Director, Student Academic Success

Salary/Position Classification

• $86,400+ dependent on experience, annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position

The Director of Student Academic Success leads a dynamic, student-centered unit, working closely with partners across academic and student affairs to support student achievement. This role sets the vision for advising practices, staff training, and professional development, while championing innovative initiatives that enhance the student experience at UND.

As a senior leader within Student Academic Success & Career Engagement, the Director oversees a broad portfolio that includes academic advising, advising leadership, new student advising and registration, academic and career exploration, and transfer advising and onboarding. The position also partners closely with the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Student Success to advance institutional priorities.

The Director is responsible for shaping a forward-thinking vision for the unit by guiding professional staff, using data to inform decisions, and assessing the effectiveness of programs and initiatives. With a strong focus on student persistence and graduation, this role builds meaningful relationships with students, faculty, and staff, serving as a trusted resource and leader in fostering academic success and career readiness.

Duties & Responsibilities

65% – Leadership & Oversight 

• Provide administrative leadership for Student Academic Success areas.
• Direct and support academic advising, including core advising.
• Lead first-year advising and registration; collaborate with campus partners on new student onboarding.
• Oversee transfer advising, registration, and CTA processes; support transfer student onboarding.
• Direct Academic and Career Exploration initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate programming across the SASCE unit.
• Oversee retention software initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff.
• Promote staff professional development aligned with best practices and student needs.

25% – Strategic Support & Collaboration 

• Support the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and Student Success.
• Assist in leading campus-wide academic advising initiatives.
• Contribute to career readiness efforts.
• Support assessment of unit goals related to student retention.
• Collaborate on student persistence and retention initiatives.
• Provide guidance on first-year and transfer student transitions.
• Assist with oversight of budgets within SASCE and related areas.

10% – Professional Development & Service 

• Complete special projects as assigned.
• Serve on committees, task forces, and working groups.
• Engage in ongoing professional development (conferences, organizations, etc.).

Required Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrates accountability, sound judgment, and high-quality work.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively across multiple formats.
• Leadership/Initiative: Proactively identifies issues and implements solutions.
• Collegiality: Fosters collaboration, respect, and shared responsibility.
• Service to Students: Provides responsive, empathetic support and contributes to student success through both direct and indirect efforts.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree
• 3 years’ experience in higher education academic or student support roles
• 3 years’ experience supervising professional staff
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in higher education academic or student support roles
• 5 years with progressively increasing supervisory experience
• Experience in developing and executing student retention initiatives
• Experience in academic advising theories and practice
• Experience in leading office operations/budget/personnel issues

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references.