Director of Student Success & Outreach Programs

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: 

Provides leadership, direction, coordination, and oversight of comprehensive Student Success and Outreach Programs (SSOP) that promote academic success, student development, student engagement, learning, and leadership development for a diverse student body.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: 

Provides direction in developing, reviewing, and assessing policies and procedures related to Student Success and Outreach Programs, Student Support Services (SSS), Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), University Outreach (UO) and Retention Initiatives and Summer Programs (RISP), and future Title V programs. Assists with strategic planning to develop a comprehensive plan of targeted academic support programs and services based on current educational research and best practices in student success, persistence, and retention and will be responsible for implementation of the plan. Incumbent will work closely with administrators, faculty, staff, and academic departments to improve student success, particularly among underrepresented and underserved student populations and other specific student groups. Responsible for the development and implementation of program budgets, strategic planning, and assessment for SSOP. Advises undergraduate students in the areas of course selection, academic goals, selection of major, future careers, and occupations utilizing career planning materials. Determines program content and makes the necessary decisions regarding the appropriateness of resource allocation and activities to fulfill the programs and services. Ensures all programs are in compliance with University policies and procedures, the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), Government Performance and Results Act (GERPA), as well as the General Educational Provisions Act (GEPA). Exercises professional judgment and expertise in managing day-to-day operations, services, and activities which require direct interaction with other departments on campus. Develops formal partnerships with local high schools, community colleges (specifically student support programs and services), and community based organizations. Represents SSOP on campus and in the local communities. Oversees all application and orientation processes for incoming student success program participants. Provides appropriate recommendations and assistance regarding the admissions and appeals process for all student success program applicants. Provides high-level oversight of the planning and coordinating of various Summer Bridge Programs. Researches, develops, and implements transition services for all SSOP participants. Identifies entering participants requiring specialized services. Develops and initiates screening methods, tracking systems, notification networks, support arrangements and follow-up guidelines for all student success programs. Identifies and recommends necessary changes and incorporates revisions and adjustments into the planning process. Responsible for managing complex student issues and developing policies and procedures within student persistence patterns. Ensures all projects meet deadlines and desired outcomes. Collaborates with Campus Life, University Outreach, Admissions, EOP, and Recruitment to develop and implement programs designed to recruit, retain, and graduate a diverse student body. Collaborates with various departments on special events, programming, and facilitating college success workshops and other retention activities. Assists other departments with the development and implementation of activities and events for first-year and continuing students. Coordinates student leadership development opportunities. Develops a marketing model for program services. Responsible for identifying innovative and efficient computer programs for processing and maintaining the admission and support services components. Responsible for assessing student needs and developing programs to ensure student success. Collaborates with Records and Registration to ensure that priority registration process is in place for new and continuing SSOP students. Mediates complex student issues including, but not limited to, University withdrawal, disqualification, reinstatement, and appeals. Reviews and analyzes immediate and long-range admissions and special services objectives and implements policies and procedures for the all student success programs. Develops, oversees, and manages annual budgets for all student success programs. Provides professional development and guidance to staff through meetings, active participation in program decisions, and serving as a professional resource. Responsible for creating an experience that will significantly contribute to student recruitment, retention, and the establishment of a vibrant and inclusive campus community. Responsible for initiatives that support the personal, social, cultural, and education development of students. Represents SSOP and the Division of Student Affairs (DSA) in the community and with educational constituents to enhance student and program growth. Supervises professional staff and student assistants within SSOP to ensure the implementation of comprehensive activities to systematically advise, counsel, motivate, and assist in the retention of program participants. Serves as a liaison to students, faculty, and staff at CI and in the local community regarding matters of diversity and access programs. Assists with special projects related to specialized populations including the writing of new grant proposals. Performs additional related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISOR/OTHER WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs-Retention, Outreach, & Inclusive Student Services. Trains and supervises professional and paraprofessional staff. Works closely with the Special Assistant to the VPSA, Director of Research & Sponsored Programs, and the Title V Director on matters related to Title V Project ISLAS grant. Collaborates with all personnel within the area of Retention, Outreach, & Inclusive Student Services as well as the Division of Student Affairs. Works collaboratively with faculty and administrators within the University. Supervises graduate interns and volunteers as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION: 

Master’s degree in administration, education, or the social sciences required; doctoral degree preferred. At least five years of progressively responsible management experience within an educational, counseling, or student personnel setting with educational equity projects required. Knowledge and ability to work in educational equity programs counseling students whose backgrounds may include: first-generation, low-income, bilingual, bi-cultural, academic disadvantaged and /or different value systems based on socio-economic, culture, physical or language. Thorough knowledge of both group and individual counseling theories, assessment, procedures, and techniques; two years of program component coordination experience required; ability to develop effective collaborative relationships with faculty and administration; demonstrated commitment to Educational Equity principles and goals in higher education; knowledge and ability to use high level analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills with the ability to work creatively and independently; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to plan, organize, manage, direct, and train others in the formation, maintenance, and support of student and ancillary programs and services.  Knowledge of federal, state, CSU, and campus financial aid laws, regulations, and policies. Familiarity with and commitment to the CI and the Division of Student Affairs Missions preferred. Knowledge of and ability to use supervisory principles, practices, and techniques to accomplish results through delegation and motivation. Knowledge of effective work policies, practices, and procedures. Ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse, multi-cultural environment of students, staff, faculty, and academic programs across the university. Ability to design support programs to meet organizational objectives.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment.