Student Services Director Job Tempe area,Arizona USA,Education / Teaching

Student Services Director

Job Summary

Rio Salado College Early College Department seeks 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.

Essential Functions

40% – Program Leadership, Staff Supervision, Strategic Planning, and Innovation: Develop, administer, lead, and evaluate all Early College programs, including dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, ACE, and Career and Technical Education (CTE). Plan, organize, train, supervise, review, and evaluate Early College program staff. Lead strategic planning for Early College programs, develop departmental goals and objectives, and implement policy consistent with college and district directives.

Research, implement, and lead innovative strategies and best practices for Early College programs at the college, district, and state level. Provide faculty advisory support, ensuring faculty engagement and alignment with program goals. Analyze program data, utilize reports, and develop 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: Develop, support, and maintain partnerships with high schools, including creating new partnerships to expand Early College initiatives. Work collaboratively with faculty, admissions, 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. Serve 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.
10% – Compliance, Grants, Budget, and Program Administration: Plan, administer, and monitor departmental budgets, grants, and partner stipends, ensuring alignment with program goals and district financial policies. Ensure Early College programs comply with federal, state, and local laws, accreditation standards, and district policies.
10% – Student Completion, Marketing, Outreach, and Customer Service: Oversee, direct, and lead student completion initiatives for Early College programs. Develop and implement marketing, communication, and outreach strategies to engage students, families, and high schools across Maricopa County. Promote program awareness, enrollment…