Director of Student Services and Success

Job Description Summary

The Director of Student Services and Success provides strategic and operational leadership for student services in the College of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park. The role advances an inclusive, end-to-end student experience by overseeing integrated teams that support students from orientation through graduation, certification and career entry.

The Director manages undergraduate and graduate student services, including recruitment, admissions, advising, records, degree completion and engagement, while overseeing staff, budgets and student success initiatives aligned with institutional priorities and compliance requirements. Serving as the primary contact for undergraduate advising, the Director represents the Dean’s Office on policy interpretation and exceptions.

The position leads key areas, including graduate admissions, advising and student systems, driving data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Responsibilities also include oversight of academic records and processes, including registration, graduation clearance, certification, academic standing and NCAA compliance.

Additionally, the Director advances student organizations, co-curricular engagement, and initiatives that promote belonging, retention, and student success.

Physical Demands: Extended periods of desk and computer work. Frequent typing, data entry and document preparation. Effective communication in person, by phone and via virtual platforms. Occasional standing, walking and movement across campus for meetings and events. Occasional light lifting (10-20 lbs.). Ability to travel for meetings, programs and university events. Periodic extended hours during peak cycles (advising, orientation, commencement, admissions, graduation clearance). Ability to maintain accuracy and professionalism in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.

Licenses/Certifications: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Ten (10) years of experience in higher education, academic advising, student personnel administration, or counseling. Five (5) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of student advising and counseling best practices.

Knowledge of program management and administration best practices.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products.

Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Additional Job Details

The College of Education's (CoE) Office of Student Services' (OSS) mission is to provide students with assistance throughout their educational careers.

Undergraduate Studies: CoE offers multiple program areas of specialization and degree options, including combined 5-year Bachelor's and Master's degree programs as well as double major and minor programs.

Graduate Studies: CoE's Graduate Studies programs offer degrees with multiple areas of specialization. The three departments offer highly rated programs and faculty, along with opportunities to study abroad.

Preferences:

• Master’s degree in higher education, teacher education, education, student affairs, counseling, public administration, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of academic policies, student information systems, and higher education compliance requirements

Experience:

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in student services, academic advising, admissions, or higher education administration
• Proven experience supervising staff and managing complex administrative operations
• Experience coordinating advising, admissions, and academic records functions
• Demonstrated ability to use data to inform decisions, improve processes, and advance student success outcomes
• Experience working with diverse student populations and advancing inclusive practices

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive knowledge of higher education student services operations, including advising, admissions, recruitment, and academic records management
• Knowledge of student lifecycle frameworks and best practices that support retention, persistence, and degree completion
• Knowledge of educator preparation requirements and compliance with university, state, and federal regulations
• Knowledge of student information systems, data management practices, and reporting processes
• Familiarity with transfer policies and articulation systems, including ARTSYS
• Knowledge of inclusive practices and strategies to support diverse student populations, including first-generation and transfer students

Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership and personnel management skills, including supervising, mentoring, and developing professional staff
• Strong strategic planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex operations
• Proficiency in data analysis and assessment to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, staff, and senior leadership
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills, including interpreting policies and making sound administrative decisions
• Ability to manage budgets and oversee operational processes efficiently

Abilities:

• Ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional teams in a complex organization.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and clearly communicate academic policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to design and implement initiatives that improve student access, retention, and completion.
• Ability to analyze challenges and develop actionable strategies to remove barriers to student success.
• Ability to build and sustain collaborative partnerships across academic and administrative units.
• Ability to cultivate an inclusive, student-centered environment that fosters belonging and engagement.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and leadership in high-stakes or sensitive situations.

Required Application Materials:

Best Consideration Date:

July 21, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Job Risks

Financial Disclosure Required

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

Worker Sub-Type

Salary Range

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

• Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online

Search Firm Managed Recruitment

There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm.

Please visit the link below to see these available opportunities:

Search Firm Managed Vacancies