Student Retention Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

The Director of Student Services is a primary point of contact for students at the Northeastern University Arlington campus, provides leadership to ensure students have the highest quality experience, and helps Arlington students realize their educational and life goals.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of the Arlington campus, the Director of Student Services partners with the Associate Dean on strategic and administrative planning and implementation to ensure Arlington campus students have a rich, high-quality experience. Key areas of focus include developing and managing annual and long-term student experience strategies and goals; facilitating campus enrollment; providing leadership that supports the success and retention of Arlington's expanding and diverse student population; ensuring Arlington NECHE accreditation compliance with student-related standards; contributing to and executing student-related components of the campus strategic plan; supporting Global University System (GUS), Network, and other Strategic Initiatives and priorities; supporting the University academic plan Experience Unleashed; contributing to and implementing components of the campus Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Action Plan; and other related matters.

Incorporating the University's mission and core values, the Director will design, implement, and manage a broad array of campus-based student services, resources, and programming to support student success; anticipate and serve the needs of a growing and diverse student population across multiple disciplines and colleges; build collaborative and productive relationships across the campus, colleges, and University; and respond to and assist individual students and constituencies on a broad range of matters. The Director will maintain a broad and in-depth knowledge base of student resources across the campus, colleges, and University.

This role may require some evening and weekend hours for events and programming.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Campus Strategic and Administrative Planning & Implementation (30%)

• Partner with the Associate Dean on strategic and administrative planning and implementation to ensure Arlington students have the highest quality experience; develop and manage annual and long-term student experience strategies and goals; facilitate campus enrollment; provide leadership that supports the success and retention of Arlington's expanding and diverse student population; ensure Arlington compliance with NECHE student-related standards; contribute to and execute student-related components of the campus strategic plan; support GUS, Network, and other Strategic Initiatives and priorities; support the University academic plan Experience Unleashed; and contribute to and implement components of the campus DEIB Action Plan.
• Develop and implement an annual Student Engagement Plan and produce a year-end analysis and outcomes report.
• Develop and manage an annual comprehensive Arlington campus student survey. Analyze survey results to identify student trends, opportunities, and issues, and extrapolate strategic recommendations. Coordinate with the colleges and others to streamline and coordinate student surveying.

Student Services & Resources (30%)

• Manage, expand, optimize, and maintain a comprehensive, high-quality portfolio of services and resources for Arlington students.
• Anticipate, identify, and triage student issues; provide resolution guidance to students; and ensure students are informed of their rights, responsibilities, resources, and the university's ethical standards.
• Engage effectively with Global University System (GUS)-, Network-, and Boston-based departments and units (e.g., CIE, CSDS, DRC, NUSHP, OPEN, OSCCR, OSGF, OUEC, Ombuds for Graduate Students, Snell Library, SFS, SHS, WeCare, and others) to ensure the breadth of University services are available and easily accessible to Arlington students.
• Manage campus-based communications to Arlington students, including development and continuous improvement of robust website and SharePoint student hub content for prospective, incoming, and current students. Regularly communicate with the Arlington student population.
• Collaborate with college student advisors, recruiters, and faculty to facilitate student enrollment, support student success, improve retention, and provide students with the highest quality experience.
• Support campus enrollment and retention goals by working collaboratively with Enrollment Management and the Office of Global Services to ensure prospective and admitted students have a positive and effective introduction to Arlington.
• Continually update and enhance student relocation resources, especially housing resources, to support admitted students' commitment to the Arlington campus and facilitate their smooth transition to the National Capital Region.
• Participate in the Global Campus Student Affairs Committee to identify opportunities and share best practices.
• Collaborate with the Network Health & Wellness Specialist(s) to deliver services and resources that foster student well-being and success; the Global Learner Support Specialist to provide language, cultural, and academic support services for student success; and the International Student and Scholar Advisor at the Office of Global Services to enhance the international student experience.
• Work with the Senior Director of Network Student Life to explore new network student affairs opportunities and resources to enrich the experience for students at the Arlington campus and across the network.
• Manage the campus Student Interest Groups (SIGs) approval process and support SIG leaders and members through equitable and responsive services, financial support, and event management.
• Recommend individual students for marketing, recruitment, and communications profiles and stories by Enrollment Management, University External Relations, the colleges, the campus, and others.
• Establish and manage a student ambassador program and student leader cohort.
• For visiting students and other learners, develop and deliver services and resources to support a high-quality experience.
• Collaborate with college academic advisors and co-op advisors to assist students with researching career paths, identifying full-time job opportunities, and expanding their experience and skills.
• Keep abreast of all relevant data systems, manage Arlington campus student data, and collaborate with the Registrar's Office and others to ensure accurate and complete data for Arlington students. Work with the Office of the Registrar and others to execute and track new student enrollment agreements.

Student Programming (30%)

• Manage, expand, optimize, and maintain a comprehensive, high-quality portfolio of programming for Arlington students.
• Oversee, develop, and deliver student programming focused on student success, including networking, leadership development, personal development, professional development, career development, research, and career fairs. Leverage and engage global network and regional resources including alumni, industry experts, government representatives, faculty, and topical experts.
• Lead and collaborate on the development and delivery of annual student signature events and campus traditions, including student awards and events around belonging, leadership development, co-op and career preparation, research, social engagement, cultural observances, and holiday celebrations.
• Plan, lead, and implement robust new student campus orientations, including in-person and online components, to integrate new students into the Arlington campus community, inform students of available services and resources, and prepare them for their academic endeavors.
• Collaborate with the Arlington Network Health & Wellness Specialist(s) to deliver programming that fosters student well-being and success; the Global Learner Support Specialist to provide language, cultural, and academic support programming; the Director of Strategic Initiatives to provide thematic programming; and the International Student and Scholar Advisor at the Office of Global Services to provide programming that supports the international student experience.
• Collaborate with college student advisors, recruiters, and faculty to facilitate student enrollment, support student success, improve retention, and provide the highest quality programming for Arlington campus students.
• For visiting students and other learners, develop and deliver programming to support a high-quality Arlington campus experience.
• Support major campus signature events.

Leadership (10%)

• Work effectively with Arlington campus colleagues (e.g., Operations, IT Support) to cultivate the desired organizational culture, support the campus community, and ensure a high-quality student experience.
• Collaborate on the development of the Arlington campus annual student services and programming budget forecast; track expenses and manage to the approved budget.
• Develop a strong network of connections throughout the University, across colleges, administrative offices, and student service departments and units to strengthen their connection to the Arlington campus and to refer students for further assistance, problem resolution, and counseling.
• Build and maintain relationships with external university partners.
• Administer and ensure compliance with campus and university norms, protocols, and policies.
• Lead, engage, motivate, and supervise campus-based student services staff as assigned; actively support a positive team culture.
• Serve as a hearing advisor for Arlington students who receive summons from the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSCCR).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred in Student Affairs or a related field
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in academic and/or student life roles in a higher education context
• Demonstrated leadership and success in the development, management, and implementation of multifaceted student success programming, services, and projects
• Strong advocacy skills and a student-centered focus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with an ability to manage stakeholder expectations
• High level of discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism
• Ability to work independently, bring teams together in a collegial and empathetic spirit, and function as an integral member of a team
• Flexibility, creative thinking, and openness to changing priorities within a fast-paced organization; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to think and act both analytically and strategically

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students in crisis and the ability to respond with composure
• Experience supervising staff and student employees

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.