Director, Student Services

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students in its nine colleges and schools. Successful candidates should have a knowledge of and commitment to the goals of Jesuit Education.

About the role

Reporting to the Dean and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Director of Student Services provides leadership, subject-matter expertise, administrative leadership, and operational oversight of Student Services across all campuses and programs. The Director ensures the effective delivery of essential services, including academic advisement, registration, and professional licensure support, while collaborating with leadership to develop institutional policies and initiatives. This role serves as a primary liaison between GSS faculty, University administrative units, and external stakeholders to enhance the student experience. The position requires periodic travel and occasional evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for direct day-to-day operations and supervises Student Services staff across all GSS campuses and programs.
• Collaborates with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in developing academic course offerings and schedules.
• Develops and implements student support best practices for academic planning, advisement, registration, orientation, professional development, career services, and graduation to facilitate timely degree completion and professional social work licensure.
• Oversees academic progress interventions and student administrative reviews to resolve complex issues, including grade changes, leaves of absence, and withdrawals, applying critical analysis and ethical judgment.
• Ensures the accuracy and integrity of student records, including grades, degree audits, and DegreeWorks management, in strict accordance with FERPA regulations.
• Establishes, maintains and implements student policies and handbook guidelines to ensure institutional compliance and enhance the quality of the student experience.
• Leads student support services, including social-emotional well-being, referrals (e.g., Disability Services, Counseling), and conflict resolution.
• Designs career services and professional programming through partnerships with community organizations to provide workshops, career fairs, and networking opportunities for students.
• Develops clear, effective, and diplomatic communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represents the Student Services function within the University and to external stakeholders, including national organizations and community partners, to enhance the visibility of GSS programs.
• Models and fosters a culture of respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations and communications.
• Facilitates Student Services department meetings and participates in GSS committees as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in higher education student services and academic administration.
• Technical proficiency with a variety of educational platforms and software applications/systems.
• Working knowledge of Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.
• Excellent analytic, organizational, and time management capabilities with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ethical, sound judgment, detail-oriented, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Leadership and initiative in effective problem resolution.
• Ability to adapt and help staff adapt to changing priorities in a complex environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relational skills with a customer-service orientation.
• Strong diplomatic communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to function independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program.

Benefits

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short and long-term disability; employee assistance program (EAP); tuition remission; and generous time off.

Pay

Minimum Starting Salary: $120,000
Maximum Starting Salary: $135,000

Schedule

• Scheduled Hours Per Week: 35
• Work Arrangement: Onsite Hybrid

Periodic travel and occasional evening and weekend work required.