St. John’s, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.Director of Success ProgramsThe Director of Success Programs provides high-level strategic leadership and oversight of first-year student success initiatives within the Center for Student Success. This position plays a pivotal role in the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of large-scale programs and services that support student retention, academic transition, and early engagement, with a particular emphasis on identifying and supporting at-risk and underrepresented student populations. The Director manages high-impact programming, leads data-informed assessment and reporting efforts, oversees a professional and student staff team, and contributes to institutional planning efforts in partnership with senior leadership. Serving as a key liaison across academic and administrative units, the Director ensures that all initiatives are aligned with university priorities, informed by best practices, and designed to foster a strong sense of belonging, academic persistence, and early momentum for students.Responsibilities:First-Year Program Development and LeadershipLead and manage the Success Programs team, including full-time professional staff, graduate assistants, and student employees; oversee hiring, training, supervision, performance evaluation, and team development to foster a student-centered, outcomes-driven culture.Design and assess high-impact retention programs, with a strong emphasis on support for high-risk and underrepresented populations.Lead the strategic development and delivery of initiatives that support first-year students' academic transition, belonging, and persistence.Coordinate signature programs such as Jumpstart Your Johnnies Journey, FYRO, Notebook Network, and This Thursday.Partner with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Career Services, and Enrollment Management to build guided academic and career pathways for undecided students and enhance the transition experience.Represent the Center at university-wide recruitment and onboarding events; oversee presentations at Orientation and other programs that support student yield and engagement.Benchmark national best practices and research in student success to inform program development and institutional strategy.Serve as a key contributor to the University's strategic retention and persistence efforts by identifying trends, evaluating outcomes, and recommending improvements to enhance the first-year student experience.Manage the annual budget for first-year success programming; oversee fiscal planning and expenditures, ensuring responsible use of resources through a thoughtful understanding of return on investment and program impact.Secure and oversee grant funding or other external resources to expand and enhance first-year student programming; manage all reporting and compliance related to externally funded initiatives.Assessment, Reporting, and Data StrategyLead the design and implementation of comprehensive assessment plans to evaluate the effectiveness of student support and advising initiatives, particularly for at-risk and underrepresented student populations.Design, automate, and manage reporting systems that synthesize advising, academic, and engagement data into actionable insights for institutional planning.Analyze key performance indicators and student success metrics to identify barriers for at-risk students and recommend strategic improvements.Oversee the use of the customer relationship management (CRM) system in student success initiatives, ensuring data accuracy, integration with institutional tools, and effective utilization to enhance outreach, case management, and reporting.Serve as a subject matter expert in assessment and student success data within the Center, train staff on data literacy and continuous improvement practices.Strategic Planning and CollaborationCollaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team to shape the Center's strategic priorities, operations, and long-term goals.Represent the Center on institutional committees and task forces related to advising, retention, student engagement, and policy development.Build and sustain strong cross-campus partnerships with academic departments, deans, fåculty, and student support offices to ensure coordinated support and institutional alignment.Lead initiatives that cultivate a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered departmental culture.Advising/Academic SupportProvide proactive academic advising to a select caseload of first-year students, focusing on retention and timely progression, with a targeted focus on students identified as at-risk.Apply developmental advising strategies and connect students with relevant campus resources.Monitor student risk indicators and collaborate with campus stakeholders to identify and support at-risk students through coordinated interventions that align with institutional goals for first-year persistence and completion.Other DutiesThis job description is not exhaustive and may be adjusted at any time to reflect institutional priorities or operational needs.Core Competencies:Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices, cultural responsiveness, and student belonging.High level of discretion and professionalism in managing confidential student matters.Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and critical thinking skills.Ability to engage effectively across diverse student, staff, and faculty populations.Dedication to innovation, continuous improvement, and institutional mission alignment.Qualifications:Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Educational Research, or a related field preferred.10+ years of progressive experience in academic advising, student success, or first-year experience program leadership.Demonstrated success in designing, implementing, and assessing student support programs.Experience contributing to strategic planning and cross-institutional collaboration.Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives aligned with institutional goals.Expertise in assessment frameworks and integrating multi-source data to improve program impact.Experience managing or using enterprise student success platforms.Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills.Ability to foster an innovative, student-centered, and collaborative team culture.Proficiency with data visualization and reporting tools (e.g., Argos, Power BI).Experience with first-year programs, such as learning communities or transition programming.Experience advising or supporting underrepresented or diverse student populations.Working knowledge of Student Information Systems (e.g., Ellucian Banner).Leadership experience in managing or scaling institutional student success initiatives.Familiarity with student affairs policies, advising regulations, and academic compliance standards.Physical Demands:The ability to stand, sit, move about, communicate effectively, and occasionally lift up to 20 lbs. Requires visual acuity and manual dexterity.Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:Full-time, on-campus position. Standard work hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Occasional evenings and weekends are required.In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $96,200 - $120,200. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.*Important Note- St. John’s is NOT an E-Verify EmployerSt. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting eventsAny offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
