Reporting to the Associate Vice-President Enrolment, the Director of Student Success and Retention is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive strategy to enhance student success, retention, and graduation rates. This role involves collaboration with faculty, staff, and administrators to create a supportive and engaging learning environment. The Director will lead efforts to identify barriers to student success and implement programs and initiatives that promote academic achievement, personal development, and persistence to graduation.
The Director is responsible for researching, implementing, and leading strategies, programs, and services aligned with STU strategic plan that support students' transition to studying at St. Thomas University and their continued success in their studies to complete their STU program.
The Director facilitates a client-centred, professionalized, and holistic approach to student retention while working to minimize barriers to student engagement and success. This role involves staying informed on industry best practices in areas such as advising, student financial aid and awards, orientation, student engagement, and retention. The individual will actively assess the needs of St. Thomas University students to continuously improve the quality of programs and services that increase retention rates of students.
The Director works independently and collaboratively to co-ordinate support services, programmes, and events for current students to maximize their student life experience. Facilitating communication among the various student service-related areas. The development of targets and strategies for improving the retention of the current students, as well as student engagement, is a key focus.
Term: Permanent
Hours of work: Full-Time (35 hours per week); Mon.-Fri.; 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Classification/Level: D3, Exempt
Closing date: November 7, 2024, or when the position is filled
- Development and implementation of a comprehensive retention plan that is aligned with the University's recruitment and overall enrolment management plans.
- In partnership with the Office of Institutional Research, collect, analyze, and report on data related to student retention, persistence, and graduation rates to inform decision-making and track the effectiveness of initiatives.
- Contributes to the effective management and operation of the University by working with the Director of Institutional Research to develop enrolment projections.
- Increased retention-based programming driven by STU specific-data and industry trends, including:
- Orientation to university programming, including events, before and after year one, when students are most likely to be lost to attrition.
- Proactive outreach to students throughout the student academic life cycle, and particularly at times when they are most likely to be lost to attrition.
- Identification of students academically at-risk through collaboration with Recruitment, Admissions, Institutional Research, the Registrar's Office, Financial Services, Residence Life, and other related offices to collect information and offer targeted retention programming.
- Collaboration with Deans and faculty to identify and support at-risk students, including those not coming to class, completing assignments, engaging with peers or faculty, or performing poorly.
- Financial counselling and support for students in-need in conjunction with Financial Services and other offices.
- Parent outreach program from point of enrolment through student academic life cycle.
- Student peer support programs throughout student life cycle.
- Student mentorship programs and initiatives.
- Coordination with Communications Office for on-campus promotion of the value of the arts, STU degrees, outcomes, etc. through on-campus marketing initiatives and events.
- On-campus events to promote services, academic programs, and community opportunities throughout the student life cycle.
- Implements and serves as the lead for the Customer Relations Management (CRM) used for student retention Develops knowledge to be an expert user of the CRM system and leads the development of the use of the system to maximize efficiencies and workflow and ensures staff in various offices can utilise the system to its full potential to meet retention goals.
- Facilitates incoming student events (in-person and virtual) from the point students complete course registration. Provides ongoing, streamlined communication for registered students regarding next steps (ID cards, parking passes, Welcome Week, international student pre-departure, First Year Transition program, peer support programs).
- Provides training and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff on best practices in student support and retention.
- Conducts research and analysis of retention-driven trends, changes to other university practices, and secondary school system changes to determine how to best support STU students and the staff and faculty working with them, while ensuring we meet enrolment goals.
- Contributes to the University's planning activities by participating in various university committees and providing information, analysis, and recommendations.
- Coordinates with Alumni Affairs for student send-off events in key markets.
- Responsible for implementation of a summer outreach program focused on the retention of upper-year students.
- Responsible for the preparation and administration of the annual unit budget.
- The Director champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in all student success initiatives, ensuring that programs and services are accessible and responsive to the needs of students from all backgrounds, including underrepresented and marginalized groups.
- Contributes to the protection and enhancement of St. Thomas' reputation and image by developing and/or maintaining contacts within organizations interested in collaborating with the University and representing the University when required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
STAFF MANAGEMENT
- As part of a comprehensive student-focused portfolio, provides leadership management, mentorship, on-boarding, and monitoring, of retention staff, including Student Accessibility Services, 2SLGBTQIA+ Wellness Coordinator, Cultural Diversity Coordinator, Student Success Coach, Student Transition Coordinator, International Student Coordinator, and Campus Minister.
- Provides ongoing training and supervision to student workers on tasks and duties relating to student success and retention programming.
- Master's degree in a relevant area.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in student success, recruitment, retention, or a related area within the education sector.
- Experience in the management of student services in a University setting.
- A proven track record of staff management.
- Experience leading multiple people with diverse portfolios.
- Exceptional administrative skills, including time management, organizational skills, and priority setting.
- Proven skills in communication, problem-solving, and judgment to deal with a diverse set of demands.
- Competence in advising and conflict resolution.
- Strong aptitude with computer applications, experience managing student databases and Customer Relations Management systems.
- Strong project management, design improvement, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working with university committees, interpreting, and carrying out various university policies, and planning and executing events and communication tracks.
- Knowledge of the University's programs, regulations, services, and brand.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Dealing with a diverse set of demands, often in conflict with one another, can cause stress.
- Regular need to give immediate and detailed attention to matters and issues in the student life area.
- Dealing with students' personal crises and conflict can cause stress.
- Irregular hours are often part of the response to student issues and can be disruptive to personal life.
All applications are to be received by 4:30 p.m. on the closing date. Candidates are responsible for clearly demonstrating in their cover letters how they meet the requirements of the position. Please forward your cover letter and resume, by clicking the Apply Now button.
An equal opportunity employer, St. Thomas University is committed to employment equity for women, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minority groups, and persons with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
St. Thomas University is situated on the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik, Wəlastəkewiyik / Maliseet whose ancestors along with the Mi'Kmaq / Mi'kmaw and Passamaquoddy / Peskotomuhkati Tribes / Nations signed Peace and Friendship Treaties with the British Crown in the 1700s.
© 2024 St. Thomas University. Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
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