Director of Retention job in Pittsburgh

Director of Retention

The Director or Senior Director (depending on experience) of Retention and Advising is a position that is partially funded by a Title III grant to support the newly formed Office of Retention. The Director coordinates the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive advising and retention initiatives designed to positively impact student success and measured by factors including first to second-year retention rates and graduation rates.

The Director will work with campus partners on data analysis and employ predictive analytics to guide outreach to at-risk student populations; implement current student success trends and practices and recommend strategies and initiatives that support Carlow’s efforts to increase success, retention, and timely degree completion; develop and distribute student success reports to related leaders and administration; implement student success and retention programs, initiatives, and targeted communications to improve retention outcomes; identify areas of advising concern and administrative barriers that impact success and persistence and propose solutions to these concerns and barriers.

The Director or Senior Director supervises the Retention Specialist responsible for providing retention support systems.

Essential Responsibilities
Assess and improve the onboarding process of new students and advising services for current students, improving both efficiency and effectiveness.
Ensure the delivery of accurate, relevant, and timely information to students concerning the culture of higher education, placement test results, academic standards and expectations, and program options and requirements.
Coordinate retention programs and services with Academic Affairs and other college departments, including data collection, analysis, and reporting outcomes.
In cooperation with the Vice President of Student Affairs and the Office of Academic Affairs, identify priorities, strategic goals, and action plans to enhance student progress to degree completion.
Develop, coordinate, and adapt the Summer Bridge program over the course of the grant period.
Support the faculty advising model through development and coordination of resources, faculty advising workshops, and data sharing, with a focus on the advisement of first and second-year students.
Update and implement procedures and practices to promote students’ success.
Maintain and update advisor and advisee information found on the website and online catalog.
Serve as an assigned advisor to a designated student group and regularly provide academic advising services to students through walk-ins and appointments.
Collaborate with campus partners to develop reports needed to manage the advising process and to report on advising outcomes.
Participate in meetings and serve on committees as required and function as an advocate for advising and retention within the campus community.
Work cooperatively with the marketing and academic staff to develop program brochures and other informational materials.
Supervision of Retention Specialist.
Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Experience
Commitment to student success and the mission of Carlow University is required. Candidates for the position are required to hold a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field; 3 or more years of relevant experience in the area of student success; demonstrated innovative and strategic leadership experience; fiscal responsibility and project management skills. The position and salary are based on educational preparation and experience. A master’s degree in counseling, education, Student Affairs, or a related field is required. A PhD in a related field is preferred. At least three (3) years of experience working with students in an educational setting is required.
Management and administrative experience required.
Preference will be given to applicants with experience working with academically underprepared students in a college setting.
Excellent communication skills and work effectively in a highly visible area, assisting students, faculty, and colleagues.

Carlow University is Devoted to....
A culture of integrity, dignity and respect for all
A strong commitment to social justice
Ethical forward-thinking leadership
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life & disability benefits package
Tuition benefits for undergraduate and graduate programs
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
Wellness and Employee Assistance Program
Complimentary use of Carlow’s fitness center and amenities
Successful candidates must be committed to envisioning the future of liberal arts and professional education in a rapidly changing environment; have experience working with diverse populations; actively support Carlow’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and community; and be able to articulate how they will contribute to Carlow University’s Catholic, Mercy mission and values through their teaching, scholarship, and service.

Carlow University is a comprehensive Catholic University situated in a culturally rich and diverse urban setting of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1929 by the Sisters of Mercy, an international community of Roman Catholic women with a mission to serve the poor, the sick, and the uneducated. Carlow is an institution grounded in the liberal arts while also offering strong professional programs, committed to engaging its diverse community in a process of life-long learning, scholarship, research, and service. Degrees are offered at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. Carlow University aims to provide transformational educational opportunities rooted in social justice for a diverse community of learners, and to empower them to excel in their chosen work as compassionate, responsible leaders in the creation of a just and merciful world.

Carlow University employees commit themselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct. They commit to act with integrity, treat others with respect and dignity, carefully steward the University's resources, avoid conflicts of interest or commitment, maintain confidentiality, and to comply with legal and professional obligations.