Director of Academic Engagement

Director of Academic Engagement & First Year Success Job No: 558780 | Work Type: Management (MPP) | Location: Pomona | Categories: MPP, At-Will, Full Time, Student Services, On‑site (work in‑person at business location) Type of Appointment: Full Time, At‑Will Job Classification: Administrator II Anticipated Hiring Range: $7,519 per month Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (some after hours and weekends) THE DEPARTMENT The Office of Student Success (OSS) provides institution‑level leadership, strategic direction, and coordination for a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services designed to support the academic success of Cal Poly Pomona’s diverse student population. OSS advances university priorities related to access, equity, retention, and timely degree completion by aligning student‑success initiatives across the institution. OSS leads university‑wide academic advising efforts and develops, implements, and continuously improves academic support and intervention strategies that promote student progression and achievement. OSS plays a central role in shaping policies, practices, and initiatives related to advising, student success, and academic engagement. OSS provides oversight and guidance on academic policies and student‑success matters, and manages student petitions related to academic standing, including general academic petitions, withdrawals, grade appeals, and academic renewal. Through a coordinated network of programs and services, OSS works collaboratively with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and academic colleges to ensure a cohesive and student‑centered experience. Units and programs within OSS include University Advising, the Bronco Advising Center, California Promise, E‑Advising tools, First‑Year Experience (FYE), I Am First, Bronco Navigators, PolyTransfer Program, Bronco Scholars Program, the Learning Resource Center, the Reading, Advising and Mentoring Program (RAMP), Testing Services, STEM SUCCESS, and AANHPI Initiatives. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership, Management & Supervision Lead assigned student success and transition programs, ensuring alignment with the University Strategic Plan, Academic Affairs priorities, and systemwide initiatives. Serve as HEERA manager for professional and student staff across Bronco Scholars, Early Engagement, First‑Year Experience (FYE), and I Am First. Oversee hiring, onboarding, supervision, evaluation, and professional development of staff. Foster collaboration across programs to support a cohesive early engagement and first‑year experience. Translate divisional priorities into clear program plans, timelines, and expected outcomes. Contribute to OSS leadership team discussions and support division‑wide student‑success strategies. Program Management Provide strategic and operational leadership for a portfolio of student‑success programs that collectively improve college readiness, support successful transition to the university, and increase first‑year retention and engagement. Ensure programs are aligned, coordinated, and contribute to a seamless student experience from pre‑college through the first year. Establish consistent practices across programs, including outreach, onboarding, communication, and student support. Use data, student feedback, and outcomes to improve program effectiveness and guide decision‑making. Bronco Scholars Program Direct the design and implementation of summer bridge and first‑year transition programming. Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and coordination of academic and student support services. Ensure delivery of academic preparation, enrichment, and engagement activities that support student readiness and early success. Coordinate with campus partners to align summer program with academic‑year programming and student support services. Early Engagement (EAP, CAMINOS, K‑16 Initiatives) Lead college readiness, outreach, and assessment efforts across the K‑16 pipeline. Develop and maintain partnerships with K‑12 districts, community colleges, and regional organizations. Align early engagement efforts with enrollment management goals, access initiatives, and institutional priorities focused on college readiness and student preparation. Support grant‑funded programs, ensuring compliance, coordination, and measurable impact. Connect early engagement efforts with transition programs to strengthen the pathway into the first year. First‑Year Experience (FYE) Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of FYE programs, including Common Read, PolyX, and the FYE course. Collaborate with academic colleges to design curriculum, establish learning outcomes, and support instructional quality. Oversee learning communities and campus‑wide transition initiatives that promote student engagement and persistence. Use assessment data to evaluate effectiveness and inform program improvements. Serve as Chair of the FYE Program Committee and Co‑Chair of the FYE Faculty Committee, and collaborate closely with the FYE Faculty Chair. I Am First (First‑Generation Initiatives) Lead campus‑wide initiatives that support the success and belonging of first‑generation students. Develop and implement programs, events, and communications that promote engagement and persistence. Oversee mentorship programs and coordinate cross‑campus support strategies. Maintain and advance the institution’s First‑Gen Forward designation through planning, assessment, and campus engagement. Assessment, Reporting & Data‑Informed Decision Making Develop and implement assessment strategies to evaluate program effectiveness. Track student outcomes including transition, retention, and persistence. Partner with Institutional Research to inform program improvements. Prepare reports for divisional leadership and external stakeholders. Campus Partnerships, Communication & Representation Collaborate with Enrollment Services, Outreach, Admissions, Academic Colleges, and Student Affairs. Coordinate across the Office of Student Success to align programs, services, and communications. Represent programs on university, divisional, and systemwide committees and initiatives. In partnership with the OSS Communications Team, develop communication strategies to increase student awareness, engagement, and participation. Budgeting, Resource Planning & Fiscal Oversight In partnership with OSS’s Student Success Analyst and AVP, manage program budgets across state and grant‑funded resources. Monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with university policies. In partnership with the AVP, support grant development, implementation, and sustainability of programs. QUALIFICATIONS Master’s Degree – Higher Education, Education, Counseling, or related field. At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in student success, early engagement, or first‑year programs. Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing programs. Experience with assessment and data‑informed decision‑making. Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills. Demonstrated commitment to improving student academic outcomes and supporting student persistence and completion across all student populations. Ability to understand problems from a broad perspective and anticipate impact. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Ability to build campus relationships to expedite work and projects. Collaborative management style, outstanding written and oral communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to lead staff. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, staff, and community partners from varied backgrounds and with varied educational experiences. Ability to effectively utilize technology in the delivery of services. Ability to problem‑solve, collect, and analyze data and develop effective policies and practices. Selected finalist will undergo a credit check and fingerprinting process. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Doctorate in a related field. Experience with early engagement or K‑16 partnerships. Experience leading first‑year or transition programs. Experience managing grant‑funded initiatives. Experience within the CSU system. Equal Employment Opportunity Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Pomona provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Pomona complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. As a federal contractor, Cal Poly Pomona complies with the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and requests priority referral of protected veterans for our job openings. #J-18808-Ljbffr