Director of Optometric Student Success

Drexel University•Elkins Park, AR

1d•$82,920 - $124,380•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Optometric Student Success provides strategic leadership for academic success, learning enhancement, student support, and educational effectiveness initiatives within the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Reporting to the Dean or Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, the Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive, evidence-based programs that promote student achievement, retention, progression, wellbeing, and National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) success across the optometric curriculum. Grounded in data-informed decision-making, learning science, and best practices in health professions education, the Director leads proactive student success initiatives including academic coaching, early-alert intervention, remediation support, peer tutoring, faculty development, and outcomes assessment. This position serves as a key program leader in advancing a culture of student achievement, continuous improvement, and educational excellence aligned with Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) standards. The Director collaborates extensively with faculty, academic leadership, Student Success, and university partners to identify trends impacting student performance, develop strategic interventions, evaluate program effectiveness, and strengthen program outcomes related to optometric education and student success.

Requirements

Minimum of a Master's Degree in or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in academic support, student success, educational assessment, learning services, or health professions education within higher education settings.
Demonstrated knowledge of learning theory, metacognition, and evidence-based instructional practices
Experience applying data-driven approaches to optometry student learning, and academic intervention design
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret academic performance data and translate findings into actionable strategies
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport with diverse learners
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, administrators, and support staff
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and holistic student development
High level of professionalism, discretion, and sensitivity when working with students in academic difficulty

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with optometric education and National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) style examinations preferred
Experience working with professional or graduate students in optometry, medicine, pharmacy, dental, nursing, or related health professions education strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of student success initiatives across the Pennsylvania College of Optometry
Develop and oversee comprehensive academic support frameworks aligned with institutional priorities and ACOE accreditation standards
Develop policies, procedures, and best practices related to student support, progression, and academic success
Create reports, analyses, and recommendations for academic leadership regarding student outcomes, and program effectiveness of student success initiatives
Represent the Pennsylvania College of Optometry on university committees and initiatives related to student success, educational effectiveness, and learner wellbeing
Collaborate with program faculty and administrative leaders to identify emerging educational challenges within the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and implement proactive interventions
Foster a collaborative, student-centered culture focused on academic achievement and learner development
Design and implement evidence-based student success initiatives grounded in learning science and health professions education best practices
Develop orientation and transition programming to support student adjustment to the optometry curriculum
Develop structured workshops and educational programming focused on study strategies, metacognition, test-taking performance, resilience, and clinical reasoning
Direct and oversee individualized academic support and coaching for NBEO preparation for identified students
Evaluate effectiveness of support initiatives and implement improvements based on measurable outcomes
Conduct high-level individualized academic coaching sessions with optometry students experiencing academic difficulty or requiring enhanced learning support
Guide students in performance analysis, self-regulated learning strategies, and clinical reasoning approaches relevant to optometric education
Provide targeted support for students preparing for NBEO examinations and academic remediation processes
Support academic progress committees and provide strategic recommendations regarding student success interventions
Participate in the development of and oversee the individualized remediation plans developed for a student
Lead coordinated intervention strategies for students experiencing academic difficulty
Maintain effective communication with faculty and administrators while ensuring confidentiality
Develop assessment methodologies and outcome measures to evaluate effectiveness of student success initiatives
Collaborate with program leaders on the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of NBEO performance outcomes data for students who participate in student success programming related to retention, remediation, progression, and NBEO performance
Identify trends and curricular factors positively impacting student achievement and report of them to program leaders using data-informed analysis
Identify trends, high-risk areas, and curricular challenges impacting optometry student success and report on them to program leaders with supporting data
Contribute to the preparation of accreditation-related reports, documentation, and evidence aligned with Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) standards
Develop and deliver faculty development workshops grounded in evidence-based pedagogy and peer-reviewed educational research
Serve as a resource to the Pennsylvania College of Optometry faculty on effective teaching practices, and student learning strategies
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and scholarly teaching within optometric education
Maintain current knowledge of learning science, cognitive psychology, educational assessment, and health professions education
Participate in professional organizations and communities of practice related to student success and optometric education
Contribute to scholarly activities including presentations, publications, and research related to student learning, remediation, and educational outcomes