Director of Student Development

FLSA Status:

Exempt Position Summary The Director of Student Development provides strategic leadership for institution-widestudent retention and persistence efforts, with a strong emphasis on data curation, analytics, and proactive student engagement. This roleis responsible for translating student data into actionable insights, designing evidence-based interventions, and fostering collaborativepartnerships that improve retention, advancement, and graduation outcomes for all student populations. The Director serves as acentral liaison between academic affairs, student affairs, institutional research, and enrollment management, ensuring that resourceconnection, data-informed decision-making, and meaningful student engagement are embedded across the student lifecycle. Essential JobDuties Data Curation, Analysis, and Strategy Lead the curation, governance, and integration of student success datafrom multiple sources (e.g., SIS, LMS, advising platforms, surveys, early alert systems). Develop and maintain dashboards,reports, and predictive models to monitor retention, persistence, and risk indicators. Translate complex data into clear,actionable insights for campus stakeholders, including senior leadership, deans, advisors, and faculty. Implementing and managingpotential retention and student engagement software. Partner with Institutional Research to establish metrics, benchmarks, andassessment frameworks for student retention initiatives. Ensure ethical, equitable, and FERPA-compliant use of student data indecision-making and intervention design. Student Engagement and Retention Initiatives Design, implement, andassess proactive, scalable student engagement strategies focused on first-year students, transfer students, and other prioritypopulations. Oversee early alert and case management processes that connect students to timely academic and co-curricularsupport. Collaborate with advising, tutoring, financial aid, residence life, campus involvement/engagement, and student supportservices to align engagement efforts and reduce barriers to persistence. Promote high-impact practices that foster belonging,academic momentum, and student connection to the institution. First-Generation Student Coordination and Advocacy Serve as the primary campus coordinator for first-generation student support initiatives. Design and implement engagementprograms, workshops, and communications tailored to first-generation students at key transition points throughout the student lifecycle. Collaborate with orientation, advising, academic support, and student engagement offices to embed first-generation successstrategies into retention efforts. Advocate for first-generation students by identifying systemic barriers and recommendingimprovements to policies, practices, or services. Leadership and Collaboration Provide leadership andsupervision for retention-focused staff and initiatives. Serve as a campus leader and advocate for student success usingdata-informed practices. Convene cross-functional teams and committees focused on retention strategy, intervention design, andcontinuous improvement. Support grant-funded or externally supported student success initiatives, including data reporting andoutcomes assessment. Assessment and Continuous Improvement Evaluate the effectiveness of retention andengagement programs using qualitative and quantitative methods. Prepare regular reports and presentations on retention trends,program outcomes, and recommendations for improvement. Stay current on national best practices, research, and emergingtechnologies related to student retention and engagement. Omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, relatedor a logical assignment to the position. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in higher education administration,educational research, data analytics, student affairs, or a related field. Preferred Qualifications Master'sdegree in higher education administration, educational research, data analytics, student affairs, or a related field. Minimum oftwo years of progressively responsible experience in student success, retention, institutional research, or related areas. Demonstrated experience working with student data systems, analytics, and reporting tools. Strong understanding of studentdevelopment, engagement strategies, and retention theory. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present data-driveninsights to a wide audience. Experience at a regional public university or similar institution. Familiarity withpredictive analytics, CRM or student success platforms, and dashboarding tools. Licenses/Certifications N/A Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Data-informed decision-making Collaborative leadership Strategicthinking and project management Student-centered mindset Ability to bridge technical data work with relational studentengagement Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example Must be a professional, credible and respectedrepresentative of the institution internally and in the community Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically andsocially responsible Ability to communicate in a courteous manner Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those thatmust be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Frequently communicate and exchangeinformation with others Frequently stand and walk throughout the facility Frequently reach with hands and arms; grasp andmanipulate objects Occasionally climb or balance, move up and down from floor level Occasionally perform repetitive wrist orfinger movements Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing theessential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentialfunctions . Supervisory Responsibility This position may provide direct supervision to individual contributors and offerscontinuous performance feedback. The role may also involve active participation in departmental activities to meet schedules and resolveissues as needed. East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital status, genetic information, or status asa veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, andeducational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: EmploymentServices Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Danley Hall 111, Ada, OK 74820, (580) 559-5260. Please ensure you have completed the EqualOpportunity Data Form with your application. Equal Opportunity Data Form.pdf