Director

Job Description

The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at ASU's West Valley campus in Glendale, AZ seeks a Director of Retention to lead and enhance strategic initiatives that support and improve undergraduate student persistence and retention. The Director will drive data-informed strategies, foster cross-functional collaborations, and provide leadership in identifying and removing barriers to student success. This position will focus on ensuring students progress through their academic journey, from enrollment through graduation, with the necessary support, resources, and guidance.

This is an in-person position located at ASU's West Valley campus with the opportunity for some hybrid work as the business need allows.

Working Environment

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse;
• Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work.
• Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
• Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts.
• May be required to perform tasks in the field within and/or across University campuses.
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND eight (8) years of related administrative experience, which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience; OR, Twelve (12) years of related administrative experience, which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Department Statement

Bringing together the best of both an intimate-college experience with its close personal relationships and a top-tier research university with its cutting-edge research faculty ASU is New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences located at the beautiful West Valley campus is nationally unique. Working across old disciplinary boundaries, our faculty produce innovative research, not just report on it. We take our students with us on this fascinating journey, which provides extraordinary opportunities for growth and exciting ways to shape your future.

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of skills in strategic persistence and retention best practices and rapport with all internal and external partners (outside organizations or educational institutions, campus units, community relations, faculty, etc).
• Demonstrated knowledge of persistence and retention principles in an education setting.
• Evidence of professional staff supervision in an environment with specific, increasing goals.
• Experience of supervision and training of staff effectively on an ongoing basis; leading and developing continued learning and professional development for direct reports.
• Evidence of exceptional work ethic and professionalism; with a strong affinity to the university charter.
• Evidence of attention to detail and professional oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and train others to provide engaging, dynamic, effective presentations to small and large groups.
• Demonstrated knowledge of higher education environments and organizational structures.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt effectively and demonstrate professional maturity and judgment.
• Evidence of ability to build new relationships and nurture and maintain existing networks effectively and professionally.
• Evidence of ability to take appropriate initiative and make strategic decisions independently.
• Evidence of effective project management on varying scales and an ability to navigate conflict effectively while advocating for resources and initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of supervisory principles for performance management, quality assurance and accountability.
• Evidence of a Masters Degree preferred.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at [redacted].

Relocation Assistance - For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/relocation-services.

Essential Duties

• Develop and implement comprehensive retention strategies aimed at improving undergraduate student persistence and graduation rates.
• Conduct ongoing assessment and analysis to identify areas for improvement and innovation in persistence and retention programming.
• Lead data collection and analysis on retention metrics, identifying key trends and student populations in need of support.
• Present actionable insights and recommendations to leadership based on data-driven findings.
• Oversee the creation, implementation, and evaluation of programs targeted at improving retention, with an emphasis on first-year and transfer experience, academic support, and engagement.
• Manage resources strategically, efficiently and effectively; ensuring programs are adequately staffed and accountable to meet retention and persistence goals for FYS and TRN populations.
• Work closely with academic departments, advising units, recruitment and admissions, educational outreach and student services, and other university partners to create a cohesive retention-focused culture.
• Partner with faculty and staff to identify and address student challenges, particularly in high-risk courses or degree programs. Develop targeted interventions for at-risk student populations, such as first-generation students, underrepresented minorities, and students on academic probation.
• Enhance student support resources, including academic coaching, tutoring, social engagement, and proactive advising.
• Build, mentor, and lead a team focused on student retention and success, fostering a culture of collaboration, service excellence, critical thinking, and continuous improvement.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff on retention strategies, student success coaching, and data utilization.
• Support, ideate, and execute onboarding of new students
• Other duties as assigned

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of "equivalent combination" in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor's degree is equal to four years of experience.