Assistant Director, Student Success, TRIO

XU01 Xavier University; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive insurance

Tuition remission

Flexible schedule

Paid time off

Job summary

Xavier University is seeking an Assistant Director, TRiO, Student Success to promote a positive learning experience and increase retention. You will provide comprehensive coaching in academic, personal, and career areas and maintain confidential case notes, guiding students toward their goals.

You will also collaborate with campus partners, facilitate tutoring and workshops, and monitor progress to support persistence and degree completion. Evening/weekend hours may be required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Social Work, or related field.
• 1–3 years of related experience.
• Strong understanding of FERPA and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive counseling and success coaching to a caseload of students, recording notes and progress.
• Develop and deliver academic, personal, and career development sessions.
• Coordinate tutoring, workshops, and campus resources; monitor student progress and outcomes.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to support persistence and retention initiatives.

Skills

Counseling

Student advising

Academic coaching

Goal setting

Progress tracking

Documentation

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Banner

Degree Works

Navigate

FOCUS2

Job description

Current Xavier University employees must apply to the internal career site by logging into Workday Assistant Director, Student Success, TRIO Xavier University’s Office of Student Success is looking for an Assistant Director. The Assistant Director, TRiO, Student Success is responsible for promoting a positive and successful learning experience for students in an effort to increase student retention, success and completion. The primary responsibilities of this position are to provide comprehensive coaching/advising services in the areas of academic, personal, and career interests and keep confidential case notes; monitor students’ progress toward general education components. Assist participants in establishing realistic short-term and long-term goals concerning academic achievement, personal growth, career development and cultural awareness; teach seminar series based upon participants’ needs and program goals; maintain relationships with academic oriented offices; facilitate peer and professional tutoring programs; accompany and supervise participants on cultural activities and trips; and any other tasks that are assigned.

Job Responsibilities

1. Provide comprehensive academic, professional and personal counseling and success coaching to students: Serve as primary academic advisor/success coach to a caseload of students and ensure a minimum number of meetings per semester as designated by the TRiO, SSS Grant and Persistence Plan. Assist teammates with their caseload and duties as necessary. Understand curriculum, policies, procedures, and campus and community resources and accurately share information as needed with students. Motivate students to make informed decisions that positively influence academic, personal, and professional development around topics such as time management, organization, career planning, test taking, study strategies, motivation, procrastination, goal setting and more. Be able to deliver in one-on-one sessions and in groups; face-to-face and in various electronic forms (i.e., Email and TEAMS). Monitors student assessment scores and program requirements and maintain advising logs (files & EAB) to track contact hours, issues, and outcomes of advising sessions and student portfolios (Binders) with appropriate documentation. Forge and maintain proactive working relationships with various campus stakeholders including faculty and staff. Assist students and faculty to problem solve issues that arise related to progress toward academic goals, persistence and attendance. Master a firm knowledge of other campus support offices and centers and make appropriate referrals. Serve as student’s primary source for which to navigate university life. Encourage students to form a connection to the campus that is consistent with their interests, goals, and development. Be sensitive to the confidentiality of students. Be knowledgeable, follow FERPA laws, and secure written permission from the student to speak with third parties as appropriate. Orient students to their rights and responsibilities and to the academic advising process. Be able to effectively execute technology including Banner, Degree Works, Student Success-Navigate, and FOCUS2 in everyday work with students. Coordinate and implement academic, writing, and library workshops and activities designed to foster students’ growth. Coordinate professional, personal and cultural workshops and activities. Coordinate and implement professional tutoring program, including writing seminar. Coordinate and implement group for students who are on academic probation. Assist in training professional and faculty academic advisors as it relates to TRiO, SSS and how best to meet the needs of the students. Participate in various TRiO/Division orientation activities for students. Create and implement programs and seminars on various topics that promote student success. Serve as an advocate for students. Assess program effectiveness through workshops, semester and end of the year evaluations, combined with academic performance and standing.
2. Support strategic, university-wide persistence efforts: Provide targeted outreach and support for students at‑risk for leaving the university. Collaborate with other academic support/advising offices, deans, and faculty. Understand and be able to implement retention/persistence strategies for the TRiO, SSS program and for caseload of assigned advisees. Be able to effectively manipulate data in various forms (i.e. software and Excel) to track and report outreach efforts. Identify institutional barriers to student success and make recommendations for changes as appropriate.
3. Support the mission, programmatic and administrative duties for the TRiO, Student Support Services Department and Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success: Serve as a liaison to specified academic and administrative offices and meet regularly. Share information with other members of the TRiO Department and EMSS Division. Track activity and create various reports utilizing Excel and other technologies. Stay abreast of research and industry knowledge and incorporate new methods and interventions in day-to-day work. Assist in the operational efforts of the office, which may include directing /supervising student employees, ensuring office openings and closure, answering phones and emails, website maintenance, policy and procedure development, marketing (publications, social media, etc.) and more. Must be able to work evening and weekend hours as needed. Stay current on trends and participate in professional development and benchmarking activities. Participate in various TRiO department, division and university‑wide events.

Job Requirements

• Master’s degree required in Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Social Work, or related field
• 1-3 years of related experience

Xavier University is part of the 500-year-old Jesuit Catholic tradition of academic excellence in the liberal arts. Guided by our mission and values, we welcome and support members from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We unreservedly commit to open and free inquiry, deliberately seek out multiple perspectives, and create a campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Our campus is located in the vibrant and thriving city of Cincinnati, which has an array of neighborhoods and activities to suit many interests.

Benefits - applies only to full-time positions

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage.
• Tax-advantaged accounts including health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.
• Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options (including vacation, sick leave and holidays).
• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.

Thank you for your interest in joining our university community. At Xavier University, we are more than an academic institution — we are a mission-driven community grounded in the Ignatian tradition. Our values of reflection, service, and the pursuit of justice inspire everything we do, from our teaching and research to the way we treat one another. We believe in the power of collaboration, and we cultivate an environment where every voice is valued and diverse perspectives enrich our shared work. Our faculty, staff, and students form a vibrant, inclusive community united by a commitment to excellence, compassion, and a greater good. Whether you’re applying for your first role in higher education or bringing years of experience, we invite you to explore how your journey might align with ours. Come be a part of something meaningful.