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Director Student Success Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Providing direct, comprehensive program guidance to assigned students ( average of 120-150 students ... in success. * Evaluate student learning styles, skills, deficiencies, and goals; identify ...

Providing direct, comprehensive program guidance to assigned students ( average of 120-150 students ... in success. * Evaluate student learning styles, skills, deficiencies, and goals; identify ...

Providing direct, comprehensive program guidance to assigned students ( average of 120-150 students ... in success. * Evaluate student learning styles, skills, deficiencies, and goals; identify ...

Providing direct, comprehensive program guidance to assigned students ( average of 120-150 students ... in success. * Evaluate student learning styles, skills, deficiencies, and goals; identify ...

Develop and execute direct student communications (email, LMS messaging, outreach campaigns) related to early alerts, academic standing, intervention requirements, and success milestones.

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Director Student Success information

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$26.5K

$83.5K

$139.5K

How much do director student success jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for director student success in the United States is $83,534.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Student Success, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Student Success, you need expertise in student affairs, data-driven program management, and a background in higher education—often supported by a master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems (SIS), learning management systems (LMS), and analytics platforms is typically required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset are vital soft skills for leading teams and engaging diverse student populations. These skills are essential for developing impactful student support strategies, improving retention rates, and fostering an inclusive campus environment.

What does a Director of Student Success do?

A Director of Student Success is responsible for developing and implementing programs and strategies that support student retention, engagement, and graduation rates at an educational institution. They lead teams that provide academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, and other support services to help students achieve their educational goals. The director also analyzes data to identify at-risk students and collaborates with faculty and staff to improve the overall student experience. Their work is essential in fostering a supportive campus environment that promotes academic achievement and personal development.

What is the difference between Director Student Success vs Student Services Manager?

AspectDirector Student SuccessStudent Services Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree, often Master’s; experience in higher education or student affairsBachelor’s degree; experience in student support or administrative roles
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, overseeing strategic initiativesCampus student support offices, managing day-to-day student services
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities, focusing on student retention and success programsEducational institutions, community colleges, or universities, focusing on student support services

The main difference is that the Director Student Success typically oversees strategic initiatives and programs to improve student retention and achievement at a higher level, while the Student Services Manager handles daily operations and direct support services for students. Both roles require relevant experience and work within educational settings, but the Director role is more strategic and leadership-focused.

How does a Director of Student Success typically collaborate with other campus departments to support student retention and achievement?

A Director of Student Success frequently partners with academic advising, faculty, counseling services, and enrollment management to create coordinated support systems for students. They often lead cross-departmental meetings, share student data and feedback, and develop holistic intervention strategies. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive timely academic, social, and emotional support, making it easier to identify and address barriers to student retention and graduation. Building strong relationships across campus is key to driving successful outcomes in this role.
More about Director Student Success jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Student Success jobs? Cities with the most Director Student Success job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Student Success jobs? The most popular types of Student Success jobs are:
What states have the most Director Student Success jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Student Success jobs include:
Infographic showing various Director Student Success job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,534 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Student Success Coach

Walden University

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Walden University rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

511th of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description

Walden
More than 50 years ago, Walden University was founded to support adult learners in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and communities. Students from across the U.S. and more than 115 countries are pursuing a certificate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree online at Walden.
We offer more than 100 online degrees and certificate programs. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org). Visit WaldenU.edu for more information, and follow Walden on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
We operate on a hybrid schedule with two in-office days per week (Monday–Thursday). This approach enhances creativity, innovation, communication, and relationship-building, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Job Description

Student Success Coaches serve as academic mentors, coaches, advisors, and ultimately are champions focused on the success of their students. Academic Coaches partner with students throughout the life of their academic program. They do not teach courses or competencies; rather they serve as students’ primary source of support to ensure each student is making meaningful progress in their program. Academic Coaches work weekly with their assigned students in overcoming learning obstacles and understanding program expectations. They partner closely with Faculty in the academic program to ensure each and every student is receiving the support and academic engagement required for success. Coaches reflect commitment to their students’ success in their daily work and maintain a deep personal interest and involvement in their students’ academic progress.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Providing direct, comprehensive program guidance to assigned students (average of 120-150 students).
  • Support students in their educational planning and progress from enrollment to graduation.
  • Managing students' academic progress according to university policies.
  • Helping to ensure students are frequently engaging with Faculty in any area where they require deeper academic support.
  • Maintaining appropriate documentation of all academic engagements.
  • Maintaining regular communication with students according to university protocol.
  • Serve as an expert in their students' academic program details and are able to answer or to obtain answers to all the questions students may have about their programs.
  • Advise students on time management and schedule benchmarks for the student to successfully master program concepts, knowledge, and skills.
  • Help students identify their learning strengths and weaknesses and connect them with the necessary university resources to aid in success.
  • Evaluate student learning styles, skills, deficiencies, and goals; identify appropriate learning resources for them to use; and facilitate their use of those resources.
  • Evaluate student learning engagement and assessment readiness.
  • Monitor student academic progress, communicating with each student weekly and intervene as necessary to assist those students having difficulty.
  • Assist students in career planning within the boundaries of his or her expertise, and direct students to planning resources in other areas as appropriate.
  • Coach students on University policies and procedures, program requirements and related academic matters.
  • Work closely with Faculty to ensure that student inquiries are strategically coordinated and addressed in a timely manner, while supporting academic integrity and university policies.
  • Cognitively guide students to develop accountability for their decisions and an understanding of how those decisions impact their success.
  • Provide students with proactive guidance on acclimating to their new undergraduate or graduate lifestyle and building supportive personal environments and best practices to facilitate their student success.
  • Empower students to maintain effective connections to the University and its online community of learners.
  • Must be able to spend significant time working at a computer and on the phone using a headset.
  • Must be flexible in work hours/schedule to accommodate student’s needs.
  • Position may require work above and beyond 40 hours per week during peak periods.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum 2-3 years’ experience working in a service-oriented environment, teaching or university setting.
  • Must have a strong commitment to education and have the counseling or coaching skills required to effectively keep Competency Based Education (CBE) students on track.
  • Strong customer service orientation and excellent communication skills.
  • Strong problem solving and time management skills.
  • Ability to multi-task.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
  • Ability to successfully resolve student issues from request through resolution.
  • Effectively work with multiple databases and student platforms.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience with integrated technology systems and tools.
  • Skilled at connecting and building rapport with students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Creative & innovative, able to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Self-starter.
  • Ability to adapt to new and rapidly changing situations.
  • Familiarity with online learning and Internet technology a plus.

Additional Information

In support of the pay transparency laws enacted across the country, the expected salary range for this position is between $24.00 and $28.84. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; geographic location; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. Our Talent Acquisition Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to learning more about your salary requirements. The position qualifies for the below benefits.
Covista offers a robust suite of benefits including:

  • Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
  • 401k Retirement Program + 6% employer match
  • 15 Days of Paid Vacation Days each Calendar Year
  • 12 Paid Holidays + 2 floating holidays
    For more information related to our benefits please visit:
    https://careers.covista.com/benefits

Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation