Job Description
Job Summary:
Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Engagement, the Director of the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at Mercy University is responsible for providing leadership and financial management to meet the program's goals of recruiting, retaining, and graduating students of the program. The Director will provide visionary leadership, strategic planning, administration, and oversight for all aspects of the HEOP program in accordance with Mercy University's mission and New York State Education Department (NYSED) guidelines. The Director is responsible for advancing student access, retention, academic achievement, persistence, and graduation outcomes for students served through HEOP. The successful candidate will lead a comprehensive student support program that includes academic advising, counseling, financial aid coordination, summer programming, student success initiatives, and compliance reporting. The Director will foster a culture of academic excellence, belonging, advocacy, and holistic student development while building collaborative relationships across the University and with external stakeholders. Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day administration of the HEOP program. Ensure compliance with all New York State Education Department regulations, reporting requirements, and funding guidelines. Develop and implement long-range goals, strategic initiatives, and assessment plans aligned with institutional priorities and student success outcomes. Manage program operations, policies, procedures, and student support services. Prepare annual reports, budget proposals, assessments, and program evaluations. Monitor and maintain accurate student records, retention data, graduation metrics, and program documentation. Lead comprehensive student development and support initiatives designed to improve persistence, retention, graduation, and post-graduate success. Coordinate and supervise the HEOP Summer Program, including recruitment, onboarding, curriculum coordination, staffing, and assessment. Develop, manage, and oversee the HEOP operating budget in compliance with institutional and NYSED guidelines. Collaborate with Admissions, Financial Aid, Academic Affairs, and external partners to support student recruitment and enrollment. Participate in outreach activities, community engagement, and partnerships that support access and educational opportunities. Represent Mercy University and HEOP at state, regional, and professional meetings and conferences. Ensure timely submission of required reports and documentation to NYSED and University leadership. Maintain compliance with all applicable federal, state, institutional, and accreditation standards. Preferred Skills & Experience:
Master's degree from an accredited institution in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Student Affairs, Social Work, Education, or a related field. Prior experience directing or managing HEOP, EOP, SEEK, College Discovery, TRIO, or comparable opportunity/access programs. Required Skills & Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, student support services, educational opportunity programs, or related areas. Demonstrated experience working with historically underserved, first-generation, low-income, and academically underprepared student populations. Knowledge of New York State Arthur O. Eve HEOP regulations, policies, and best practices. Experience with program administration, assessment, budgeting, and compliance reporting.
