Senior Director, Academic Support Programs & Services

Florida Gulf Coast University; Orlando, Fort Myers (FL, FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Director for Academic Support Programs & Services. This pivotal role involves providing operational leadership for various student support initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional goals. The ideal candidate will guide strategic planning, manage day-to-day operations, and evaluate program effectiveness to foster student success. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with diverse campus stakeholders and advocate for innovative practices that enhance student support services. If you are passionate about driving continuous improvement in academic environments, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 14 years of experience in academic support or a Master's degree with 8 years of experience.
• Professional experience in academic advising or support services.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for student support programs.
• Develop measurable objectives for service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Communication Skills

Budget Management

Problem Solving

Education

Master's Degree in Higher Education

Doctoral Degree in Higher Education Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Banner

Workday

Peoplesoft Campus Solutions

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Academic Support Programs & Services (ASPS) is responsible for providing operational leadership across a wide range of student support initiatives and services. This includes overseeing academic support, student accessibility services, specialized programs, and assessment services. The role involves guiding long-term strategic planning, managing day-to-day operations, and evaluating the effectiveness of programs and services designed to foster student success. Additionally, the Senior Director collaborates with various campus departments and stakeholders to ensure the alignment of initiatives with institutional goals, driving continuous improvement in support services for students throughout their academic journey.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for operational leadership, advocacy, and direction of academic support programs and services that support students' academic achievement in alignment with the university strategic plan and the associated key performance indicators
• Translates strategic and tactical business plans into department-specific operational plans to accomplish student success for all students
• Advises senior administrators in implementing programs, new initiatives, and special projects.
• Provides guidance and instills best operating practices as they relate to assigned areas. Establishes internal standards and control procedures which maintain or improve compliance.
• Represents the division on cross-functional teams. Responsible for external relations with appropriate groups and stakeholders.
• Aligns department goals with overall division strategies.
• Develops measurable objectives for the delivery of services and to identify proper resource allocation to achieve objectives and outcomes.
• Develops, administers and analyzes continuous assessment of operations. Prepares and evaluates statistical, analytical, and narrative reports to be used for decision making and program improvement.
• Keeps abreast of current trends to assist at-risk students in overcoming barriers to college admission, retention, success, and graduation and incorporates best practices into the university programs and services.
• Advocates for process and technological advancements that will contribute to more effective and efficient opportunities to support student success across ASPS offices.
• Creates a culture of compliance across all ASPS offices and demonstrates knowledge or understanding of Federal, State, and University guidelines and regulations.
• Completes required University reporting and supports ASPS units in university, state, and federal reporting requirements.

Other Duties:

• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either fourteen years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Master's degree from an accredited institution in higher education, college student development, student affairs, counselor education, or related field and eight years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Professional full-time experience working in one or more of the following functional areas in a university setting: academic support services, academic advising, academic success, and/or services for low-income/first-generation students.
• Professional full-time experience as the Director of academic support programs and services such as academic learning centers, adaptive services, academic achievement, TRIO and outreach, testing and assessment, or related area.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral Degree from an accredited institution in higher education administration or related field.
• Ten years professional full-time progressive experience in at least two of the following functional areas: academic support services, disability services, federally funded TRIO programs, and/or testing and assessment services.
• Experience with the process of grant writing and oversight of grant funds, particularly in the area of educational grants.
• Leadership experience over multiple departments.
• Demonstrated experience with Banner, Workday, Peoplesoft Campus Solutions, or similar large student information systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of engaged learning theories, academic and personal skill development, and supplemental support and instruction methodologies.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and best practices in the field of academic support and academic success.
• Knowledge of college level strategies to enhance persistence, retention, and timely graduation of students.
• Knowledge of federal and state grant proposal writing and performance reporting processes.
• Knowledge of budget control principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of FERPA and other policies, procedures, and regulations related to the position.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects.
• Skill in organizational management, executive decision-making and problem solving, budget development, and fiscal management.
• Ability to develop, implement, and assess programs and services designed to foster academic success.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to take initiative to plan, organize, coordinate and perform work in various situations when numerous and competing demands are involved.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of independent judgement in the establishment, interpretation, application, and enforcement of all rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing information, guidance, and motivation.
• Ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively.
• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgement at all times.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze and present information in a meaningful manner.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs.

Pay Grade 20

Applications received prior to April 21, 2025, will receive priority review.