What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Student Success position at Syracuse University?
Job Description
The Assistant Director leads comprehensive programming designed to promote academic success for undergraduate and graduate students. This role develops, implements, and assesses initiatives that advance institutional strategic priorities, with primary focus on academic support services.
Key responsibilities include managing the Whitman Learning Center and tutoring operations, directing new student orientation and peer mentor programs, and expanding strategic initiatives such as Whitman First (first-generation student support), community building, and mental wellness programming.
The position requires collaboration with campus partners including CLASS, the Barnes Center, Inclusion & Belonging, and other departments to deliver integrated student support. Collaborate with the assistant dean and other staff members on major academic experience events (Welcome, Convocation, Family Weekend, WhitFest, and more).
The ideal candidate has program management experience in higher education, exceptional organizational skills, strong communication abilities for internal and external stakeholders, and demonstrated expertise in academic support programming, student development, and assessment practices.
Education and Experience
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
The Assistant Director leads comprehensive programming designed to promote academic success for undergraduate and graduate students. This role develops, implements, and assesses initiatives that advance institutional strategic priorities, with primary focus on academic support services.
Key responsibilities include managing the Whitman Learning Center and tutoring operations, directing new student orientation and peer mentor programs, and expanding strategic initiatives such as Whitman First (first-generation student support), community building, and mental wellness programming.
The position requires collaboration with campus partners including CLASS, the Barnes Center, Inclusion & Belonging, and other departments to deliver integrated student support. Collaborate with the assistant dean and other staff members on major academic experience events (Welcome, Convocation, Family Weekend, WhitFest, and more).
The ideal candidate has program management experience in higher education, exceptional organizational skills, strong communication abilities for internal and external stakeholders, and demonstrated expertise in academic support programming, student development, and assessment practices.
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or related field, with 3-5 years of progressive experience in academic advising or academic/support programming.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide compassionate support to students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and compliance with institutional policies.
- Technology experience proficiency required including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word), CRM systems, Orange Success, Salesforce and other relevant software.
- Excellent organizational and time management abilities with high detail orientation.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize and deal with multiple projects while meeting strict deadlines.
- Experience with budget management and data tracking.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse community which includes students, parents, alumni, faculty and administrative staff.
- Strong commitment to enhancing academic success through active listening, creative problem-solving, and innovative approaches to supporting student success.
- Oversee programming designed to support the academic experience. Design and implement workshops and seminars promoting academic success. Cultivate partnerships with campus partners (including CLASS, the Barnes Center, Inclusion & Belonging, and Whitman staff/departments) to collaborate on programming for students and/or trainings for staff.
- Oversee leave of absence management including awareness of populations on leave, maintaining regular communication and support during leave periods, facilitating re-enrollment procedures, and ensuring seamless transitions for returning students across all academic programs (undergraduate and graduate).
- Expand existing strategic programming initiatives including Whitman First (first-generation student support), mental wellness programs, and other priority areas. Promote financial opportunities and support to relevant student populations.
- Coordinate operation of the Whitman Learning Center. Hire and supervise tutors including Excel tutors, coordinate with CLASS, manage tutor vouchers, and provide appropriate study skills and time management workshops.
- Assess program effectiveness and track student participation through data collection and analysis to drive continuous improvement. Design and administer annual student surveys to measure key performance indicators related to student success, institutional priorities, and strategic plan objectives for student success. Generate relevant assessment reports for accreditation compliance.
- Plan and execute all orientation activities for new undergraduate and graduate students with the support of the advising team. Direct the peer mentor program including selection, training, pairing, and assessment. Collaborate and support all major events including Convocation, Family Weekend, WhitFest, all school picnic, and community-building activities.
- Manage relevant budgets in partnership with the assistant dean.
- Complete additional duties as assigned.
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
