Director of Community Belonging and Student Retention

Converse University•Spartanburg, SC

About The Position

The Director of Community Belonging and Student Retention reports to the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and plays a multifaceted leadership role focused on fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment at Converse University. This position is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives that promote community and belonging by advising student organizations and building meaningful connections between the campus and the broader community. As the Retention Support Specialist for Athletics, the role collaborates with institutional research and athletics staff to enhance student-athlete persistence and address concerns through restorative practices. The individual also contributes to broader Student Development and Success efforts, including participating in university programs, emergency on-call duties, and committee assignments. This position is essential in advancing student belonging, retention, and overall campus well-being.

Requirements

Master's degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs or related area of expertise.
1-3 years of work experience in a higher education setting (student life)
Experience and professional interest in developing communities that foster respect and personal success
Desire to raise awareness of diverse experiences, perspectives, and people through education, speakers, and engaged interaction.
Strong communication skills
The Director must demonstrate knowledge of: Leadership, social justice, cultural competence, and managerial principles;
Budgeting principles and practices;
Advanced theories and principles related to the area of assignment.
Policy and procedure development and administration principles and practices;
Applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, rules, and regulations;
Higher education principles and practices;
Training methods and best practices;
Conflict resolution and mediation methods.
The Director must have the skills and abilities to: Understand cultural competency and the ability to build trust, credibility, and navigate complex landscapes;
Work with diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of university students and staff;
Manage change and sensitive topics;
Offer viable solutions for problem-solving and conflict resolution.
Plan, implement, improve, and evaluate programs, policies, and procedures in support of student retention.
Evaluate research to identify potential solutions, resolve problems, or provide information;
Communicate effectively through oral and written mediums;
Develop, administer, and manage budgets;
Manage multiple priorities simultaneously;
Organize, synthesize, and analyze varied and complex information and problems;
Utilize computer technology for communication, data gathering, and reporting activities, including student concerns and grievances.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA

Nice To Haves

3-5 years of experience working in student life, with a specific focus on student-athlete retention
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Responsibilities

Develop, plan, and implement programming and awareness that promote community and inclusion to increase support for all members of the Converse community.
Advise SGA Diversity Coalition leaders and the clubs that comprise the coalition to provide programming and education for the student body and the broader community.
Facilitate planning and implementation of special awareness months, days, and events.
Identify speakers, presenters, and events that can enhance connections and foster understanding of the beauty of differences in experiences and perspectives.
Plan efforts to strengthen the relationship between the different cultural communities in the Spartanburg community and Converse University, with the overall goal of fostering connections among the multicultural communities.
Cultivate professional relationships with faculty and staff to develop and implement multicultural, inclusive campus-wide programs and educational opportunities for Converse students.
Advocate for the needs of a diverse population
Work with the Director of IR/IE to track retention of student-athlete cohorts and to disaggregate as appropriate
Develop data-driven strategies to support the retention and persistence of student-athletes
In collaboration with the Director of Athletics, review student athlete complaints/concerns and work toward resolutions
Facilitate restorative conversations as needed to foster team building and a sense of
Work with athletics to coordinate professional development opportunities
Participate as a member of the university to uphold all policies and service expectations
Utilize office tools such as Jenzabar, Microsoft Office, and Google applications for Division success
Participate in the university's emergency on-call rotation (one weekend per semester)
Serve as a Student Success Seminar instructor as needed (additional compensation)
Serve as a representative to campus-wide activities and programs as needed, including admission events (information table and/or presentations)
Serve on university committees and planning teams as desired
Assist with the implementation of events that enhance the university community
Serve as a representative to campus-wide activities and programs as needed
Actively engage with the entire campus community to encourage student learning and growth
Continually work to identify ways to enhance, grow, and revise strategies that foster students' academic, personal, and professional success
All other duties as assigned