Director of Student Success

Ivy Tech Community College•Evansville, IN

About The Position

The Director of Student Success provides leadership for Ivy Cares, overseeing the development, coordination, management, and assessment of comprehensive wraparound services that address barriers to student success. The Director connects students with campus and community resources to address basic needs, financial challenges, and other personal or situational barriers that may affect persistence and completion. The role develops proactive support strategies, coordinates services and interventions for students experiencing challenges, and collaborates with campus partners and community organizations. The Director also supports First-Year Experience programming and other student success initiatives, including targeted interventions for at-risk student populations. Institutional data, student feedback, and established best practices inform evaluation and improvements that advance student retention, persistence, and completion. The Director supervises assigned staff and student employees; oversees program operations, staffing, budgets, records, and partnerships; and develops community collaborations and funding opportunities. The role establishes program goals and performance measures, analyzes outcomes, prepares reports and recommendations, serves on relevant campus committees, and performs other related duties as assigned. Typical work hours are business hours, with occasional evenings and weekends required for special events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in student personnel, counseling, higher education, social work, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, student affairs, student support, social services, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Experience developing, managing, or assessing programs that promote student success, participant engagement, retention, or access to support services in higher education, nonprofit, or other mission-driven organizations.
Experience supervising employees or student staff, providing performance feedback, and coordinating team responsibilities.
Experience collecting, analyzing, and using data or assessment results to evaluate program effectiveness, identify participant needs, and guide improvements and decision-making.
Experience managing multiple projects, leading teams, and building collaborative partnerships.
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, take initiative, and manage competing priorities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and maintaining confidential records.
Commitment to inclusion and supporting a diverse student population.
Flexibility to attend meetings and events outside normal working hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in student personnel, counseling, higher education, social work, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
Community college experience.
Experience with basic-needs support, emergency aid, case management, or wraparound services.
Experience with early-alert systems, at-risk student populations, retention, persistence, and completion initiatives.
Experience developing or coordinating First-Year Experience programming.
Experience supervising professional staff, student employees, or interns.
Experience with grant writing, funding proposals, and resource development.
Experience developing community partnerships.
Experience with program assessment, data analysis, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, coordination, management, and growth of the Ivy Cares Office and its programs and services.
Identify student population needs and align Ivy Cares goals, operations, and services accordingly.
Develop and implement services and initiatives addressing basic needs and other barriers to student success, persistence, and completion.
Coordinate campus programming that increases resource access and awareness of how poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, transportation, childcare, mental health, trauma, and other external factors affect academic success.
Increase awareness and use of Ivy Cares programs and resources among students and employees.
Connect students with campus and community resources through referrals, individualized support, case management, outreach, and follow-up.
Maintain accurate, confidential student records in accordance with FERPA, College policies, and applicable requirements.
Lead the development, coordination, implementation, and assessment of initiatives promoting student engagement, retention, persistence, and completion.
Develop programs, services, and outreach strategies for at-risk student populations and to address barriers to engagement, persistence, and completion.
Develop and coordinate First-Year Experience programming and initiatives supporting student transition, connection, belonging, and academic success.
Supervise assigned staff and student employees; set expectations, assign responsibilities, and monitor performance and service delivery.
Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback and coaching, and support professional development and accountability.
Develop staffing plans and workflows for effective program delivery, service coverage, and responsible use of personnel.
Collaborate with academic and student affairs departments to identify student needs, coordinate support, and develop integrated initiatives.
Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, social service agencies, schools, foundations, employers, and other stakeholders.
Represent the College in community meetings, events, and initiatives related to student success, retention, and basic-needs support.
Establish and monitor program goals, participation measures, retention indicators, referral outcomes, and other performance metrics.
Analyze institutional data, student feedback, and program outcomes to evaluate effectiveness, identify needs, and guide improvements.
Prepare reports and recommendations on program effectiveness, student needs, resource allocation, and opportunities for improvement.
Develop and monitor program budgets, allocate approved resources, and ensure responsible use of College funds.
Identify grant and funding opportunities and collaborate with College partners on proposals, implementation, and reporting.
Maintain accurate program, budget, staffing, and partnership records.
Serve on the AWARE/Behavioral Intervention Team and other relevant campus and College-wide committees.
Collaborate with campus partners to identify students of concern and coordinate appropriate support and referrals.
Promote awareness and utilization of campus programs, services, and resources that support student achievement.
Foster a collaborative, student-centered team culture focused on service, accountability, continuous improvement, and student outcomes.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with an employer contribution
Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and orthodontia coverage
Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources at no cost
Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care
10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
Basic life insurance equal to annual salary, paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
Short-term and long-term disability benefits
Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children
Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
Paid professional development opportunities
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess
Flexible work arrangements where available
Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)
Paid parental leave (4 weeks)
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services