Director of Student Success

Bethany College

Lindsborg, Kansas

Bethany College

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER

Applicants will not be considered without a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references.

FLSA Status:

SALARY; EXEMPT

As an exempt employee, the employee may occasionally work beyond standard business hours (40 hours), including evenings and weekends, to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Department: Academics

Reports to: Dean of Academics

Positions Managed: Student Success Coaches, Tutors, and Study Hall Monitors

Why Bethany:

Rooted in our Lutheran heritage and the transformative power of the liberal arts, Bethany prepares students to lead lives of purpose, leadership, creativity, and service in a complex and changing world. Located in Lindsborg, Kansas—affectionately known as "Little Sweden" and celebrated for its vibrant arts community—Bethany offers a close-knit environment where faculty and staff know students by name and mentor them in a highly personalized setting.

Education at Bethany is rooted in intellectual discovery and a deep sense of belonging, equipping students to think critically, lead ethically, and serve with purpose. As a small, private, rural college, Bethany plays an essential role in renewing civic life, expanding opportunity, and fostering community revitalization. We believe in the value of personalized liberal arts education, the power of community, and the promise of rural America.

At Bethany, you'll have the opportunity to inspire the next generation while contributing to the cultural and academic life of our campus and region as we prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the world.

About Bethany College:

Founded in 1881, Bethany College is a dynamic liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas—known as “Little Sweden U.S.A.” Bethany provides a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, learning, and community. The College is dedicated to cultivating leaders who serve and inspire through integrity, creativity, and purpose.

Position Overview:

Bethany College seeks a dynamic and student-centered professional to lead our Student Success Center. This leadership position is instrumental in fostering student achievement, retention, and timely graduation through personal interactions, strategic initiatives, data-informed outreach, and comprehensive support services. Founded by Swedish immigrants and affiliated with the ELCA, Bethany College offers a supportive community where faculty and staff mentor students in a highly personalized environment.

Essential Functions:

Academic Support & Programming

• Lead a small staff providing comprehensive academic support services including tutoring, ADA Accommodations, study skills workshops, and learning strategy development
• Develop programming and academic support for specific groups of students, such as first-generation college students, transfer students, international students, etc.
• Design, implement, and monitor early intervention programs for at-risk students, including use of the college’s Early Alert System
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify students needing additional support to increase retention
• Manage academic coaching programs
• Supervise First-Year Advising for all incoming first-time Freshmen, including updating the advising handbook and participating in scheduled virtual and in-person enrollment days
• Work with faculty in implementing processes and policies designed to support academic success, retention, and progress toward graduation
• Engage collaboratively with faculty, staff, and coaches across the College in ensuring students have pathways through their coursework to graduation
• Support the Chief Academic Officer and Faculty Development Committee on professional development opportunities for faculty

Student-Athlete Support

• Develop specialized programming for our significant student-athlete population
• Coordinate with athletics department on eligibility monitoring and academic planning
• Create time management and study skills workshops tailored to athletic schedules
• Provide liaison support between academic and athletic departments

Center Operations & Leadership

• Oversee the Student Success team, including hiring, training, and conducting performance evaluations for academic coaches and peer tutors
• Manage center budget, resources, and space utilization, including study spaces across campus
• Develop assessment tools to measure program effectiveness and student outcomes
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for administration

Campus Collaboration

• Partner with Admissions, Student Affairs, Athletics, and Academic Affairs on enrollment and retention initiatives
• Serve on the Retention Committee
• Build relationships with faculty and staff to enhance referral processes
• Support faculty with advising and persistence efforts

The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other areas to cover absences or provide relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

Qualifications:

Required:

Preferred:

Compensation & Benefits:

How to Apply:

Working Conditions:

EEO:

Bethany College, an institution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This policy reflects Bethany College's mission to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. This commitment to equal employment opportunities strengthens our community and enhances our ability to fulfill our educational mission.