Job Description

The Associate Director of Student Success and Retention plays a critical role in advancing student persistence, academic success, and degree completion for a diverse student population. The primary responsibility of this position is to coordinate initiatives for students experiencing academic challenges, including developing proactive early alert interventions and overseeing all aspects of UNIV 150, the University’s academic improvement course. This role supports students in retaining academic good standing and provides leadership and programmatic guidance to offer proactive support and promote academic success.

Reporting to the Director of Student Success and Retention, the Associate Director contributes to broader retention efforts through program development, data analysis, process improvement, and collaborative leadership. The Associate Director also helps design and implement proactive outreach and intervention plans and will play a key role in supporting the use of a new student success management platform.

The Associate Director should have a strong background in student success, academic support, and retention strategies. They should demonstrate a commitment to enhancing student outcomes, possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and be able to work both collaboratively and independently.

This position offers a meaningful opportunity for a strategic, student-centered professional to directly impact student persistence at Radford University.

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in student success, academic advising, retention, first-year experience, academic support, or related higher education roles.
Demonstrated knowledge of current issues, trends, and effective strategies in student retention and success.
Experience developing, implementing, and assessing student success interventions or initiatives that promote persistence and/or academic progress.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply student success data to guide decision-making.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, customer service, and time management skills.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that supports students, including first-generation students and historically underrepresented populations.
Demonstrated ability to make sound professional judgments, analyze and solve problems, manage multiple priorities, and work independently as a self-starter.
Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, and Internet.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience coordinating or teaching academic recovery courses or similar programming.
Demonstrated experience supporting students on academic notice, probation, or otherwise experiencing academic difficulty.
Experience developing or delivering student success initiatives for first-generation or at-risk student populations.
Supervisory experience with graduate assistants, undergraduate student staff, or first-time/inexperienced employees.
Familiarity with evidence-based student success strategies and inclusive support practices in higher education.
Experience using student success technologies such as Banner, Starfish, DegreeWorks, CRM systems, or similar platforms.
Experience supporting institutional assessment or reporting related to student retention.
Prior involvement in strategic planning or process improvement initiatives.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include resume, cover letter and unofficial transcripts of highest degree received.

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.