Executive Director, Student Success & Academic Pathways

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Houston is seeking a senior executive to oversee the Deans Office - Arts, directing academic advising and student-success operations across undergraduate and graduate programs, minors, and certificates. The role drives enrollment optimization, supports college-wide pathways, and collaborates to strengthen student outcomes.

Responsibilities include leading staff, budgeting, policy development, and ongoing improvements to advising practices and course offerings, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Requires a formal 4 year degree from a college or university or equivalent training.
• Preferred: Master degree in education, higher education administration, or academic advising.
• Minimum seven (7) years of direct job-related experience.
• Experience in student success and academic advising preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides executive leadership and oversight for the college’s academic advising and student-success operations for undergraduate and graduate programs, minors, certificates, and other pathways.
• Advises students on requirements, degree planning, policies, progress, and completion, including complex cases.
• Directs professional advising staff; sets service standards, evaluates performance, and aids hiring decisions.
• Develops college-wide strategies to improve retention, progression, and degree completion.
• Monitors enrollment, course demand, progress, retention, and completion data to identify trends and barriers.
• Reviews schedules to optimize access, sequencing, capacity, and enrollment.
• Advises college leadership and staff on enrollment optimization and advising practices.
• Leads policy/program development for advising and student success; represents the college on committees.
• Engages in professional development with professional organizations to apply best practices.
• Performs other job-related duties.

Skills

Executive leadership

Staff management

Budget oversight

Strategic planning

Enrollment analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Master's degree (preferred) in education or higher education administration

Job description

University of Houston is seeking a senior executive to oversee the Deans Office - Arts, directing academic advising and student-success operations across undergraduate and graduate programs, minors, and certificates. The role drives enrollment optimization, supports college-wide pathways, and collaborates to strengthen student outcomes.

Responsibilities include leading staff, budgeting, policy development, and ongoing improvements to advising practices and course offerings, with a focus on