Executive Director of Academic Success Center, First Year Experience & First Generation Center
Sam Houston State University

Requisition:

202500003ES

Executive Director of Academic Success Center, First Year Experience & First Generation Center

Exempt

Commensurate with education and experience.

Student Success Initiatives

Division of Academic Affairs

01/09/2025

Yes

Bachelor's degree in education, social science, or related field. Ph.D. preferred. Minimum of seven years' experience in higher education with successful administrative and leadership experience. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Academic Success Center, First Generation Center, and First Year Experience programs. This role ensures day-to-day operations align with institutional goals of enhancing student success, retention, and completion. The position requires managing staff, overseeing program budgets, and leading innovative strategies to support first-year and first-generation students while fostering a culture of academic excellence.

Strategic Leadership and Planning:Develops, implements, and evaluates strategic initiatives for the Academic Success Center, First Generation Center, and First Year Experience programs. Aligns programs with institutional priorities to enhance student access, retention, and graduation rates.
Operational Management:Oversees daily operations, ensuring efficiency and quality of services provided. Manages and supervises program staff, includes hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluating personnel. Establishes policies and procedures for program operations to ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal guidelines.
Program Development and Oversight:Directs programmatic efforts to support academic success, including tutoring, mentoring, workshops, and orientation programs. Leads initiatives tailored to first-generation students and first-year student transitions, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Evaluates program effectiveness through data collection and analysis, making recommendations for improvement.
Fiscal and Resource Management:Oversees budgets for all three centers, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources. Prepares budget reports and submit them to senior leadership. Seeks external funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to enhance program offerings.
Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach:Serves as the primary liaison with campus departments, faculty, and external partners to promote awareness and integration of center services. Develops outreach strategies to connect with students, families, and community stakeholders. Represents the centers on institutional committees and initiatives.
Assessment and Reporting:Regularly assesses the impact of programs on student success outcomes. Provides comprehensive reports to the Assistant Vice President, including data-driven insights and recommendations.
Other Duties:Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to advance student success and institutional priorities.

Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to inspire and manage diverse teams. Must exhibit professionalism, executive-level decision-making, and a high degree of accountability.

Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize objectives, manage multiple tasks, and implement strategic plans effectively.

Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to engage with administration, faculty, students, and external stakeholders.

Data-Driven Approach: Ability to analyze complex data sets to inform program decisions and measure success.

Student-Centered Focus: A deep understanding of the challenges faced by first-generation and first-year students.

Fiscal Oversight: Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and identifying funding opportunities.
Up to 20% of this position, over the fiscal year during off-peak periods, may be performed remotely as determined by the supervisor.

Full Time

https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/41926

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender identity or expression. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code § 51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report