Student Retention and Success Director

Brandeis University • Waltham, MA

7d • $106,200 - $115,100

About The Position

At Brandeis University, student success goes beyond academics—it is about creating a sense of connection, and purpose. Persistence and achievement are deeply tied to how engaged students feel in campus life, and we are committed to making Brandeis a place where every student thrives. We are seeking a Student Retention and Success Director to lead this important work. This dynamic leader will shape the student experience by identifying gaps in our campus culture, listening closely to student needs, and designing innovative programs that help every student feel at home at Brandeis. The hiring range for this position is $106,200 - $115,100.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in student support, engagement, or student affairs.
• A strong background in program design, community-building, and student engagement.
• Proven ability to connect with diverse student populations, including those who may feel marginalized, isolated, or nontraditional.
• Excellent listening, facilitation, and collaboration skills.
• Experience supervising staff or student leaders.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of student engagement, persistence, and retention theories.
• A creative, innovative mindset with the courage to test new ideas and approaches.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to understand the student experience through surveys, focus groups, and direct feedback.
• Design and pilot creative programs that align with the diverse interests and personalities of our students.
• Strengthen campus culture by working with leaders across academics, student affairs, and student organizations to build a welcoming and connected community.
• Support students holistically, serving as a resource for those navigating academic or social challenges.
• Enhance orientation, First-Year Experience, and cohort programs to ensure strong foundations for student success.
• Collaborate with Student Affairs and Institutional Research to develop data-driven initiatives that improve retention and satisfaction.
• Partner with ITS to implement and leverage technology that supports engagement.
• Maintain a strong and visible presence at student events, modeling the engagement and connection we want for our community.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees