Assistant Director, THR1VE Center

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The THR1VE Center proactively supports the retention and academic success of Xavier students identified as at-promise—those facing specific retention challenges (defined as groups 10% + below the institution's average retention rate over five years). The Center further provides targeted programming for first-generation students and students prioritized for proactive academic success resources. The Assistant Director of the Thrive Center supports the retention and student success programming.

Reporting to the Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for the development, execution, and assessment of proactive programs designed to improve the retention and academic achievements of students. The Assistant Director also works with the Director to provide support for specialized groups through focused outreach designed specifically to address the needs of First Generation Students and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Retention Initiatives:

• Contribute significantly to the development and execution of the department's strategic plan for student retention, with a particular focus on creating equitable outcomes and closing achievement gaps for at-promise students.
• Track, analyze, and interpret retention, persistence, academic progress, and graduation data for designated at-promise cohorts. Prepare regular reports, identify trends and barriers, and make data-informed recommendations for interventions and program adjustments to senior leadership.
• Oversee the development and implementation of proactive support strategies and intervention models (e.g., peer mentoring programs, transition support) designed to address the unique academic, social, financial, and transitional challenges faced by at-promise students. May involve providing direct support or guidance to students in complex situations.

Programming:

• Design, implement, manage, and assess comprehensive programs, workshops, and initiatives specifically tailored to enhance the retention, persistence, and timely graduation of first-generation, low-socioeconomic status (SES), rural, and other identified at-promise student populations.
• Develop and implement comprehensive assessment plans to measure the effectiveness and impact of retention programs and initiatives targeting at-promise students.
• Utilize assessment findings for continuous program improvement and reporting purposes.
• Recruit and train student, faculty, and staff mentors.  

Collaboration:

• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with key campus partners (e.g., Care & Support Management, Strategic Enrollment Management, OALS, and Academic Colleges) to create a coordinated network of support and ensure seamless referrals for at-promise students.
• Assist in the university, divisional and departmental retention assessment initiatives.
• Identify, promote, and advocate for resources, policies, and practices (both internal and external) that support the success and well-being of first-generation, low-SES, rural, and transitional support students.
• Serve on institutional, departmental, and external committees as need to advance student success and retention.

Office operations and committee work:

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate professional staff, graduate assistants, and/or student employees involved in delivering retention programs and services for at-promise students.
• Attend and contribute to divisional meetings and working groups/committees.
• Evaluate and report student learning and program outcomes annually.
• Prepare for and contribute to weekly one-on-one meetings with direct supervisor.
• Serve on university committees as assigned.
• Oversee programming budget and search for grant/additional funding opportunities to increase persistence and graduation.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required in Sociology, Ethnic Studies, Social Work, Higher Education or related field
• Master’s degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience

To ensure consideration, interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume on Xavier University's website.  Review of applications will start immediately and will be accepted until the position closes at the University’s discretion. 

Candidates selected for the final stages of the interview process will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three professional references.

Xavier University is part of the 500-year-old Jesuit Catholic tradition of academic excellence in the liberal arts. Guided by our mission and values, we welcome and support members from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We unreservedly commit to open and free inquiry, deliberately seek out multiple perspectives, and create a campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Our campus is located in the vibrant and thriving city of Cincinnati, which has an array of neighborhoods and activities to suit many interests.

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Benefits - applies only to full-time positions: 

Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family.  Eligibility varies by position and employment class: 

• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage.

• Tax advantaged accounts including health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.

• Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.

• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave and holidays.

• Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.