The posting
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Assistant Director, Student Success, TRIO
Xavier University’s Office of Student Success is looking for an Assistant Director. The Assistant Director, TRiO, Student Success is responsible for promoting a positive and successful learning experience for students in an effort to increase student retention, success and completion. The primary responsibilities of this position are to provide comprehensive coaching/advising services in the areas of academic, personal, and career interests and keep confidential case notes; monitor students’ progress toward general education components. Assist participants in establishing realistic short-term and long-term goals concerning academic achievement, personal growth, career development and cultural awareness; teach seminar series based upon participants’ needs and program goals; maintain relationships with academic oriented offices; facilitate peer and professional tutoring programs; accompany and supervise participants on cultural activities and trips; and any other tasks that are assigned.
Job Responsibilities:
1. Provide comprehensive academic, professional and personal counseling and success coaching to students:
- Serve as primary academic advisor/success coach to a caseload of students and ensure a minimum number of meetings per semester as designated by the TRiO, SSS Grant and Persistence Plan. Assist teammates with their caseload and duties as necessary.
- Understand curriculum, policies, procedures, and campus and community resources and accurately share information as needed with students.
- Motivate students to make informed decisions that positively influence academic, personal, and professional development around topics such as time management, organization, career planning, test taking, study strategies, motivation, procrastination, goal setting and more. Be able to deliver in one-on-one sessions and in groups; face-to-face and in various electronic forms (i.e., Email and TEAMS).
- Monitors student assessment scores and program requirements and maintain advising logs (files & EAB) to track contact hours, issues, and outcomes of advising sessions and student portfolios (Binders) with appropriate documentation.
- Forge and maintain proactive working relationships with various campus stakeholders including faculty and staff.
- Assist students and faculty to problem solve issues that arise related to progress towards academic goals, persistence and attendance.
- Master a firm knowledge of other campus support offices and centers and make appropriate referrals. Serve as student’s primary source for which to navigate university life.
- Encourage students to form a connection to the campus that is consistent with their interests, goals, and development.
- Be sensitive to the confidentiality of students. Be knowledgeable, follow FERPA laws, and secure written permission from the student to speak with third parties as appropriate.
- Orient students to their rights and responsibilities and to the academic advising process.
- Be able to effectively execute technology including Banner, Degree Works, Student Success-Navigate, and FOCUS2 in every day work with students.
- Coordinate and implement academic, writing, and library workshops and activities designed to foster students’ growth.
- Coordinate professional, personal and cultural workshops and activities.
- Coordinate and implement professional tutoring program, including writing seminar.
- Coordinate and implement group for students who are on academic probation.
- Assist in training professional and faculty academic advisors as it relates to TRiO, SSS and how best to meet the needs of the students.
- Participate in various TRiO/Division orientation activities for students.
- Create and implement programs and seminars on various topics that promote student success.
- Serve as an advocate for students.
- Assess program effectiveness through workshops, semester and end of the year evaluations, combined with academic performance and standing.
2. Support strategic, university-wide persistence efforts:
- Provide targeted outreach and support for students at-risk for leaving the university. Collaborate with other academic support/advising offices, deans, and faculty.
- Understand and be able to implement retention/persistence strategies for the TRiO, SSS program and for caseload of assigned advisees.
- Be able to effectively manipulate data in various forms (i.e. software and Excel) to track and report outreach efforts.
- Identify institutional barriers to student success and make recommendations for changes as appropriate.
3. Support the mission, programmatic and administrative duties for the TRiO, Student Support Services Department and Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success:
- Serve as a liaison to specified academic and administrative offices and meet regularly. Share information with other members of the TRiO Department and EMSS Division.
- Track activity and create various reports utilizing Excel and other technologies.
- Stay abreast of research and industry knowledge and incorporate new methods and interventions in day-to-day work.
- Assist in the operational efforts of the office, which may include directing /supervising student employees, ensuring office openings and closure, answering phones and emails, website maintenance, policy and procedure development, marketing (publications, social media, etc.) and more.
- Must be able to work evening and weekend hours as needed.
- Stay current on trends and participate in professional development and benchmarking activities.
- Participate in various TRiO department, division and university-wide events.
Job Requirements:
- Master’s degree required in Counseling, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Social Work, or related field
- 1-3 years of related experience
To ensure consideration, interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume on Xavier University's website. Review of applications will start on October 26, 2026 and will be accepted until the position closes at the University’s discretion.
Candidates selected for the final stages of the interview process will be asked to provide the names and contact information of three professional references.
Xavier University is part of the 500-year-old Jesuit Catholic tradition of academic excellence in the liberal arts. Guided by our mission and values, we welcome and support members from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We unreservedly commit to open and free inquiry, deliberately seek out multiple perspectives, and create a campus where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Our campus is located in the vibrant and thriving city of Cincinnati, which has an array of neighborhoods and activities to suit many interests.
Benefits - applies only to full-time positions:
Xavier University offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and employment class:
- Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage.
- Tax advantaged accounts including health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care account.
- Financial security via life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
- Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave and holidays.
- Tuition remission for employees and their eligible dependents.
