University of New OrleansNew Orleans, LA
Thank you for your interest in The University of New Orleans. Once you start the application process, you will not be able to save your work, so you should collect all required information before you begin. The required information is listed below in the job posting. You must complete all required portions of the application and attach the required documents in order to be considered for employment. Department Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness Job Summary Job Description The Director of University College is a senior leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, operational management, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive suite of academic support services aimed at enhancing student success across the university. The Director will foster an atmosphere of trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to support the success and achievement of students. University College will provide a supportive academic home for all undergraduate students. Reporting to the Provost, the Director will lead the integration of academic advising, career development, student employment, and student success initiatives, positioning University College as a central hub that connects students with resources, academic opportunities, and career pathways from their first day on campus through to graduation. The Director of University College is a visionary leader committed to creating a student-centered, inclusive environment that fosters student success, persistence, and achievement across students from a wide variety of backgrounds. In a student-oriented environment, the Director will oversee and assess the performance of administrators and supervisors managing the administration and delivery of student support services. To enhance student success, University College will serve as a gateway into the university, an academic home for pre-majors, and a hub for academic support. Academic Advisors are centralized in University College, organized into clusters or "meta-majors" that share foundational gateway courses, and will be supported by trained peer advisors. Career Services professionals will support each advising cluster to ensure that career planning and development is woven through the entire undergraduate student experience, connecting all majors with opportunities to acquire transferable career- relevant skills through minors, certificates, and alternative credentials. Specific areas aligned under University College are as follows: First Year Experience (Orientation, First Year Seminars, Learning Communities) Academic Advising and Career Development/Planning Student Employment (including on-campus and community-based work) TRIO Programs UNIV (University Success) course management Peer Mentoring and Supplemental Instruction - future priority Tutoring and Coaching Services Student Success Council University College Faculty (engaged in First Year Experience, experiential learning, and oversight for first year seminar curricula) - future priority The Director will be responsible for a range of key duties and essential objectives, which include: Leadership and Strategic Vision: The Director will provide overall leadership for University College, establishing a clear and compelling vision for its role in advancing the academic and career success of undergraduate students. The Director will ensure that the College aligns with the university's broader mission, goals, and strategic initiatives, while adapting to the evolving needs of students. This includes championing a collaborative, student-centered approach to education and student support services that maximize access, engagement, and success. Program Oversight and Integration: University College encompasses a diverse set of programs designed to support students from various backgrounds and academic disciplines. The Director will oversee the coordination of the following key areas: First Year Experience: Managing orientation programs, first-year seminars, and in the future, learning communities to ensure students are well-supported in their transition to university life, fostering a strong academic foundation. Academic Advising and Career Development: Directing an advising model that organizes students into meta-majors or clusters based on common foundational coursework, ensuring advisors collaborate with faculty to provide personalized academic and career guidance. The Director will play a key role in implementing and managing the meta-major framework within University College, working closely with faculty and academic advisors to ensure students are successfully placed in clusters that align their academic interests and career aspirations. These gateway courses will provide a strong academic foundation while promoting interdisciplinary learning that supports both general education and career exploration. Additionally, the Director will support ongoing collaboration between academic advisors and career services professionals to help students within each meta-major navigate career options and connect their academic pursuits with real-world opportunities Student Employment: Developing and expanding on-campus and community-based student employment programs that support academic success and career development. TRIO Programs: Overseeing TRIO programs designed to support first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students, ensuring equitable access to academic, social, and career support. Peer Mentoring and Supplemental Instruction: Ensuring that peer mentoring programs and supplemental instruction initiatives are well-integrated into academic courses to enhance learning outcomes and promote academic persistence. Tutoring and Coaching Services: Supervising tutoring and academic coaching services to help students navigate academic challenges and develop essential learning strategies. Career Development and Integration: A key priority for the Director will be ensuring that career planning and development are woven throughout the undergraduate experience. This includes partnering with faculty and academic advisors to integrate career services into University College and ensuring students have access to career development opportunities that align with their academic paths. The Director will work with career services professionals to offer tailored guidance, internships, mentorship programs, and skills development opportunities that help students build transferable, career-relevant skills and prepare for post-graduation success. Collaboration with Academic Affairs, Student Success, and Enrollment Management: The Director will work closely with faculty, staff, and administrators from both Academic Affairs, Student Success, and Enrollment Management to build a cohesive and holistic student experience. This includes establishing cross-functional teams to provide comprehensive academic and student support, engaging in continuous dialogue about best practices, and ensuring seamless coordination across university departments. University College Faculty: The Director will (in the future) collaborate with University College faculty who are involved in the First Year Experience, including those overseeing experiential learning opportunities and the development and implementation of the first-year seminar curricula. This includes working closely with faculty to ensure that these programs are effectively integrated into the overall student experience, providing students with a solid academic foundation and fostering engagement through hands-on learning and interactive seminar courses. The Director will support faculty in aligning course content with university goals, ensuring that first-year students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for academic success and personal development. Student Belonging: The Director will actively foster an inclusive environment that supports the success of all students, including underrepresented and first-generation populations. They will ensure that University College's programs and services are equitable and accessible to all students, developing initiatives that promote student success both within and outside the classroom Staff Development and Mentorship: The Director will supervise, mentor, and provide professional development opportunities for a team of dedicated staff members, including academic advisors, career development professionals, peer mentors, and other student support staff. The Director will create a positive and supportive work environment that encourages collaboration, professional growth, and a shared commitment to student success. The Director will also be a champion for using technology, particularly EAB Navigate, across all student-serving offices, to strengthen student success and improve retention. Assessment and Continuous Improvement: The Director will lead the implementation of ongoing program assessment and improvement processes. Using data from surveys, focus groups, academic performance metrics, and retention studies, the Director will regularly evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services, ensuring continuous enhancement of University College's offerings. This includes setting clear goals for each program, aligning those goals with institutional priorities, and reporting on outcomes to university leadership. Engagement with the Gardner Institute- The Director will co-lead and work collaboratively with Gardner Institute staff in UNO's efforts to improve equitable outcomes associated with teaching and learning, as well as undergraduate retention and completion especially during the first two years of college. This work will help understand, refine and enhance the systems, structures and programs that support undergraduate students at UNO. QEP Support- The Director will provide critical support and guidance for UNO's Quality Enhancement Project (QEP) with SACSCOC, Arrive and Thrive, focused on the success and retention of Pathways students. Required Qualifications: Education: Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field. Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, with at least 3 years in a senior role overseeing student services, academic advising, or student success programs. Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and driving institutional initiatives related to student success, retention, and career readiness. Experience in designing and implementing programs that support first-generation, underrepresented, and diverse student populations. Skills and Abilities: Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong understanding of academic advising, career development, student retention strategies, and best practices in student success programming. Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to build a supportive student experience. Strong data analysis and decision-making skills, with experience using data to assess program effectiveness and student outcomes. Expertise in initiatives that promote access and success for underrepresented students. Knowledge of contemporary trends in higher education, including the integration of career development and experiential learning into the academic experience. Desired Qualifications: Education: PhD/EdD in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field. Required Attachments Please upload the following documents in the Resume/Cover Letter section. Detailed resume listing relevant qualifications and experience; Cover Letter indicating why you are a good fit for the position and University of Louisiana Systems; Names and contact information of three references; Applications that do not include the required uploaded documents may not be considered. Posting Close Date This position will remain open until filled. Note to Applicant: Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications in their cover letter. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials. References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process. This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire. As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions at the University of New Orleans may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks. The University of New Orleans is an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected Veteran status, age if 40 or older, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Posted 2 weeks ago