Associate Director of Academic Enrichment in Chester

Widener University is currently seeking an Associate Director of Academic Enrichment in the Office of Student Success. This role provides support to the Office of Student Success and supports primarily Exploratory Studies students with onboarding, transition, and progression. The Associate Director of Academic Enrichment supports students in Exploratory Studies, Academic Transition, and Academic Recovery. This role focuses on proactive academic interventions, personalized advising, and holistic student support to promote retention, progression, and success.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

• Program Development & Assessment: Collaborate with the Executive Director to design, implement, and evaluate academic support programs and intervention strategies. Lead outreach efforts related to Early Assessment and academic alerts for targeted student populations.
• Academic Advising & Student Support: Serve as academic advisor for Exploratory Studies and Academic Transition students. Guide students through major exploration, career planning, registration, orientation, academic progression, financial aid appeals, and change of major processes. Manage the Exploratory Studies learning community.
• Data-Driven Student Success: Leverage predictive analytics to identify trends and proactively support students at risk. Use data to inform strategies that enhance student retention and progression.
• Supervision & Staff Development: Directly supervise part-time graduate student employees supporting Exploratory Studies, Academic Transition, and Academic Recovery initiatives.
• Holistic Student Support: Act as a resource for students facing academic, social, personal, or financial challenges. Build partnerships with campus departments such as Student Financial Services, Student Engagement and Transformations, and other Student Success units.
• Technology & Innovation: Stay informed on emerging technologies, including social media platforms and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance workflow efficiency and drive productivity.
• Professional Development: Actively pursue personal and professional development opportunities as recommended by the Executive Director of Academic Enrichment and the Associate Provost for Student Success.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Provide academic coaching across student populations as needed.
• Support academic advisors during Early Registration periods.
• Represent Academic Enrichment on university committees.
• Stay informed on best practices in academic advising, student success, and higher education trends.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission of the Office of Student Success and Widener University.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

• Master’s degree with progressive experience in higher education. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders.
• Proven capacity to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Student Information Systems.
• Knowledge and understanding of FERPA regulations and compliance.

Preferred:

• Experience in orientation programming and academic advising.
• Familiarity with supporting graduate and adult learner populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:

• Standard office environment with frequent walk-in traffic and high levels of in-person, electronic, and telephone interaction.
• Ability to move between workstations and various campus buildings as needed.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to support departmental operations.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, colour, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, colour, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.