Curtin University Dubai

POSITION SUMMARY
The Head of Student Success is a Leadership position responsible for developing and implementing strategies to enhance student retention, engagement, and success. This role involves overseeing various student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, counselling, career services, and other programs designed to support students throughout their academic journey.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Strategy
• Develop and implement a comprehensive student success strategy aligned with the institution’s goals and objectives.
• Lead and manage the Student Success team, providing guidance, support, and professional development.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate student success initiatives across all departments, with a focus on supporting non-native English speakers.
• Organizing and facilitating workshops and upgrading workshop resources.
• Mentor program coordination.
• Training interns and mentors.
• Understanding of assessment processes in higher education.
• Experience in developing and implementing intervention strategies.
• Understanding of assessment processes in higher education
• Experience in developing and implementing intervention strategies
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Student Retention and Achievement
• Design and oversee programs aimed at improving student retention, progression, and graduation rates, with tailored support for English language learners (ELL).
• Identify and address barriers to student success, particularly for at-risk, underserved, and ELL populations.
• Monitor and analyze student performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Support Services
• Oversee academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and other support services to ensure they effectively meet student needs.
• Develop and implement initiatives that support students’ academic, personal, and professional development, with special programs for ELL students.
• Provide resources and support for faculty and staff to enhance their ability to teach and assist ELL students.
• Experience in making schedules and events calendars.
• Skills in developing and enforcing policies related to student support and retention
• Experience in ensuring compliance with university regulations and standards

Data Analysis and Reporting
• Use data analytics to assess the effectiveness of student success programs and initiatives.
• Prepare and present regular reports on student success metrics to stakeholders, highlighting outcomes for ELL students.
• Utilize feedback from students, faculty, and staff to continuously improve services and programs.
• Proficiency in using administrative software, Blackboard, Word, Excel and Canva
• Experience in managing budgets and resources efficiently.

Collaboration and Communication
• Foster a culture of collaboration and communication among faculty, staff, and students.
• Engage with external partners, such as alumni and industry professionals, to enhance student opportunities and outcomes.
• Serve as a liaison between students and administration, advocating for student needs and concerns, particularly for ELL students.

Policy and Compliance
• Ensure all student success initiatives comply with institutional policies and regulations.
• Stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in student success and higher education.
• Develop and implement policies that support the inclusion and success of nonnative English speakers.

RELATIONSHIPS
• Engage with the Director – Learning & Teaching and Heads of Schools
• Work with internal stakeholders in Dubai.
• Treat all students, potential students, and parents with the utmost respect and patience, which includes never speaking harshly to them or raising your voice to them.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• Master’s degree in education, counselling, higher education administration, or a related field (Doctorate preferred).
• TESOL certification is required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in higher education, with a strong background in teaching.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong ethical standards and professionalism.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment.

LOCATION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
• This position is a full-time on-campus role.
• The role may entail travel to offsite locations for university engagements such as conferences, meetings, outreach, and partnerships.
• Flexibility for remote work based on approved workload.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
• Competitive compensation package aligned with the industry.
• Freezone company sponsored visa.
• Health insurance with a quality provider under the company’s group medical policy.
• Annual air ticket after the completion of one year.
• Annual leave as per the UAE Labour Law.
• Gratuity and end of service benefits as per the UAE Labour Law.
• Transport services or transport reimbursement if travelling is required offsite.
• Staff discounts on university programs and university’s short courses.

HOW TO APPLY
• Send your CV to [email protected]
• Provide your name, contact details (phone number and email), notice period.
• Specify the position you are applying for.