Director Of Academic Support And Engagement

Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence in professional life, civic engagement, and on instilling and understanding that learning is an exciting lifelong journey. Students are encouraged to be creative, innovative, ethically minded leaders for an ever-changing, diverse, and interconnected world.

The Mission of Daemen University is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world through the integration of education and professional preparation. Daemen University is going beyond instrumental needs to foster the development of individuals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of local and global communities.

Purpose of Role

• Coordination of Academic Support services for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Liaise with faculty to determine educational needs across the disciplines and increase awareness of services.
• Partner with departments within the Student Success Center (Academic Advisement, Accessibility Services, HEOP) and beyond to augment retention and persistence rates through proactive identification of emerging needs and implementation of innovative Academic Supports.
• Collaborate with Writing Specialist on implementing writing support services across the disciplines.

About This Opportunity

Joining our Student Success Center team, the Director of Academic Support and Engagement will be responsible for the following:

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate peer and professional coaches.
• Actively monitor and maintain a record of ~2,900+ coaching sessions per academic year.
• Oversee preparation and monitoring of budget of Academic Support services; partner with the Office of Employee Engagement to systematize payroll.
• Organize and implement Academic Support beyond coaching such as Natsci Educational Resource Direction (NERD) with recommendation from faculty.
• Academically coach and mentor students on academic success skills and test taking strategies with a focus on learning preferences/differences.
• Collaborate with programs to discuss their specific needs regarding support services - including classroom presentations, major-relevant study strategy workshops, and seminars.
• Oversee all academic components of HEOP's summer TRI Scholars Academy including, but not limited to curricular planning/revision; instructor recruitment, hiring, orientation, and supervision; coordination of Academic Supports); facilitation of seminars; fall course placement decisions.
• Arrange Academic Support for Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) students during the academic year and compile data for program NYS reporting.
• Collaborate with English, Math, and Natural Science departments regarding curriculum, placement testing, and specialized Academic Support for first year, developmental, and drop-down courses with a focus on the underprepared and conditionally admitted.
• Serve on Campus CARE Team and Advisory Committee to the Committee on Academic Standards (CAS) and serve on other college-wide committees and searches, as appropriate.
• Advise students on academic probation as determined by CAS.
• Maintain Academic Support and Engagement
• Conduct short-and long-range planning in consultation with the AVPSS.
• Conduct assessment of departmental services.
• Assist other offices in the Student Success Center as needed and directed by AVPSS.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration or a related field required.
• Minimum three years' experience in higher education
• Dedicated to student success.
• Possess an enthusiastic and positive attitude.
• Maintain confidentiality in a discreet and professional manner.
• Strong writing and oral presentation skills are necessary. Effective and friendly communication skills with a variety of students, staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Proficient computer skills and experience (Google Workspace, Microsoft, etc.).
• Highly developed organizational skills.
• Will contribute to and support the cultural fluency and diversity of our campus.
• Self-starter, skilled at and open to exploring ways to improve current systems.
• Multi-tasker.
• Detail and accuracy oriented.
• A flexible work schedule that will include days, evenings, and some weekends is required.

Total Compensation

Daemen University offers a robust total compensation package that includes:

• Health insurance with an option of two plans: an HSA plan with the deductible funded by employer HSA contributions, or a copay plan.
• Dental insurance through the Guardian network.
• Vision insurance through the Guardian network, and an option between the VSP or Davis plans.
• An 8% employer contribution to the retirement savings account when employees contribute just 5%.
• Fully paid long term disability insurance, guaranteed-issue life insurance for new hires up to a volume of $150,000.
• Tuition waiver for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. Entrance in Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities to pursue education at other institutions.
• Generous time off for administrative and staff employees.

Daemen University strongly encourages all campus community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster vaccine.