Director of Student Success

Job Description

The University of Indianapolis is seeking a student-centered leader with a proven track record of implementing high-impact orientation, student success and case management services to improve the quality of the student experience, and increase student retention and persistence. The Director of the Terry Center for Student Success will lead a team of Student Success staff who coordinate new student orientation programs, work closely with students in the 21st Century Scholar and Achieving College Excellence programs, and provide intrusive and ongoing case management for students throughout the full student lifecycle. The Director will also collaborate with campus stakeholders, specifically academic affairs partners, on new student experience and other student success initiatives.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

Experience

• Subject-matter expert in student success. Experience leading new student orientation and/or student retention and persistence initiatives. Proven track record of collaborating with staff and faculty across various departments and levels within a complex organization. Evidence of leading projects to successful completion with measured outcomes.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a higher education setting required.
• Minimum of 2 years experience supervising professional staff.
  
  

Education

• Master's Degree required. Preference for higher education, psychology, sociology or other related fields.
  
  

Essential Functions

Leadership and Management

• Lead and supervise the Terry Center for Student Success staff, providing performance management, professional development, and direction to ensure effective delivery of services.
• Manage the comprehensive budget for the Terry Center, including resource allocation for orientation, student success programs, and staff development.
• Establish and maintain effective policies and procedures for all Center operations, ensuring compliance with University and relevant state/federal regulations.
• Report regularly to senior leadership on key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and outcomes related to orientation, retention, persistence, and student success initiatives.
  
  

Student Success and Retention Strategy

• Design, implement, and continuously evaluate high-impact orientation and transition programs for all new students (first-year, transfer, etc.) to improve early engagement and successful integration into the University community.
• Develop, lead, and assess strategic student success and retention initiatives aimed at improving student persistence and graduation rates.
• In collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Students and Dean of Students, oversee and direct the case management process for students, ensuring the provision of intrusive, ongoing, and comprehensive support throughout the full student lifecycle.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for specialized student success programs, including the 21st Century Scholar and Achieving College Excellence (ACE) programs, ensuring program goals are met and compliance standards are maintained.
  
  

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Serve as a primary collaborator and liaison with Academic Affairs partners (e.g., advising, faculty, academic departments) on matters related to the first-year student experience, academic support, early alert systems, and retention strategies.
• Cultivate and maintain strong working relationships with key campus stakeholders (e.g., Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Financial Aid, Residence Life) to create a seamless, student-centered support network.
• Represent the Terry Center and the University on relevant institutional committees, task forces, and external professional organizations.
  
  

Data and Assessment

• Utilize institutional data and best practices to inform and drive decision-making related to student success strategies, resource allocation, and program enhancements.
• Establish and execute robust assessment plans for all major programs (orientation, case management, specialized success programs) to measure their effectiveness on key outcomes like academic standing, persistence, and overall student satisfaction.
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection and reporting to meet internal management needs and external grant or compliance requirements.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow the guidance and direction of supervisor(s).
• Demonstrate respectful, ethical, responsible behavior.
• Abide by the University’s policies, procedures, and rules.
• Perform employee responsibilities as detailed in employee handbooks and policies.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties, including special projects, as required or assigned.
  
  

Company Description

Thank you for your interest in the University of Indianapolis! The University is a private, liberal arts university located on 65 acres just minutes from downtown Indianapolis. With more than 700 faculty and staff, it is a place where you can become part of a close-knit campus community that emphasizes the importance of community partnerships in the future growth of the University.

UIndy’s mission is to prepare its graduates for effective, responsible, and articulate membership in the complex societies in which they live and serve and for excellence and leadership in their personal and professional lives. The motto of "Education for Service" provides the foundation for our work to better our communities, both near and far.

As University employees, we know the work we do is important to our students and our communities. To accomplish our mission, we welcome talented, civic-minded, and diverse individuals from all career levels to help maintain our high standards of excellence and quality. If you want to join our dynamic environment and experience hard work, creativity, and teamwork, we welcome your application!

The University of Indianapolis is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, citizenship status, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The University of Indianapolis does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission as required by Title IX.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Discount
• Retirement Savings Plan - 403B
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time Accruals
• Paid Holiday time and additional University days off
• Employee Discounts & Services
• Free Parking
• Onsite Health & Wellness Center
  
  

For more information about the benefits of being a staff member at UIndy, visit our Benefits site.