Director of Student Support Programs

The Director of Student Support Programs provides strategic leadership and oversight for Baylor's diverse student populations. This role leads key initiatives, including VETS, transfer student success, high financial need scholarships, First in Line Program, and all first generation student programs . Additionally, the Director will serve on campus committees to develop strategies aimed at reducing retention gaps among special student populations.

A Bachelor's degree and five years of relevant work experience are required. A Master's degree and eight years of relevant work experience are preferred. 

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis. 

What You Will Do

Direct and oversee student support programs

• Supervises the Associate Director leading the First In Line Program, VETS, and Transfer initiatives. 
• Provides scholarship guidance to all program managers.
• Guides and supports programmatic decisions.
• Strategizes on collaborative efforts on and off campus.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of student support programs, using data to guide continuous improvement and innovation.

Strategize on the student success initiatives for special populations 

• Conduct regular assessments to identify the unique challenges and barriers faced by special populations, including academic, financial, and social factors.  
• Stay informed about emerging trends in student success and higher education to introduce innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of special populations.
• Assist the associate director with coordinating committee and scholarship work. 
• Partner with other units to address gaps in support for low-income and URM students.
• Champion and create opportunities for high financial need, first generation, underrepresented students, and veterans across Baylor in collaboration with other campus partners.

Develop and manage campus partnerships for student success

• Collaborate with university departments and external partners to enhance support services, ensuring equitable access to resources for all students.
• Develop and implement retention strategies focused on closing achievement gaps among special populations, including underrepresented, first-generation, and high financial need students.
• Serve on campus committees and working groups related to student success, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring alignment with university goals.

Scholarship Management and Awarding

• Manage program budgets, securing and administering external funding where applicable.
• Manage and administer scholarship funds designated for high financial need, first-generation, and other underrepresented student populations.
• Ensure the effective and efficient allocation of resources to support student success and retention.
• Partner with OneStop, Financial Aid, and Student Accounts Office to identify students with the highest financial need.
• Oversee the development and administration of scholarship applications, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and fairness in the selection process. 
• Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of scholarship programs in reducing financial barriers and improving student retention and success.

Supervision of full-time employees

• Meet biweekly with direct reports.
• Meet once a semester with indirect reports. 
• Provide professional and personal support to all direct reports. 
• Complete annual performance evaluations for all direct employees. 
• Approve and evaluate merit raises of all full-time employees. 
• Hold bi-weekly leadership team meetings. 
• Approve requests for time off.  

Other

• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission.
• Ability to comply with University policies.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance. 

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.  To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision,