Student Transition and Success Program Manager II

About the Role

Manages the day-to-day operations of a large university program or department, including the supervision of staff employees, student workers, programs or processes. Plans and develops procedures for administering a large or complex department or program. Manages fiscal activities, including procurement and budget analysis. Provides guidance to subordinate staff and evaluates performance.

Key Duties

• Prepares abstracts, research reports, funding proposals, operations and procedure manuals, and other written material and documentation
• Creates and reviews reports of expenditures and activities
• May administer grants and grant-related communications, scholarships and other operations
• Develops, implements and maintains appropriate policies and procedures
• May serve as property custodian for the department
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities

• Serves as a key contributor to Retention and Graduation Initiatives' efforts to support student transition, engagement, and persistence
• Oversees the planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of transition- and retention-focused initiatives, including First-Year Cohort initiatives, and specific initiatives for first-year students in UHin4, Cougar Tracks, DENS, the First-Year Class Photo, and other student success programs
• Develops, implements, and assesses programs and services that support students during key transition points, including entry to the University of Houston, progression through the first year, and continued advancement toward degree completion
• Collaborates with campus partners to design and execute strategic initiatives that promote student engagement, belonging, academic success, and retention
• Monitors participation and student outcomes, maintains program records, and ensures alignment with departmental and university goals related to student success and timely graduation
• Analyzes program data, prepares reports and recommendations, manages project timelines, supports student outreach and engagement efforts, and serves as a liaison among campus stakeholders to enhance the student experience and foster a seamless continuum of support from matriculation through graduation

Qualifications

Education: Requires a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of an analytical, technical or professional discipline; or the basic knowledge of more than one professional discipline. Knowledge of the discipline is normally obtained through a formal, directly job-related 4 year degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

Experience: Requires a minimum of one (1) year of directly job-related experience. Department is willing to accept education in lieu of experience. Department is willing to accept experience in lieu of education.

Certification/Licensing: None.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Experience working in higher education, student success, retention, academic advising, orientation, enrollment management, or related areas
• Demonstrated commitment to student-centered service and leadership through active listening, collaboration, responsiveness, and mutual respect
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives, stakeholders, and deadlines simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to interpret, apply, and communicate policies, procedures, and program requirements accurately and consistently
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners
• Experience planning, coordinating, and evaluating programs, events, and student engagement initiatives
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Public Administration, or a related field
• Two or more years of professional experience in student success, retention, first-year experience, academic support, advising, orientation, enrollment management, or related areas in higher education
• Experience supporting first-year student transition, engagement, and retention initiatives
• Experience developing, implementing, and assessing student success programs using data-informed practices
• Experience planning and coordinating large-scale student programs, events, and engagement activities
• Experience working with student information systems and student success technologies such as PeopleSoft, EAB Navigate, Salesforce, Slate, or similar platforms
• Knowledge of student retention, persistence, and degree completion strategies in a higher education setting
• Experience facilitating presentations, workshops, trainings, or outreach initiatives for students and campus partners