Academic and Career Planning - Luna Community College

Position Overview
Academic and Career Planning is a robust department that provides for student success starting with enrollment through graduation. The Academic and Career Planning Director manages all non-instructional, online and on-campus programs, student onboarding, academic planning, advisement, tutoring, counseling, accommodations, discipline, student grievances, transfers and workforce placement. The Director works closely with faculty, staff and community partners to foster an inclusive, supportive environment that promotes student success.

Leadership and Administration
• Establishes short-term plans and long-term operational objectives, including managing project timelines/deliverables and developing resource plans for multi-project/multi-phase student support initiatives.
• Oversees and effectively manages the budget, personnel and operations for the Department of Acadmic and Career Planning.
• Partners with other institutional personnel and teams to advance strategic goals related to student affairs, support services and student success initiatives.
• Conducts a variety of personnel actions to include, but not limited to hiring, promotion, performance management and dismissal.
• Provides and/or organizes professional development opportunities and materials for all Academic and Career Planning staff.
• Works closely with academic leadership to integrate procedures and processes that ensure students receive a comprehensive array of services, including tutoring.
• Works with Public Relations department to promote and publicize student activities and events.
• Maintains effective working relationships with faculty, students, staff, and external contacts.
• Represents the institution to the public, higher education constituents at State and other external forums.
• Provides and/or organizes professional development opportunities and materials for all Academic and Career Planning staff.
• Oversees annual production of the Academic and Career Planning Handbook, the Student Handbook, and all other documents managed by the department.
• Serves as the primary liaison between LCC, its students and alumni, and potential employers on a state, regional, and national scale.
• Researches and stays up-to-date on new student support standards, technologies, policies and procedures; responsible for the implementation of new protocols/procedures to address needs.
• Manages annual production of the Academic and Career Planning Handbook, the Student Handbook and all other documents managed by the department.

Reporting and Compliance
• In partnership with the College’s Institutional Research Office, establishes a department culture of data-driven decision making to increase student success at LCC.
• Tracks, collects, and develops data reports that will inform the institution and community on student recruitment, enrollment retention, graduation, transfer, and job placement rates for all LCC students.
• Prepares and submits mandatory reports such as the Strategic Enrollment Management report in a timely and accurate manner.
• Supervises the preparation of appropriate retention data reports and assessment of operations related to retention, academic and career planning, workforce placement, and College and Career Readiness.
• Complies with FERPA, Title IX and any other federal, state or College regulations.

Student Services
• Collaborates with Financial Aid to ensure student’s financial aid needs are met.
• Manages student’s requests for accommodations according the College policy and procedure and state and Federal guidelines.
• Advocates for student needs across the institution, contributing to overall academic success and an exceptional student experience.

Student Success
• Anticipates and addresses the evolving needs of students, including learners in on-campus, online, and blended courses and programs.
• Oversee efforts to nurture relationships and a culture of civility and respect between students and the rest of the campus community.
• Student Success Specialists ensure that all students are aware of all avenues for transferring seamlessly to a university or the workforce.
• Oversees and develops programs that provide career planning expertise to students and alumni, including job-search processes, interview techniques, development of resume and cover letter and career exploration.
• Oversees placement testing, assessment services, academic planning, transfer assistance and workforce placement.
• Identifies areas of advising concern and administrative barriers that impact student success and persistence and proposes solutions for resolving issues/removing barriers.
• Manages student advising and veterans affairs.
• Supports efforts to increase undergraduate student recruitment, enrollment retention, graduation, transfer and workforce placement.

Student Information System Integration
• Works with other Luna Community College leadership to lead the strategic transition from a legacy student information system to Workday, ensuring alignment with academic and career planning department goals.
• Collaborates with academic departments, administrative teams and IT to gather requirements and ensure seamless integration of the new system.
• Oversees the migration and management of student data, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional policies and regulations.
• Develops and implements comprehensive training programs for faculty and staff on the new system to enhance user adoption and data integrity.
• Establishes metrics and evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness of the new system in improving student academic and career outcomes.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Knowledge of higher education, student life and student development
• Ability to work well with a diverse population
• Ability to work congruently within the mission of the College
• Excellent communication skills (ability to clearly express ideas and concepts orally and in writing required
• Demonstrates ability to maintain confidential information
• Knowledge of student development, counseling and career development theories and practices
• Ability to develop accurate reports, correspondence and prepare and deliver presentations.
• Knowledge and understanding of Federal and State regulations related to student services, including FERPA regulations
• Excellent problem solving and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to utilize various conflict resolution principles
• Experience with Jenzabar and Workday Student Information Systems.

Education and Experience
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution or a Bachelor’s degree and equivalent work experience.
• At least three years of related experience in higher education is preferred.
• At least three years of supervisory experience is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Luna Community College management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.  

Employee signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential job functions and duties of the position.
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