Director, First-Year Experience - Knoxville, United States - Pellissippi State Community College

Description

Title: Director, First-Year Experience

This is a grant-funded position until September 30, 2028

Department: Student Affairs

Number of Positions: 1

Classification: 3m/Campus Mobile

Position #:

Type of Appointment: Full-Time

Pay Rate: $51,170 - $63,600.00/per year. Pay will be determined based on related work experience above required. To be considered in determining pay, all related work experience must be listed on the application.

Required Documents Needed to Upload at Time of Application: Resume, transcripts and three professional references.

Reference check requirements: Non-supervisory roles: three (3) current or former supervisors

Personal references (friends, co-workers, clergy, customers, relatives) are not considered acceptable references

Position Summary: The Director of First-Year Experience Programs at Pellissippi State shapes first-year students' social, academic, and career paths through strategic leadership and oversight of high-impact programs and services. Responsibilities include creating, assessing, and maintaining a comprehensive First-Year Experience focused on student recruitment, progression, and retention, with an emphasis on low-income and first-generation students. Additionally, the role involves stewarding the Title III grant funds, guiding students through their college journey, and facilitating their transition into the workforce or transfer. The FYE Director facilitates transition programming, engages students in co-curricular pathways, directs onboarding activities, and oversees Peer Mentor programming.

Essential Functions:

40%​ The Director will have strategic oversight of the First-Year Experience, including, but not limited to, providing strategic direction and accountability for developing programs and implementing high-impact practices and services that support academic transition, engaging first-year experiences, retention, and success.

The incumbent will have oversight and shared responsibility for the operational and programmatic functions for key FYE components, including but not limited to:

25% Develop, create and collaborate on first-year initiatives that connect students to the college and beyond. Actively seek campus partnerships and respond to the needs and concerns of identified student populations. Build and strengthens relationships within the college and external partners to provide a comprehensive first-year experience for identified student populations aligned with the college mission and Title III project priorities. Work closely with academic affairs, student services, and external affairs to create a cohesive and supportive environment for first-year students. Collaborate with high schools, community organizations, and other partners to drive pre-college engagement activities. Build relationships with students, parents, educators, and community stakeholders to further enhance the value proposition of the Pellissippi Experience for prospective students.

25% Support early academic alert intervention strategies for first-year students through extensive interaction and collaboration with the Stay Strong Center.

Employ data analysis skills to interpret complex data sets, drawing meaningful conclusions to inform program development and assessment. Maintain records and statistics; retrieve and compile statistical data and prepare and submit reports and/or communications. Utilize technology proficiently in the management and analysis of data to support decision-making processes. Design and implement comprehensive program evaluation strategies to assess effectiveness and impact. Collaborate with the Title III project staff to assess project effectiveness using data-driven insights for continuous refinement and enhancement. Assist in the submission of annual program action plans, reviews, and Title III Annual Performance Reports. Adhere to data collection, storage, and dissemination practices per federal regulations, institutional policies, and any other relevant guidelines. Effectively utilize technology tools such as Banner, Argos, 25Live, Navigate, Comevo, and Pelli-Biz to support the operational needs of the Title III project and Pellissippi State Community College at large.

5% Maintain an understanding of current ideas, research, and practices pertaining to the areas of responsibility for this position through continued study and participation in professional development.

5% Participate in FYE program-related meetings with key committees and work groups. Serve on college committees as requested and appropriate.

Note: The College reserves the right to change or reassign job duties, or combine positions at any time.

Key Results Areas:

Engaged in achieving Pellissippi State's 5-year institutional objectives concerning specified metrics for headcount enrollment, persistence rates, retention rates, transfer, and graduation rates among first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students.

Assist expansion & enhancement of learning support systems (., coaching, mentoring, , resulting in 100% of first-time, full-time (FTFT) students being assigned a Student Success Team by 2028

Assist in expanding Student Success Team assignments (coach, advisor, Career Mentor) to all first-time, full-time students, resulting in an increased percentage of FTFT students who complete 12+ college credits in their first term and 24+ credits in their first year.

By 2028, lead the achievement of 100% of Title III grant deliverables impacting Pellissippi's First Year Experience as outlined in the Title III SIP grant.

Contribute to the percentage increases in first-year student success outcomes defined by the Title III grant, SENSE Survey metrics, and Pellissippi's Strategic priorities. Metrics may include but are not limited to persistence and retention rates, credit accumulation, and sense of belonging.

Conduct annual surveys to gather student feedback on FYE experiences, aiming for a designated percentage response rate, as determined by the supervisor's director. Implement changes based on feedback, demonstrating continuous enhancement of the student experience.

Successful implementation and scaling out of all the features of a Peer Mentoring program by 2026.

Facilitate a designated number of collaborative initiatives with high schools, community organizations, and other partners.

Serve a specified number of students through student orientation, summer bridge, training, transitional programs, workshops, and academic support programs to enhance pre-college engagement and ensure full matriculation of students— Programming quantity will be determined in collaboration with the incumbent's supervisor. The quality of these sessions will be assessed against baseline data, when available, and improvement rates will be co-established by the Director and their supervisor.

Implement a comprehensive First Year Experience Program that will positively impact

total fall enrollment, fall-to-fall retention, 3-year graduation rates, and 6-year graduation rates.

Job Requirements:

Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% credit of full-time work experience.

Skills & Abilities:

Complexity & Creativity:

Coordination of pre-college programs and new student orientation/first-year experience programs involve aligning student development theory, best practices, and college resources with student needs to provide high-quality service to students. Resources may, at times, be scarce or shared, so it can be a challenge to make the necessary adjustments to work around limitations in staffing, facilities, and other resources. Decisions about the size, scheduling, and frequency of events are often a puzzle to solve. Analysis, technical knowledge, diplomacy, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking skills are essential. Moreover, the strategic scaling of student success programs will require well-thought-out and carefully considered planning, collaboration, and budgetary decisions that may involve the elimination of legacy programs and planned growth of new programs. In Student Affairs, there are office policies that all staff are expected to follow. Also, there are specific guidelines (both at the department level and college level for handling student issues. FERPA policies also govern the information that we can share with parents and family members.

Magnitude of Impact:

The breadth of the impact of the First Year Director position is college-wide, affecting every new student and multiple departments with academic affairs, student services, external affairs, and external community partners. The quality of the first-year experience can significantly improve student success and retention. While there are other factors in student success, an initial understanding of college expectations and successful transitioning to the college environment helps students begin a relationship that can provide continued support throughout their time at the college. When done well, pre-college programs and first-year experiences give students the necessary tools to identify and clarify their educational goals, engage with peers, and build early connections to the college, thus increasing the probability that they will complete a degree here or successfully transfer to complete a degree.

Responsibility for Accuracy:

Typical errors would be misjudgments as to event size, staffing needs, and orientation content scope. Errors are likely to be corrected by an employee with experience.

Work quantity and quality is verified by numerous departments and employees who assist with orientation across five campuses. Verification is daily/weekly for six months of the year. If errors are undetected, new students will not gain accurate and necessary information/skills for a successful start in college. College resources (including staff time) would be wasted.

The employee's responsibility for accuracy is paramount, as any errors in decision-making could have significant financial implications. Ensuring precise execution of strategies, activities, milestones, and deliverables outlined in the Title III Grant, particularly in establishing and integrating the First Year Experience program, is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. Lack of collaboration or inaccuracies may lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and potential financial losses. Therefore, the employee's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy are essential to mitigate risks and optimize financial outcomes in the role.

Prompt communication of changes is crucial to avoid communication errors. Not being aware of changes can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and even loss of business. By disseminating information in a timely manner, employees can prevent errors and maintain positive relationships with clients and colleagues.

Financial Impact:

Decisions made hold significant financial implications, as they directly impact the successful execution of strategies, activities, milestones, and deliverables outlined in the Title III Grant, notably impacting the establishment and integration of the First Year Experience program. These choices may subsequently affect the college's capacity to secure further grant-funded opportunities. Lack of collaboration could result in inefficiencies and missed opportunities, leading to increased costs or the misallocation of resources. Therefore, collaboration, crucial to the role, involves collective decision-making with various college departments, such as the Stay Strong Center, Advising, Tutoring, and Academic Affairs, to ensure optimal financial outcomes.

Budgetary:

The employee is accountable for managing budgets and will collaborate closely with the Title III Project Director to set budget priorities and allocations for the $2.2 million Title III grant. They are tasked with monitoring expenses and compiling semi-annual reports detailing expenditures in accordance with federal grant guidelines. Their adept handling and careful stewardship of grant funds directly influence future funding. Further, the employee's adherence to Uniform Grant Guidance not only ensures the success of the current grant but also enhances the institution's eligibility for future grant opportunities.

Judgement and Decisions:

Hiring of peer mentors, scheduling of Orientation programming, decisions related to the Student Orientation budget. Incumbent has significant authority to guide and direct the programmatic content of new student pre-college programs. Decisions will be presented the Title III Project Director, Dean of Students and/or the Vice President of Student Affairs for final approval.

Nature of Contacts:

The nature of the job necessitates frequent communication and collaboration with other individuals, either face-to-face or over the phone. The employee's responsibilities require active listening, thoughtful responses, and effective communication skills to facilitate productive interactions with others.

The employee is in communication with most college departments and some outside organizations. Internally, the employee communicates with personnel in the following departments or areas regularly:

Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Services, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students, Directors of Admissions, Career Development, Records, Financial Aid, Multicultural Center, Advising, TRiO Student Support Services, Testing Center, Disability Services, Student Engagement and Leadership, Student Recreation, Student Accounts, Information Technology, Veteran's Services, Facilities, Marketing & Communication, Information Center, Counseling, Pre-Nursing Advising Center, Curriculum Department, Academic Student Support, Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS), Athletics, Foundation Office, Catering, Bookstore, Business and Community Services, Business Office, Payroll, Human Resources, Computer Helpdesk, Library, Asst. Dean of Students, Educational Technology Services, Service-Learning, Institutional Effectiveness, Applications Programming Support, and Housekeeping.

Campus deans, faculty and staff at Blount County Campus, Magnolia Avenue Campus, and Strawberry Plains Campus, Academic Deans, faculty, and support staff for, Liberal Arts, Math, Natural and Behavioral Sciences, Engineering and Media Technologies, English, and Business and Computer Technology. Employee is in communication with the following outside organization:

Vendors for event materials and services, TN Promise Scholarship Program, University of Tennessee Volunteer Bridge Program, which includes New Student and Family Orientation, Marketing, First Year Studies Office, and Admissions. Numerous university, college, and community college FYE directors/staff nationally, Association for Orientation Transition Retention in Higher Education (NODA), National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), National Resource center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition

Interactions include providing and gaining information, discussing and seeking understanding, and resolving conflicts when department goals are misaligned, and staff concerns must be addressed.

The FYE Director's successful completion of strategies, activities, milestones, and deliverables impact the college at large and the Title III Grant which, in turn, impact the college's strategic objectives and mission.

Leadership:

Employee supervises 15-20 student peer mentors who will contract approximately 5 months each year. Employees work on all five campuses. An essential function is hiring, training, coaching, disciplining and sometimes discontinuing employment for this group. Employee will also supervise 1-2 temporary part-time employees.

Physical Demands:

Mobility is necessary for event facilitation and preparation. Boxes and other event materials must be moved from campus to campus, but carts are available.

Audible demands? Yes. Employee facilitates event sessions and communicates with students and staff on a regular basis.

Visual demands: Yes, employee drives between campuses. Employee creates and edits documents; color perception is important. Employee observes events/presentations where situational awareness is important.

Full-time Employment Benefits:

• Insurance Options Health, dental, vision, life, short/long-term disability, FSA/HSA Wellness Incentive Program, if enrolled in health plan

• Educational Assistance Fee Waiver Spouse/Dependent discounts Audit/Non-Credit Reimbursement Program

• Employee Assistance Program

• Retirement options Tennessee traditional pension plan option (TCRS) 401k with $50 company match/457/403b

• Employee Discount program with over 900+companies

• 13 Paid Holidays/Year Includes paid days off the last week of December

• Sick Leave Bank

• Longevity Pay

• Many opportunities for professional development

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Pellissippi State, you must create an on-line application. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Work experience that is not listed on the application will not be considered towards compensation. Please note: attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience. Please note: to scan, upload, or attach documents, a computer and scanner are available at the Hardin Valley Campus Educational Resources Center, if needed.

Pellissippi State Community College is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer