Director of Student Success and Retention

McNeese State University; Lake Charles (LA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA seeks a Director of Student Success and Retention to lead initiatives that promote persistence and engagement. The role oversees programs such as CARE Mentorship and Cowboy Family Connection, analyzes data to identify at-risk students, and partners with faculty and staff to create targeted supports.

This 12-month, full-time position reports to the Dean of Student Success and requires a Bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in student

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum three years of related professional experience.
• Experience formulating assessment and generating data/action reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Banner SIS or similar, and campus portal platforms.
• Energetic, student-centered approach to program development.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing support across departments under the Student Success umbrella.
• Lead the Maxient Early-Alert initiatives to improve retention.
• Manage identified student cases and navigation within McNeese systems.
• Oversee CARE Mentorship Program and Cowboy Family Connection.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to refer high-risk students.
• Provide academic and student support to increase retention and persistence.
• Market programs and monitor student participation and usage.
• Support evaluation and reporting for student support programs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.

Skills

Communication skills

Data analysis

Student-centered approach

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Banner SIS

Campus portal

Job description

McNeese State University invites qualified applicants to apply for the position of Director of Student Success and Retention. This is a full-time, 12-month, unclassified position. The appointment is available December 1, 2026.

Position Numbers: U99963

DEPARTMENT: Office of Student Success and Retention

SALARY:$56,000-$60,000 per year

REQUIRED/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

DEADLINE:Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled.

• Letter of Application
• Resume
• Three References (names and contact information)
• Unofficial Transcripts

ALL JOB OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) IF APPLICABLE.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS POSITION MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CHAIR:

Dr. Rene Malveaux at [e-mail]

Office of Human Resources:

Kim Dronett, HR Analyst / Recruitment Liaison at [e-mail]

The Director of Student Success and Retention reports to the Dean of Student Success. The Director identifies at-risk students through data analysis, discussions with faculty and personnel at the Center for Learning and Student Success and develops individualized plans to help students succeed. The Director will create and implement programs and workshops aimed at promoting student retention, engagement, and success, and work closely with faculty, staff, and other departments to ensure a coordinated effort in supporting students.

The Director will:

• Assist in providing support to all departments that report through the Student Success and Retention umbrella of the division of student affairs
• Serve as the Maxient Early-Alert lead by implementing strategies for utilizing system resources to improve student retention
• Manage identified student cases and assist them in navigating the system and processes found at McNeese State University
• Oversee the CARE Mentorship Program
• Oversee Cowboy Family Connection (Parent Orientation)
• Assist faculty and staff with identifying and referring high risk students to the Center for Learning and Student Success (CL&SS)
• Provide academic and student support services to increase retention and persistence
• Collaborate with other departments on campus to ensure continuity of support and targeted assistance for students
• Market the Center’s programs and services and monitor student participation and usage
• Assist member units in the Center with outreach efforts and providing services to students
• Assist with the evaluation and reporting for the academic support programs offered by the Center
• Assist with assessing the overall impact of the Center on persistence and retention for continuous change and improvement
• Provide individualized academic support guidance, classroom visits, and group workshops on topics such as student engagement, networking, study skills, time management, test-taking, college adjustment, etc.
• Assist in promotion of the Center's programs and services to the faculty, staff, students, and community
• Assist the Dean of Student Success in developing and maintaining close working relationships with administrative units, academic departments, schools, and colleges within the University
• Assist the Dean of Student Success in developing and maintaining close working relationships with external community agencies and other student support referral sites
• Assist the Dean of Student Success with Title III Committee Meetings and data tracking
• Assist with one or more system-wide programs
• Participate in professional development activities to remain abreast of best practices and evidence-based strategies relating to student support and retention
• Participate in University activities, including committee work, student activities, and other college events
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution
• At least three years of related professional experience
• Experience formulating assessment and generating data/action reports based on findings
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of using computer software needed to complete job duties such as the Microsoft Office 365, Banner (or other) student information system and a campus portal platform
• Evidence of an energetic, student-centered approach to completion of work duties and program development

Preferred:

• Master's degree in student affairs, student services, higher education, educational leadership, or other field related to the position, current pursuit of master's degree, or a commitment to do so
• Five years or more of related experience
• Prior experience managing programs and budgets
• Experience supervising adults aged 21 or older
• Familiarity with relevant legal and governance issues at the campus, local, state, and federal levels
• Experience working in areas of student support services for college students

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university and a member of the University of Louisiana System. Under Louisiana law, applications and all supporting materials will become public record. All applicants are expected to submit complete and accurate materials as specified in the position announcement. A background check and an English Proficiency assessment (Faculty Only) will be conducted on selected finalists. We comply with Louisiana Revised Statute 49:1001, et seq, and State of Louisiana Executive Order 98-38, which provides for drug testing of employees, appointees, prospective employees, and prospective appointees. Prospective employees and employees are informed if a drug test is required.

McNeese State University is an AA/EEO/ADA employer committed to excellence through diversity and a SAME agency (State as a Model Employer for People with Disabilities) for the State of Louisiana.

Persons needing reasonable accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator, Dr. Desmond Wallace, Office of Campus Compliance and Civility: Voice: [phone]; TDD/TTY, Hearing Impaired: [phone]; or [e-mail].

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires McNeese State University to inform applicants that the University can employ only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Each new employee is required to present documentation verifying his/her identity and right to accept employment. McNeese participates in E-Verify.

Louisiana Revised Statute 42:31-“Eligibility requirements for certain unclassified employees”-requires any person hired or employed in an unclassified position, whose annual salary or rate of compensation is equal to or exceeds one hundred thousand dollars, provide proof to his public employer that he has been issued a Louisiana driver’s license and that all vehicles registered in his name are registered in Louisiana within thirty days of being hired or employed at such salary.

Transcripts from Foreign Universities: Prospective faculty submitting transcripts from foreign universities or schools must have the coursework evaluated for equivalency to United States-accredited coursework by a university-approved agency. The prospective faculty member is responsible for the cost of the evaluation. McNeese typically accepts evaluations by World Education Services (www.wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.www.ece.org.