JOB SUMMARY

The Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) team of The Graduate School seeks an energetic, collaborative, and creative leader for the position of Director of Graduate Student Success. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of The Graduate School, the Director of Graduate Student Success will provide strategic vision and operational leadership over the coordination, implementation, and promotion of best practices, centralized services, and cross-cutting programming designed to enhance graduate student success including access, experience, and outcomes.

The Graduate School will welcome a director who thrives on innovation and collaboration, and who seeks to develop, organize, and manage new partnerships and new initiatives to better support the academic and professional success of graduate students at the University of Connecticut. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual with the drive, skill, and experience to bring a proactive, student-centered approach to enhance graduate student experience and outcomes across the full range of academic programs housed in The Graduate School. This is a full-time regular payroll position based on the Storrs campus.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, identify, and promote best practices for promoting graduate student success based on practices at peer- and aspirant institutions and guidance from national and international professional organizations.
• Develop, deliver, and promote impactful, cross-cutting programming and centralized services to enhance graduate student success including orientation and onboarding programs; co-curricular and extra-curricular professional and skills development programs; leadership, advising, and mentoring programs; and wellness programs that support a diverse community of graduate students.
• Strengthen collaborations with university partners including the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, offices under the direction of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Student Success, individual schools, colleges, departments, to increase the quality, quantity, and cohesion of programs and services that enhance graduate student success.
• Track and assess the effectiveness of programs and services, and make data-driven strategic adjustments as needed.
• Monitor institutional and national trends and make suggestions for policy and procedure changes related to graduate student success with particular attention to supporting those from underserved communities.
• Along with other members of the GSPA team and University partners, advise and assist graduate students facing academic, professional, or personal concerns.
• Supervise staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students in carrying out the programs and services under this portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree plus six years of professional experience in student affairs or graduate education (or equivalent), with two of those six years serving as an advanced or senior team member, OR master’s degree plus four years of professional experience in student affairs or graduate education or a related field.
2. Demonstrated ability to develop and/or deliver effective educational, training, or enrichment programs for graduate or professional students, or other similar groups.
3. Demonstrated ability to support the needs of people working and learning at a major research institution, including international and first-generation students.
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
5. Demonstrated ability to work effectively on both an independent basis and as part of a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Strong understanding of graduate education and the challenges faced by graduate students.
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively complete complex projects that require extensive input and collaboration from others.
3. Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting.
4. Experience with customer relations management (CRM) software such as Slate and/or Learning Management Software (LMS), such as Blackboard.
5. Active involvement in student affairs and/or graduate education professional organizations.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/health-benefits/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498912 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 26, 2025. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.