USC International Accelerator Program — Student Services Director

Columbia, South Carolina

About Us

USC International Accelerator Program (IAP) is a partnership between the University of South Carolina (USC) and Shorelight. The mission of the program is to immerse first-year international students (graduate and undergraduate) in the academic and cultural life of the university, help them integrate into campus life, and provide the support that increases their academic successes and likelihood of obtaining their degrees at USC. 

Job Overview

The Student Services Director (SSD) develops and leads all aspects of student services for international students enrolled in USC IAP. His or her main responsibility is to design and implement a strategic plan to support USC IAP students’ academic engagement, social integration, and cross-cultural development in their new academic and social environments.

The SSD leads the student services and on-campus teams in ensuring that students receive the support they need to build skills and find long-term success. He or she drives a strategic, high-impact student services organization that aligns with USC IAP objectives and demonstrates innovative approaches to analysis, data-driven decision making, and problem solving. The SSD leverages his or her heightened interpersonal and customer service skills to develop strategic relationships with university leaders, administrators, partners, students, and parents. The SSD understands and communicates to others the holistic overlay of the academic, social, cultural, and emotional needs in the student lifecycle. His or her passion to deliver a high level of service to students inspires the same in internal and external teams. This position reports to and works closely with the Managing Director.

Essential Functions

Student Service

• Develop programs that guide, prepare, and motivate students toward degree completion, in partnership with the Managing Director, Academic Director, and Shorelight leadership
• Manage all USC IAP student services, including housing and dining, pre-arrival and arrival support, orientation, events calendar, and coordination of student ambassador program and peer advising infrastructure
• Maximize student retention and progression and foster a sense of belonging by encouraging participation in program events, university events, and on-campus clubs/organizations; advising students holistically; and offering tutoring services
• Support Managing Director in the rollout of new program initiatives

 

People Management

• Supervise a team of Student Services Advisors (SSAs) responsible for holistic advising, student customer service, and program execution with a clear focus on student retention
• Recruit, develop, and retain team members to ensure productivity and engagement
• Develop talent through goal setting, performance evaluations, stay interviews, development planning, and ongoing feedback
• Provide coaching, counseling, and corrective action (when necessary) to team members
• Foster a culture that reflects Shorelight’s values, including leading by example

 

Relationship Management

• Liaise with and create mutually beneficial, scalable relationships with key contacts at the university, including the Managing Director, Academic Director, International Student Services, Campus Housing, Dining Services, Student Development & Enrollment Services, Office of Student Conduct, Health Services, Mental Health Counseling, and various other departments
• Manage relationships with on- and off-campus housing, including auxiliary services (housing, dining, insurance)
• Foster external relationships that continually enhance the reputation and success of USC IAP
• Liaise with partnership Academic staff regularly to ensure effective and efficient processes to support student success such as tutoring structures, advising structures, students of concern communication and protocols

 

Data and Technology

• Ensure that systems and procedures are established and followed to maintain accurate records and reporting on all aspects of the program
• Leverage data and analysis to continually assess student success and satisfaction to create the best possible experience for students

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 3+ years’ experience in higher education or hospitality
• 2+ years’ experience working with students or customers in an administrative or academic capacity
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated exceptional leadership, flexibility, interpersonal communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Strategic and tactical planning expertise
• Proven people management and budget management skills
• Ability to work evening and weekend hours as needed
• Eligibility to work in and travel freely to and from the United States without sponsorship

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• 3+ years’ experience managing teams
• Experience coordinating international student support services or leading customer experience programs
• Experience in program evaluation and assessment
• Event planning and organization experience
• Experience working with class management tools and systems
• Experience presenting to a wide range of constituencies
• Housing management experience
• Experience working successfully with non-native English speakers
• Knowledge of Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or Hindi

Application Process

To apply for this position, please visit the Shorelight Careers page to submit an application with a resume and cover letter.

Background Check Required–Education, Criminal, Identity

USC IAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.