Pennsylvania State University
Director of Student Success, Smeal College of Business
🇺🇸 University Park, PA
🕑 Full-Time
💰 $62K - $90K
💻 Academic Advising
🗓️ October 28th, 2025
Edtech.com's Summary
The Pennsylvania State University is hiring a Director of Student Success for the Smeal College of Business. The role involves leading the strategic development and delivery of programs to support the academic and professional success of nearly 6,000 undergraduate students, managing key initiatives, directing major exploration programs, and providing leadership to a team of advisers and program specialists.
Highlights
- Lead and manage programs that support academic and professional development for undergraduate students.
- Coordinate initiatives such as the FIRST@Smeal Program, Business First-Year Seminar, and scholarship administration.
- Direct major exploration programs for students.
- Supervise staff, conduct performance evaluations, and support professional development.
- Engage with prospective students, families, faculty, and staff through various college events and programs.
- Master's Degree required with at least 8 years of academic advising experience, including 3 years in a managerial role.
- Strong background in academic advising with commitment to diverse student needs and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Effective time management and adaptability to balance multiple responsibilities.
- Salary range: $61,800 to $89,600 with a competitive benefits package including health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.
- Employment requires successful background checks and U.S. work authorization; flexible work arrangements supported when aligned with job needs.
Director of Student Success, Smeal College of Business Full Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Smeal College of Business seeks an experienced Director of Student Success to lead the strategic development and delivery of programs that support the academic and professional success of nearly 6,000 undergraduate students in the Smeal College of Business. Extensive knowledge of university policy and procedures that apply to the matriculation and the academic, personal, and professional development of undergraduate students is required. For full consideration, applicants must submit a resume/CV and Cover Letter with their application.
Key responsibilities of this individual include:
- Strategic development and delivery of programs that support academic and professional success
- Lead and manage a portfolio of high-impact initiatives, including coordinating FIRST@Smeal Program, the Business First-Year Seminar, and administering scholarship awards
- Direct major exploration programs
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to a team of advisers and program specialists, supervising staff, conducting performance evaluations, delivering constructive feedback, and supporting ongoing professional development
Additionally, the director meets with prospective students and families and participates in various college programs such as Accepted Student Events, New Student Orientation, Spend A Summer Day, and other programs as assigned. This position requires interaction with students, parents, faculty, and various college staff members and may require occasional weekend and evening hours.
The successful candidate will have:
- Master's Degree with 8+ years of academic advising experience, including 3+ years as a manager hiring, training and completing performance evaluations for full-time employees
- A strong background in academic advising with a proven track record and commitment to serving students with varied life experiences and educational needs
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong attention to detail, commitment to honor and integrity, sensitivity to the needs of others
- Efficiently manage time, balance multiple responsibilities, and adapt to change
This position is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSMaster's Degree8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
acceptedRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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