Requisition:ES
Title:Director of Access & Retention Programs
FLSA status:Exempt
Hiring Salary:Commensurate with education and experience
Department:Office of Student Experience & Retention
Division:Division of Student Affairs
Open Date:06/04/2025
Open Until Filled:Yes
Educational and Experience Requirement:Bachelor's degree in related field. Master's degree preferred. Five years of experience in an educational environment dealing with program/training development, marketing, promotions, special events, or experience in a related field. Previous experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating campus-wide programming preferred. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.
Nature & Purpose of Position:Performs complex and highly advanced managerial work, providing direction and innovative leadership to enhance the university's commitment to eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps as core values, and focuses on undergraduate (ELITE), transfer (Evolve), and graduate (ASPIRE) student retention.
Primary Responsibilities:Directs and oversees the development and implementation of strategic retention programs for all undergraduate and graduate students designed to increase persistence, academic achievement, and timely graduation. Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Department of Access & Retention Programs. Develops strategies and processes to optimize operations for the department, including staff. Responsible for the department's assessment, objectives, operating procedures, marketing, policies, and budget. Collaborates with graduate program coordinators, faculty, and administrative units to identify and implement support strategies tailored to the unique needs of students enrolled in master's level programs. Responsible for the oversight of all institutional transfer initiatives, including National Transfer Student Week, Transfer Student Mixer, and the Transfer Champions Committee. Collaborates with external constituents, including community college representatives, advisors, and academic leaders, to support a seamless transition for first-time freshmen and transfer students. Leads the implementation of data-informed best practices that prioritize undergraduate and graduate student success and student access, embody a culture of excellence, and expand and elevate our service to the state and beyond, in alignment with the University Strategic Plan. Assesses programs, services, and student engagement to identify areas of strength and necessary improvements. Tracks and analyzes retention and attrition data of program participants to identify trends and solutions. Represents the department on various campus committees and leads a variety of current and future office initiatives. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Other Specifications:Provides leadership and oversight to the department. Must exhibit a high level of professionalism and maturity, executive ability, and a keen understanding of protocol. Ability to organize work effectively and prioritizes objectives. Ability to exercise discretion, excellent reasoning, and independent judgment. Assists in the development of policies and operational procedures for the overall department. Skilled in directing multiple tasks, setting priorities, and organizing operations. Asset and fiscal resources management skills preferred. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with administration, faculty, staff, and the public. Strong communication skills, both orally and written. Requires the critical judgment for the department, in which very serious consequences on decision-making can occur. Interprets and applies complex directives, policies, regulations, statues, and procedures, and/or written guidelines for a department or major work group.
This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).
Up to 20% of this position, over the fiscal year during off-peak periods, may be performed remotely as determined by the supervisor.
Full Time Part Time:Full Time
Quicklink:EEO Statement:Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code 51.215.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report