persistence and retention initiatives such as Early Alert, Academic Assistance Funds, Divisional Success Coaches, Community Resources Linkage, Student Enrichment Programs, and Professional Development activities for faculty and staff.
- Provide leadership, management, supervision, and evaluation for counseling services. Services include career counseling, personal counseling, crisis intervention, and accessibility/disability services.
- Works with community partners and third-party vendors to provide counseling and support services to students. Serve as the main point of contact for the Student Outreach Service (SOS) program.
- Maintain positive relationships and collaborate with faculty and staff to provide support for students in crisis or in need of counseling and or advising services.
- Maintains a high standard of professionalism in representing the College including confidentiality in all aspects of the position’s responsibilities and adherence to policies, procedures, and other established guidelines. Adheres to professional accountability and accepts responsibility for managing situations and problems.
- Works cooperatively with team members and colleagues, contributing positively and constructively to the achievement of team and College objectives and provides a high level of service to customers by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and partnerships.
- Provides leadership, coordination, and supervision of all activities of the SSR. Develops, implements, and evaluates SSR goals and objectives for institutional effectiveness.
- Manages assigned grant-funded programs (e.g., TRiO SSS) geared toward persistence and academic goal completion, including supervision of associated positions in those programs.
- Works closely with students, faculty, staff, and administrators at all levels to strategically develop, implement, maintain, and assess a comprehensive persistence and retention program. Works collaboratively with faculty and staff to source and secure community resources and funding for the program’s success.
- Supervises and evaluates the performance of staff; trains, and counsels according to established policies and procedures.
- Administers departmental budget and participates in audit reviews as needed.
- Maintains and correctly manages confidential information in accordance with FERPA regulations.
- Participates on standing and ad hoc committees relevant to student persistence and retention efforts and seriously considers committee decisions and recommendations.
- Maintains equipment and materials for various modes of learning assistance such as computer software, videos, handouts, and other print resources.
- Participates in scheduled department, division, and College meetings, including graduation.
- Maintains currency in content areas through appropriate professional development.
- Serves on various College councils and committees as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Student Affairs.
MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in counseling, psychology, or related field required.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
- At least five years of experience in higher education, accessibility services, and counseling required; community college experience preferred.
- At least two years supervisory/leadership experience, including experience with staff development, employee relations, hiring processes, and performance management required/preferred.
- Demonstrated successful experience working with internal and external cross-functional groups and departments required.