Director of Student Success and Advocacy

Provide primary leadership for Retention and Student Success strategies and Disability Support Services across the Columbus Service Area. This position is responsible for providing leadership and support in research, implementation, and evaluation of student success initiatives as well as administering and supervising support services for students with disabilities, which may include assessment, formulation of reasonable and effective accommodations based on documentation, supervision/hiring of necessary personnel, research and purchase of assistive equipment, intervention strategies, and involvement in community related organizations. The director must stay current with pedagogical and legal research related to retention, student success, and disabilities.

Student Success and Retention:

• Collaborates with campus leadership in efforts to increase retention and completion based upon established campus metrics.

• Develop and implement a system for mentoring and coaching of students to improve their retention based on established campus metrics.

• Manages the Summer Bridge program, which includes recruiting, enrollment assistance, and teaching the IvyT 111 course.

• Collaborates with Financial Aid and Academic Advising on developing, implementing, and monitoring strategies for assisting students on SAP warning and suspension and supporting them in getting back into good standing.

• Works closely the campus Ivy Achieves leads to ensure seamless and strategic outreach to students through case management, support, and programming.

• Collaborates with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to ensure accuracy and continuity of resources and services for college success.

• Utilize all necessary technology tools and resources appropriate for position responsibilities such as Accommodate, Banner, IvyConnect, etc.

• Actively participate in professional development opportunities and professional organizations, as well as college-wide committees, etc.

Advocacy:

• Oversee the initial assessment of students with disabilities who are requesting accommodations and evaluate the documentation received.

• Interview, supervise, and arrange compensation for necessary support personnel, such as sign language interpreters, advisors, note takers, and tutors.

• Maintain and manage the fiscal resources for students with disabilities.

• Provide leadership in selecting assistive equipment and teaching students with disabilities how to use this equipment.

• Implement College policies and procedures and maintain compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Stay current with legal decisions related to the ADA and Section 504, as well as pedagogical research on helping students with disabilities "learn to learn".

• Coordinate with Vocational Rehabilitation and other related agencies.

• Educate faculty and staff annually about ADA compliance and best practices within Disability Support Services.

• Help faculty to implement the accommodations listed on the accommodation notification form and serve as an advocate for students.

• Track and evaluate program impact and student success, including services provided, graduation statistics, student and faculty satisfaction, etc.

• Assist students with disabilities to find needed resources: tutoring assistance, study strategies, etc.

• Coordinate and integrate the disability program with other campus recruitment and retention initiatives.

• Conduct all activities within the established guidelines of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

• The above list of duties is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with the position may be assigned.

Hiring Range:

• $50,000 - $55,000, depending on education and years of relevant experience.

Work Location:

• Primary work location at Moravec Hall in Columbus, with the expectation to support students throughout the Columbus Service Area and travel to off-sites throughout the service area.

Benefits:

Full-time, benefits-eligible position with no enrollment waiting period. Exceptional benefit offerings, including:

• Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, spouse/child life insurance, long-term disability, and short-term disability.

• Retirement Plan with 10% Employer contribution, no match necessary, with no waiting period.

• Paid time off: vacation, sick time, holidays, winter break between December 25th and January 1st, and more. 

• Free Ivy Tech tuition for employees, spouses, and dependents.

• For those pursuing higher degrees, Tuition Reimbursement at other institutions.

• Opportunities for Professional Development.

• Eligible employer under the DOL Public Service loan forgiveness program.

• For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits​

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s in Student Personnel, Higher Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Psychology or related field preferred.

• Higher education administration or a related area preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of three (3) years of relative and/or progressive experience in advising and/or student services, counseling and guidance, adult and higher education, or an equivalent combination of education.

• Supervisory experience preferred.

• Broad knowledge of learning styles, study skills, and personality assessments and the ability to develop and maintain close working relationships with both internal and external constituents.

• Must demonstrate sensitivity and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds of students, faculty, and staff.

• Must also be able to build relationships through building trust and exhibiting excellent interpersonal communication skills.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.