What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director of Student Success Services position at Northern Essex Community College?
POSITION: Full-Time Executive Director of Student Success Services (Executive Director): Student Success Services; Haverhill and Lawrence (45 Franklin St.) Campuses; 37.5 hours per week; Non-Unit Professional Position.
SUMMARY: Reporting to the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Executive Director provides forward-thinking and strategic leadership and oversight for the college's student support functions, including CARS, PACE, SOAR, and Academic Coaching.
This senior leadership role is responsible for fostering a coordinated, student-centered approach that enhances engagement, retention, and overall student success. Using a data-informed framework, the Executive Director will guide initiatives that improve access and persistence while ensuring alignment with NECC's broader enrollment planning and institutional priorities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide visionary leadership and effective day-to-day management for the CARS, PACE, SOAR, and Academic Coaching programs.
- Design and implement cross-functional strategies to promote collaboration among departments, increase service access, and support holistic student success.
- Ensure departmental compliance with all federal and state guidelines, particularly related to grant-funded programs and initiatives.
- Monitor and analyze student utilization of support services to identify trends impacting persistence and retention; develop data-driven reports and translate findings into actionable strategies to enhance student support planning.
- Partner with Enrollment, Academic Affairs, and Student Life to ensure smooth student transitions from entry to completion.
- Lead and mentor a team of staff, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
- Manage and oversee budgets for all supervised departments, ensuring the effective use of financial and human resources.
- Continuously assess operations for improvement opportunities, leveraging best practices, technology, and process enhancements.
- Represent NECC on internal and external committees, working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to strengthen student engagement and raise institutional visibility.
- Ability to represent the VPSA or College at internal or external events when needed.
- Maintain a consistent presence across both college campuses (Haverhill and Lawrence).
Job Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in student support services, accessibility resources, or similar fields.
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-departmental teams and managing complex projects across varied stakeholder groups.
- In-depth knowledge of student support strategies, grant funded programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing student persistence and completion.
- Proven ability to utilize data analytics for program evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Strong understanding of current trends and challenges in higher education, including policy shifts and demographic changes.
- Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in a higher education setting.
- Familiarity with regional demographics and workforce trends influencing student outcomes and support services.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related field
- Experience at a community college or regional institution
- Bilingual (Spanish/English)
- Experience working with and supporting a culturally diverse population
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as noted above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience has prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Candidates will be required to pass a CORI and SORI check as a condition of employment.
Additional Information:
SALARY: Anticipated starting salary range is $120,000.00 - $125,000.00 annually with complete fringe benefit package including competitive health insurance, dental insurance, basic life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid sick, vacation and personal leave, educational benefits for employee/spouse/dependents, and excellent retirement benefits.
ANTICIPATED START DATE: ASAP
Salary : $120,000 - $125,000