College of Education - Director of Student Success, Planning & Retention

About Sacred Heart University As one of the nation's largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; School of Computer Science & Engineering and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si' campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 391

Colleges:

2026

Edition and Best Business Schools:

2025 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu View SHU's Faculty Experts Here To apply Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions. Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position. Position Summary This position plays a critical role in advancing student success through strategic advising, data-informed planning, and collaborative academic initiatives that support retention, persistence, and degree completion. The Director will work closely with faculty, program directors, and college leadership to enhance the student experience across undergraduate and graduate programs. For best consideration, please apply by April 17th. Principal Duties & Responsibilities Student Advising & Success Provide individualized and group academic and career advising for undergraduate and graduate students Support students in goal setting, degree planning, and academic decision-making Develop and maintain individualized programs of study and official degree plans Monitor student academic progress and implement early intervention strategies Retention & Student Success Initiatives Design, implement, and assess academic success programs aligned with college strategic goals Collaborate with faculty and staff to enhance student persistence, retention, and graduation outcomes Collect and incorporate feedback from students, faculty, and staff to improve support services Participate in orientation and other academic success events Data Analysis & Strategic Planning Analyze student performance trends to identify areas for targeted intervention Partner with Assistant and Associate Deans to interpret data and refine academic support strategies Utilize student information systems and data visualization tools to support advising and reporting Contribute to enrollment planning, including budget projections and reporting Academic Collaboration & Operations Serve as a liaison to faculty regarding academic planning and curriculum alignment Collaborate with program directors to develop and maintain online orientation programs Assist with semester course scheduling and long-term academic planning Work with department chairs and program directors on plans of study and curriculum coordination Opportunity to teach one undergraduate course per semester within FCEHD, depending on qualifications and program needs Supervision & Program Coordination Supervise graduate assistants and student staff Coordinate academic success programming and interventions Collaborate with university offices to enhance the overall student experience Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes Bachelor's Degree required Minimum of five (5) years of full- time professional experience in higher education Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs preferred Experience in academic advising and/or student success programming Demonstrated ability to use data to inform decision-making and improve student outcomes Experience with student success technologies, early alert systems, or case management platforms Experience designing, implementing, and assessing retention or student success initiatives Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Ellucian, Student Planning, Advise) Experience collaborating across academic and administrative units Commitment to supporting diverse student populations and advancing equitable student success outcomes Experience with curriculum planning, course scheduling, or academic program coordination Unusual Working Conditions Some nights and weekends required This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied. Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.