Assistant Director Student Services

Position Title:

Assistant Director Student Services

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree
Experience supervising staff, graduate and undergraduate students.
Experience advising, mentoring or working with undergraduate students in higher education.
Experience developing, implementing, monitoring, and assessing programs and related personal training.
Experience with higher education academic standards, policies and procedures.
Experience with student management systems.

Job Description:

The Dean’s Office for Academic Innovation and Student Success within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University is seeking an Assistant Director for Student Services and Success. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academic Innovation, this position will provide leadership, programming, and strategic vision for student services, success, and retention efforts across the college.

The Assistant Director will oversee staff responsible for delivering student services and implementing academic policies, standards, and student management systems. Key responsibilities include supporting academic advising, leading retention efforts and student success programs such as CALS Smart Steps and Pro Steps, as well as managing orientation and learning communities. This role involves interpreting and enforcing college and university policies, managing data, and providing insights to the Associate Dean for Academic Innovation, faculty, and staff involved in shaping the undergraduate experience. The position requires collaboration with various CALS offices, including Recruitment, Collaborative Partnerships, Scholarships, Academic Innovation, and Career Services, and represents the college on multiple university and college committees.

The ideal candidate will be highly focused on student success, bringing exceptional skills in project management, problem-solving, initiative, leadership, and team building. They should have a strong understanding of student retention and success trends, experience with assessment and data-driven decision-making, and proven abilities in program implementation. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential for effectively delivering programs, training, and information to a diverse range of individuals. A high level of professionalism and the ability to work effectively with campus and college partners and stakeholders, including faculty, staff, donors, and alumni, is required.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a passionate professional to make a meaningful impact on student success and retention within a supportive and collaborative environment. We are looking for a creative thinker who is ready to dive in and lead new initiatives.  The Dean’s Office for Academic Innovation and Student Success has a strong reputation for fostering a collegial atmosphere and working together to support students in big and small ways. If you care deeply about students and are committed to making a difference in their lives, this role will be particularly rewarding. You will have the chance to develop and implement fresh ideas, such as innovative training and professional development opportunities, and explore new ways to engage and build community among students and staff. You won’t be doing this work alone — you will collaborate closely with a team of dedicated professionals who are eager to be involved and contribute. This role is perfect for someone excited to lead, drive change, and create a lasting impact on the college community.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. 

Level Guidelines
• Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit
• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports
• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals
• Supervises a small department or work team
• Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS809

Application Instructions:

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