Interim-Director of Center for Academic and Career Success

Position:
Interim Director – Center for Academic and Career Success

Status:
Temporary, Full time, 12 month, Exempt.

Reports to:

Dean of Curriculum

Compensation: 8,800,000 - 9,200,000 annually.

Paul Smiths College a small residential college set on 14,000 acres in the heart of the Adirondack Park is seeking an experienced higher education leader for a one year interim appointment as Director of the Center for Academic and Career Success (CACS). This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned academic support or student success administrator, including those interested in consulting interim or transitional leadership work, to lead a close knit team, shape the future of academic support services at PSC and help guide the search for the College's next permanent Director.

• Provide day to day leadership and supervision for CACS, including First Year Experience, academic coaching, tutoring, supplemental instruction and accessibility services staff.
• Partner with the Colleges TRIO, SSS and HEOP program leadership to ensure strong integration across academic support and access programs.
• Assess current programs, staffing and workflows and implement improvements that strengthen student retention and success.
• Lead the national search for CACS's next permanent Director, including finalizing the position description, managing the candidate search and making a hiring recommendation.
• Collaborate closely with the Student Support Coordinator in Student Life to align academic and student life support for students with complex needs.
• Represent CACS in College wide planning and student success initiatives.

• Significant progressive leadership experience typically 10 years in higher education academic support, student success, or student affairs including prior experience at the Director level or above.
• A track record of leading teams through change and making sound timely decisions.
• Experience with or interest in leading a search process for a senior staff position.
• Strong understanding of retention strategy, accessibility services and holistic student support.
• Comfort with an interim or consulting style engagement; candidates who split time across institutions or are semi retired are encouraged to apply.
• Masters degree in Education, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration or a related field preferred.

• Term:
  Approximately one year (2026-27 academic year) with exact dates negotiable.
• Structure:
  May be arranged as a College term employee or as an independent consultant contractor depending on candidate circumstances.
• Location:
  
  Paul Smiths College, Paul Smiths, NY. Regular on campus presence expected; schedule negotiable.
• Reports to:
  
  Dean of Curriculum.

Paul Smiths College is a small private residential college in the Adirondack region of New York known for its natural resources, environmental science and hospitality programs and its close student centered campus community.

Paul Smiths College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions using inclusive language and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.