Associate Director of Student Success

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), a Catholic liberal arts institution founded by the Sisters of Providence, seeks an energetic, student-centered Associate Director of Student Success to lead initiatives that promote student achievement, persistence, and belonging. The Associate Director will oversee the College’s Summer Bridge Program and the 21st Century Scholars Program, ensuring that underrepresented, first-generation, and conditionally admitted students are supported through their transition to and success in college.

Working under the direction of the Director of Student Services for Student Success, the Associate Director provides leadership in designing, implementing, and assessing academic support initiatives that align with institutional goals for retention, equity, and holistic student development.

 Program Leadership and coordination

• Plan, implement, and assess the Summer Bridge Program, focusing on academic readiness, college transition, and community building for incoming students.
• Serve as the campus lead for the 21st Century Scholars Program, ensuring compliance with state requirements and supporting student engagement, persistence, and completion.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Life, and Admissions to identify and support students who may benefit from early or ongoing academic interventions.
• Develop and coordinate academic workshops, mentoring programs, and co-curricular initiatives that promote student success and belonging.
• Collect, track, and analyze data on program participation, retention, and outcomes; prepare reports and use data for continuous improvement.

Student Success and Support

• Provide individualized academic coaching and success planning for students participating in the Summer Bridge or 21st Century Scholars programs.
• Serve as a resource for students navigating academic challenges, referring them to tutoring, counseling, advising, and other campus resources.
• Build strong relationships with students to foster engagement, confidence, and persistence.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Assist the Director of the LRC in supervising student employees, peer mentors, and/or professional tutors connected to bridge or scholar programs.
• Develop program budgets and monitor expenditures in alignment with institutional and grant guidelines.
• Contribute to LRC assessment, reporting, and strategic planning efforts.
• Participate in campus committees and initiatives that advance academic support and student success

Supervision: 

• Student Assistants and Academic Peers

Working Conditions:

• Normal office environment
• Some evening and weekend hours
• Same day business travel as needed
• Overnight business travel as needed
• Performing repetitive movements

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree - Master’s degree Preferred
• Minimum of two years of experience in student success, academic support, or program coordination in a higher education setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with first-generation, underrepresented, and at-risk college students.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Experience with program assessment and data-informed decision making.