Student Services Director

Rio Salado College Early College Department is seeking a dynamic and experienced Student Services Director to provide strategic leadership and direction for all Early College programs, including dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, Achieving a College Education (ACE), Career and Career & Technical Education (CTE), and outreach initiatives with over 50 partnering high schools across Maricopa County. The Director will oversee admissions, registration, recruiting, marketing, enrollment, and coaching activities for more than 9,000 early college students, ensuring high-quality experiences and successful student outcomes. The Director is responsible for program development, employee training and supervision, coordination with community partners, dual student enrollment, program completion, departmental review, data collection and reporting, faculty advisory, accreditation compliance, and the creation of new partnerships to expand and strengthen Early College initiatives. This position works closely and collaboratively with college and district personnel, including Enrollment Services, Academic Affairs, and District Office functions, to ensure alignment of policies, systems, and student support services. The Director leads continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the student experience from onboarding through program completion, ensures operational consistency and scalability across the Early College team, and uses data to inform program evaluation, decision-making, and strategic planning. By fostering partnerships, promoting staff development, advising faculty, and maintaining rigorous standards of program quality, the Student Services Director ensures that Early College programs effectively prepare students for academic and career success while meeting all regulatory and accreditation requirements. Essential Functions 40% - Program Leadership, Staff Supervision, Strategic Planning, and Innovation: Develops, administers, leads, and evaluates all Early College programs, including dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, ACE, and Career and Technical Education (CTE). Plans, organizes, trains, supervises, reviews, and evaluates Early College program staff. Leads strategic planning for Early College programs, develops departmental goals and objectives, and implements policy consistent with college and district directives. Researches, implements, and leads innovative strategies and best practices for Early College programs at the college, district, and state level. Provides faculty advisory support, ensuring faculty engagement and alignment with program goals. Analyzes program data, utilizes reports, and develops operational frameworks, including standard operating procedures, RACI matrices, and cyclical calendars, to support research-informed program evaluation, continuous improvement, and strategic decision-making. 40% - Partnership Development, Collaborative Enrollment, and District/Community Liaison: Develops, supports, and maintains partnerships with high schools, including creating new partnerships to expand Early College initiatives. Works collaboratively with faculty, admissions and registration, financial aid, cashier's office, faculty services, scheduling, and staffing to develop and implement processes and best practices for enrolling and coaching students under 18. Serves as a liaison with district offices, community organizations, and external agencies at local, state, and national levels, representing Early College programs and providing guidance and consultation to leadership. Works collaboratively to set goals, enhance, and ensure student success through partnerships. 10% - Compliance, Grants, Budget, and Program Administration: Plans, administers, and monitors departmental budgets, grants, and partner stipends, ensuring alignment with program goals and district financial policies. Ensures Early College programs comply with federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, and district policies. Responds to and resolves complex inquiries, requests, and complaints from students, families, and partners. Maintains operational reporting, data collection, and documentation to support informed decision-making, program evaluation, and continuous improvement. 10% - Student Completion, Marketing, Outreach, and Customer Service: Oversees, directs, and leads student completion initiatives for Early College programs. Develops and implements marketing, communication, and outreach strategies to engage students, families, and high schools across Maricopa County. Promotes program awareness, enrollment growth, and positive student outcomes. Provides high-quality customer service to students, families, high schools, and community partners, serving as the primary point of contact for complex inquiries or concerns.