Director Of Student Success

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Dean of Career & Student Success, the Director of Student Success plays a critical role in enhancing the overall student experience and ensuring that students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed academically and personally. The Director of Student Success is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive student success and tutoring program that promotes student retention and academic excellence.

Primary Areas of Responsibilities:

• Meet with at-risk students (probationary admission, academic probation, students with disabilities, other academic accommodations, etc.) to develop individualized success plans, providing a clear pathway to academic improvement and self-management.

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the on-ground tutoring program, including scheduling, staffing, and coordinating tutoring sessions.

• Recruit, train, and supervise a team of qualified tutors, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to assist students effectively.

• Monitor and evaluate tutoring sessions to ensure quality and effectiveness, providing feedback and support to tutors as needed.

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and advisors to identify at-risk students and implement intervention strategies.

• Refer students to on-ground and/or online tutoring services, as well as other appropriate campus resources and support services.

• Analyze data and trends to develop strategies to improve retention rates and reduce the number of students on academic probation/suspension.

• Create and implement programs and initiatives to enhance student engagement and academic performance.

• Coordinate academic success workshops, seminars, and programs to help students develop effective study skills, time management, and other academic success strategies.

• Collect and analyze data on student success metrics to assess program effectiveness.

• Prepare reports and presentations on student success outcomes for college leadership and stakeholders.

• Collaborate with various campus departments, including academic affairs, admissions, and financial aid, to ensure a seamless and holistic student experience.

• Support and participate in Experience Orientation (first-year summer/winter orientation days), Enrollment Days, Open House, and other campus events and activities.

• Stay current with best student success and retention practices through professional development opportunities.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Exceptional attention to detail, follow-up, and follow-through.

• Knowledge of student success strategies and how to implement them.

• Knowledge of learning styles and best study practices for each.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational talents, ability to multi-task, and effective use of electronic office tools such as Microsoft Teams, shared documents and spreadsheets, electronic calendaring, etc.

• Ability to develop appropriate, welcoming, and productive relationships with a diverse student population.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with college constituents and the community.

• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to create and deliver engaging presentations to small and large groups.

Working Conditions:

This work is normally performed in an office setting and will require significant contact with students, faculty, staff, and the community. The work will include public presentations, both within and outside the classroom. Moderate evening and weekend responsibilities as needed to support campus events, as well as enrollment and retention programming.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move around campus.

• Manual and physical dexterity and visual acuity needed to operate a computer keyboard and handle paper documents.

• Sufficient near vision acuity to read information appearing on a computer monitor, in handwritten form, and printed on paper.

• Adequate hearing and verbal abilities to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field.

• Strong understanding of student development theory and best practices in student success and retention.

• Data-driven mindset with the ability to analyze and interpret data to inform decision-making.

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

• Familiarity with student information systems and data analysis tools.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in student support efforts.

About the College: Founded in 1911, Spartanburg Methodist College is a private residential liberal arts institution serving a diverse student population within the United Methodist Connection. Since its founding as the first co-op school in the nation, SMC has remained dedicated to its mission to connect education and employment. After over 100 years as an Associate Degree granting institution, the college launched its first bachelor's degree in 2019. SMC is growing significantly, adding new programs, and consistently evaluating operations because of a campus-wide commitment to innovation and a passion for designing all campus programs to serve its student population intentionally. Today, the college's emphasis on education and employment includes a unique professional development concentration comprised of eight required courses for students seeking associate and bachelor's degrees. SMC is committed to its student demographic and believes that global impact is possible through their success.

Spartanburg Methodist College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any legally protected status in any personnel action regarding the recruiting, hiring, and promotion of faculty and staff members.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of a background investigation. SMC participates in the federal E-Verify program.

SMC does not maintain an open application file. Unsolicited resumes will not be considered.