Asst. Director, Student Retention
University of Miami

Job Info

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The Cane Success Center is a department dedicated to supporting undergraduate students in reaching their goal of a University of Miami degree. Providing individualized help and support, the 'Cane Success team leads the onboarding efforts for incoming new students, and supports current students in overcoming any personal, financial, academic, social or health-related obstacles that could interfere with completing their UM degree.

The Assistant Director, Programs, works with undergraduate students to ensure their transition, persistence and success at the University of Miami. The Assistant Direction will be responsible for positively impacting the University's retention and graduation rates by managing programs and services designed to increase student persistence to graduation, including but not limited to: management of the GPAid program, intervention and outreach efforts for students exhibiting at-risk behaviors, supporting students who have been readmitted and collaborating with students and their families to understand enrollment options when facing challenges to their success.

This position reports to the Director, Student Retention and works collaboratively with all the departments within the Division of Enrollment Management, liaisons within the schools and colleges, and campus partners, as needed. The Assistant Director develops, coordinates and assists in the planning and execution of strategies and programs aimed to help students navigate challenges they may face during their undergraduate career and will help to manage the student facing, operational aspects of the 'Cane Success Center.

In addition, the Assistant Director will manage retention efforts embedded within the First Year Directions first-year seminar course and support the centralized undergraduate withdrawal process.
The Assistant Director will also address crisis management matters relating to student financial, academic, social and health challenges and will provide students with resources, services and support to help them navigate these critical moments.

Essential Functions:
• Management of the GPAid program, including identifying eligible students, leading/partnering in workshops on time management, resiliency, mental health, and financial aid eligibility. And collaborating with schools/colleges on required advising sessions. Responsibilities also include post program evaluation, program assessment and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Management of retention efforts within First Year Directions first-year seminar course. Responsibilities include but are not limited to managing strategies related to identifying at-risk students within each section, developing support structure for FYD students, training and ongoing collaboration with FYD Facilitators to manage student challenges within the course, and assessment and tracking of retention and persistence of FYD students.
• Lead outreach efforts for students who are not course selected, are on Inactive Status, were recently readmitted, and did not successfully complete their courses for the term as part of the University's continuing student persistence efforts.
• Supervise, train, manage, evaluate, and discipline as necessary, up to three student employees.
• Represent the 'Cane Success Center at University events including but not limited to: Admission events, 'Cane Fest, Campus Partner trainings, student events, and anti-melt webinars.
• Identify and provide leadership on new programs to support student transition and success to graduation.
• Maintain a collaborative, professional environment to foster strong interdepartmental relationships to positively impact university retention efforts and increase the university graduation rate.
• Follow protocol and meet departmental service standards when communicating with students (or their families), departments, and co-workers.
• Execute all job duties in a manner compliant with University policy.
• Facilitate resolution of concerns and complaints, ensuring exceptional service is provided to students.
• Conduct outreach efforts to retain students.
• Assist in managing visits to the Cane Success Center, including walk-in appointments, phone calls to the Success office number, virtual booking appointments, website requests for assistance and referrals.
• Effectively manage a portfolio of students, ensuring confidentiality and commitment to resolution.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate strategic problem-solving skills.
• Assist in the management of all aspects of the undergraduate withdrawal process, including conducting exit interviews and capturing withdrawing student information.
• Responsible for demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge of university resources, policies and procedures and to articulate these ideas in a clear, concise manner to facilitate student success.
• May have the option to fill the role of First Year Directions Facilitator if qualifications are met.

Desired Skills
• Demonstrate exceptional compassion and desire for supporting students in aspects pertaining to their well-being.
• Demonstrate strong time management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate strong ability to stay focused in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrate commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate good interpersonal & conflict-resolution skills.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Four years of related work experience. Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.
• Masters in Higher Education or similar is preferred.
• Ability to analyze and present data as it relates to student retention and persistence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Navigate and PeopleSoft is preferred.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:
Full time

Employee Type:
Staff

Pay Grade:
A9