Executive Director of Student Success

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Director of Student Success

Gardner-Webb University invites applications for the Executive Director of Student Success, a key leadership role reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. This position provides strategic oversight of the Division of Student Success, supporting student persistence, retention, and academic achievement.

The Executive Director of Student Success, will lead a comprehensive, data-informed student success strategy designed to improve retention and graduation outcomes. This role collaborates across divisions of Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Student Development, and Institutional Effectiveness to support students from enrollment to completion.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage all operations within the Division of Student Success, including supervision of directors and staff.

· Develop and implement a comprehensive, resource-aligned student retention plan with effective, data-driven strategies.

· Build collaborative partnerships across campus to ensure a coordinated, visible, and accessible support system that fosters belonging.

· Serve as the Director of the University’s QEP (Quality Enhancement Plan), aligning efforts with accreditation and continuous improvement goals.

· Oversee programming including academic advising, coaching, first-year experience, student-athlete support, disability services, and academic success initiatives.

· Manage divisional budget, staff recruitment, training, and evaluation.

· Develop and assess workshops and outreach programs aligned with student needs and institutional priorities.

· Maintain accurate retention data and produce evaluative reports for planning and improvement.

· Oversee Student Success communications, including digital and print materials.

· Identify and pursue grant opportunities to support student success efforts.

· Represent the Division of Student Success on university-wide initiatives and committees.

· Remain informed and promote best practices in student success and communicate progress to university leadership.

· Responsibilities may evolve and include additional duties as assigned to meet institutional needs and priorities.

Qualifications

· Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred.

· Minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in education, student success, or social service roles serving various student populations.

· Demonstrated experience and ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage teams, and develop programs.

· Strong skills in program planning, data analysis, communication, and collaboration.

· Familiarity with QEP development and implementation preferred.

· Working knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations, and ADA compliance

· Understanding of and commitment to the mission, values, and Christian identity of Gardner-Webb University

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should complete the application and include a letter of interest, résumé, and names and contact information for at least three professional references with their submission.

Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,600 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2022, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 28 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and close to 600 student-athletes.