The Vice President for Student Success is the Chief Student Affairs Officer of the College. The position will lead, manage and have budgetary responsibility for the Student Success division of the College and provide vision, planning and leadership for the active integration of enrollment management and student success strategies and goals throughout the college. This position plays a major role in and will direct decisions and implementation of policies and processes that affect all aspects of…
student recruitment, admissions, retention, completion, and conduct. It is a senior-level cabinet position reporting directly to the President.
The Vice President participates in all aspects of institution-wide planning in support of the mission and goals of the College, including meeting the needs of a diverse student population and creating a learning environment where all students can succeed. The Vice President provides leadership and continuous improvement for all designated Student Success functions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Strategic Leadership and Student Success
- Provides executive leadership for the College’s Student Success division, including student services, enrollment management, recruitment, retention, student development, and related support functions.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates comprehensive student success initiatives that support the College’s mission, strategic priorities, and enrollment goals.
- Leads long-range, mid-range, and annual planning efforts to advance student recruitment, enrollment, retention, persistence, and completion.
- Utilizes data and assessment results to evaluate program effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement evidence-based strategies.
- Leads the development, implementation, and continuous evaluation of the College’s strategic enrollment management and recruitment plans.
- Promotes and integrates Trauma-Informed and Resilience-Focused practices throughout the division.
- Ensures the delivery of high-quality, student-centered services and fosters a culture of exceptional customer service.
- Establishes measurable goals and assessment processes to support continuous improvement across Student Success programs and services.
- Promotes collaboration among Student Success departments and across the College to enhance student outcomes and operational effectiveness.
- Provides leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for Student Success personnel, including supporting professional development and employee growth.
Executive Leadership and Institutional Administration
- Serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and contributes to institutional planning, policy development, and strategic decision-making.
- Collaborates with the President and senior leadership to strengthen the College’s visibility, community engagement, partnerships, and resources.
- Develops, administers, and monitors Student Success budgets and resource allocation strategies.
- Serves as a member of the College’s risk management team.
- Oversees student conduct processes, student discipline, and the administration of student grievance procedures.
- Coordinates the Behavioral Evaluation and Threat Assessment (BETA) Team and facilitates appropriate follow-up actions and interventions.
- Represents the College with external organizations, educational partners, community groups, and governmental agencies on matters related to student success and enrollment management.
Compliance, Enrollment Management, and Community Engagement
- Ensures compliance with Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) requirements, reporting standards, and initiatives.
- Collaborates with institutional departments to ensure accurate submission of Management Information System (MIS) and other required state and federal reports.
- Provides leadership for student success initiatives, services, and programming at outreach and extension locations.
- Leads institution-wide recruitment, retention, and enrollment initiatives through cross-functional collaboration.
- Analyzes enrollment and retention trends and develops strategic recommendations to support institutional goals.
- Assists in identifying and pursuing external funding opportunities, including grants that support student success initiatives.
- Oversee the administration and compliance of federal, state, and locally funded grant programs related to Student Success.
- Coordinates commencement-related activities, including graduation rehearsal and commencement ceremonies.
- Maintains active engagement with K-12 partners, colleges, universities, community organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen educational pathways and student success initiatives.
- Serves on committees and participates in professional organizations, conferences, and activities that support the College’s mission and strategic priorities.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships and earn the trust and respect of faculty, staff, students, and community stakeholders.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to analyze data and use evidence-based decision-making to develop and implement strategies that improve institutional effectiveness and student outcomes.
- Knowledge of strategic planning, enrollment management, student development, and student success best practices.
- Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, regulations, and applicable laws.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and respond effectively in complex or sensitive situations.
- Ability to manage confidential information and resolve problems through critical thinking and effective decision-making.
- Knowledge of community college operations, Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) guidelines, and regulations relevant to Student Success functions.
- Knowledge of assessment practices, continuous improvement processes, and customer service principles.
- Understanding of Trauma-Informed and Resilience-Focused practices and their application in student support services.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Master’s Degree required in educational administration, student personnel, or related field and 2-5 years relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctorate degree
- Five to seven years of community college experience, including a minimum of five years in progressively responsible management or leadership roles.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) policies, Management Information Systems (MIS), reporting requirements, and applicable handbooks and regulations.
- Knowledge of student development theory and best practices in student success programming.
- Experience utilizing trauma-informed and resilience-focused approaches to support student success and engagement.
- Knowledge of student conduct, due process, and related policies and procedures.
- Understanding of current issues, trends, and emerging practices in student success, student development, and higher education.
- Experience with strategic planning, program development and implementation, resource allocation, and organizational effectiveness initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience in personnel management, employee development, change management, and strengths-based leadership practices.
Benefit Eligibility
- Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule
- The college recognizes both federal & state holidays
- Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Sick Leave
- Paid leave time (PTLA)
- Vacation
- College paid Life Insurance policy for full-time employees
- Additional Life Insurance options paid for by the employee
- Long-Term Disability Insurance provided by the college
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Retirement options which include retiree insurance
- Bereavement Leave
- Credit and Non-credit Classes College Tuition Waiver—Some exclusions apply.
- Free access to on campus Fitness Center
- One remote work day
- Summer Friday’s