Executive Director- Center of Student Engagement and Achievement - Fort Valley State University

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Executive Director- Center of Student Engagement and Achievement.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Executive Director of the Student Engagement & Achievement (SEA) provides leadership in implementing comprehensive student academic assistance, student engagement, experiential learning, first-year transition, First- and Second-Year Experience programs, and academic advising to facilitate the successful retention and progression of students. The Executive Director reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, who assigns work in terms of departmental goals and objectives. Work is primarily reviewed through conferences, reports, generated data, and observations of department activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides leadership oversight and assistance to develop comprehensive student success strategies to coordinate the functions of the Career Services, Academic Advising, Student Engagement, Student Outreach, and Orientation programs as related to Student Success.
• Provides administrative leadership to the University community and works directly with the coordinators/directors within the Center of Student Engagement and Achievement to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate success strategies for student success.
• Develops the agenda for the SEA Center in relation to the strategic priorities of the university related to student success, engagement, transfer matriculation, retention, and graduation.
• Manages articulation agreements with other colleges that ensure successful transition and completion of Freshman and Sophomore transfer students.
• Develops and provides recommendations, reports, and other materials for a variety of programs and projects and integrates the function of the Center of Student Engagement and Achievement in a manner that is responsive to student needs.
• Supervises staff who lead academic, student achievement, engagement programs and services in the areas of academic advising, honors program, writing center, academic counseling, disability services, assessment and tutorial services, and learning support.
• Oversees the strategic planning, budget, assessment, and evaluation of the SEA Center's programs and services.
• Develops strategic relationships with the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, Academic Affairs, Campus Life, Residence Life, and Housing, Career Services, other academic colleges, and Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness to ensure that there is a seamless transition in student academic achievement.
• Researches, establishes and oversees the planning and implementation of activities and services for student success program components and promotional strategies to include student involvement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have an earned doctorate from a regionally accredited university.
• Must have 5-7 years of related higher education-related experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of student success and retention principles and practices.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of university personnel and budget management policies.
• Knowledge of higher education practices and standards.
• Knowledge of current and developing trends in student retention and success.
• Skill in the delegation of responsibility and authority.
• Skill in the operation of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skills in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Knowledge of student success theory and trends in higher education.
• Knowledge of best practices in student success (leadership, advising, career services, and tutoring programs).
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of programs to include counseling services, philosophy, program assessment, and student learning outcomes (SLOs) for functional areas of Student Success in higher education.
• Knowledge of University operational policies, mission, objectives, principles, and practices for administration, supervision, and training.
• Knowledge of budget preparation, funding methods, and control regulations established by the University.
• Demonstrated skills in the effectiveness of progressively responsible administration in Student Success in an urban institution of higher learning.
• Demonstrated skillfulness in educational leadership, administrative management, strategic planning, personnel, problem-solving, and oral and written communication skills (i.e., reports, business correspondence, policy & procedural manuals).
• Ability to analyze situations to recommend an effective course of action.
• Ability to effectively communicate within and across University's Offices (i.e. Academic Affairs, University Administration, alumni, facilities, etc.).
• Ability to establish and monitor cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
• Ability to organize and facilitate group discussions and workshops to coordinate projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Oversees all SEA Center personnel. Direct supervisor of the Director of Advising & Retention, Director of First- & Second-Year Experience Programs, Assistant Director for Career & Professional Development, Assessment & Tutorial Coordinator, Reading & Writing Lab Coordinator, and Office Manager

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table and intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, or walking.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.