Senior Director of Student and Academic Services, LEXICON Center (81649)

The LEXICON Center of Excellence Senior Director of Student and Academic Services within the Education Department is a full time, 12 month staff position grant funded for three years. This role oversees the daily operations of the Lexicon Center of Excellence while managing the development of the hybrid academic and student success ecosystem within the Education Department. The position ensures a high-quality, engaging academic experience for both in-person, online, and hybrid learners, develops a strong retention model that is student-focused, and aligns all programs with the institution's mission.

LEXICON Center of Excellence Description: 

Iona University’s LEXICON Center of Excellence aims to enhance the preparation of a diverse teacher workforce and address achievement gaps in underserved schools. The center will implement targeted recruitment, offer financial incentives, provide mentorship and professional development, evidence based instructional practices, extensive clinical experiences, and post graduation support. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Academic Student Success Programming for the Lexicon Center of Excellence (70%): 

• Develop, manage, and implement comprehensive academic success, retention and mentorship programs for graduate and 4+1 education students enrolled in the LEXICON Center of Excellence. 
• Work closely with Graduate Admissions in the recruitment of students into education master’s programs and the LEXICON Center of Excellence.  

• Supervise the Lexicon Mentor Fellowship training program, providing mentorship and support to new teachers during their first several years of teaching. 

• Serve as the primary point of oversight for monitoring and reporting key performance indicators related to online graduate student experience, retention, and program completion rates for LEXICON program participants.  
• Coordinate with PI and Co-PI to establish measurable standards to assess the quality of online graduate education across certification and professional development programs. 

• Use data to drive continuous improvements in the online learning environment. Regularly communicate with the PI and Co-PI to address concerns, highlight red flag issues, and ensure alignment on performance goals and outcomes. 

• Coordinate with the education department’s Senior Director of Clinical Experiences to support Iona education students' clinical experience participation in the 6-week summer clinic, integrating evidence-based practices and providing real-time feedback. 

• Hire and schedule Summer Clinic staff, Student Success Coaches and tutors ensuring successful program implementation. 
• Collaborate with PI, Co-PI and External Evaluator to write year end reports. 

2. Serve as the LEXICON Center of Excellence Liaison / Collaborator Across Campus (30%): 

• Collaborate with the PI and Co-PI and outside grant evaluator to implement all activities of the LEXICON Center. 

• Serve as the primary liaison to other Iona University campus offices that interact and support students participating in the LEXICON Center, including graduate admissions, Marketing, Graduate Education Advisor & Certification Officer, Registrar, Accessibility Services, Student Financial Services, Career Center and Alumni Services. 

• Support the PI and Co PI to work with faculty to develop and refine online and hybrid programs tailored to the diverse needs of teacher candidates and those benefiting from LEXICON, ensuring these programs are removing barriers to success.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree required (master’s degree preferred)

• 10+ years of professional experience in early childhood/k-12 school systems (higher education preferred but not required) 

• Demonstrated experience in project and business management 

• Self-motivated, independent worker with proven ability to manage concurrent tasks and projects 

• Experienced in supervising staff and leading cross-functional teams 

• Skilled in recruiting and hiring for part-time, flexible roles with varying and frequently changing schedules 

• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with a background in data-driven decision-making 

• Proficient in learning management systems, student management systems, and educational technology 

• Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on supporting underserved students and communities 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About Iona/EEO Statement:

Founded in 1940, Iona University is a private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona is a growing, highly accredited institution located just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, with campuses in New Rochelle, Bronxville, and a new location in County Mayo, Ireland. With over 4,000 students, Iona offers small classes, engaged faculty, and a wide range of programs across the School of Arts & Science, the LaPenta School of Business (AACSB accredited), the NewYork Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

Recognized by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report, Iona is nationally ranked for academic quality, social mobility, and long term return on investment. The University’s continued growth and rising reputation reflect its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, service, and opportunity.

Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and applicants for employment. Iona is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered free from discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.