Manager of Student Academic Success
The Manager of Student Academic Success supports students in achieving academic success and advancing Ambrose’s enrolment, retention, progression, and student success goals. The Manager works closely with the Executive Director to design, implement, and evaluate academic success systems that strengthen retention and narrow attrition gaps. This role collaborates with academic divisions and Student Life, oversees learning supports and key student success programs, and ensures coordinated services for specialized and at-risk student populations.
Services to Support Retention- Assist the Executive Director in developing, implementing, and evaluating the annual Student Academic Success Programming Plan aligned with the Strategic Enrolment Management Plan, including goal setting and strategies to grow key learning services (numeracy, literacy, sciences) in conjunction with work integrated learning and foundations courses.
- Proactively develop and execute academic support plans for students on academic probation, academic intervention, and Dean’s recommendation admission, ensuring all required interventions, instruction, advising, coaching, and/or accommodations are in place.
- Manage retention and student success software, including student tracking, workflows, early alerts, follow-up processes, and university-wide training
- Develop academic support services and initiatives that reflect the unique identities of Faculties and Schools (Arts and Science, Education, Business, Ministry, Seminary).
- Enhance and promote services for specialized populations (international students, first-year students, UNI 101).
- Liaise with Faculties, Recruitment and Admissions, Athletics, the Registrar’s Office, and Student Life to assess student needs related to academic success.
- Maintain awareness of innovative student success and strategic enrolment management practices and integrate emerging tools, methods, and programming.
Accessibility- Oversee all accessibility accommodations and support services, ensuring coordinated practices, policy guidance, and faculty/staff training through the Accessibility and Student Support Coordinator.
Learner Support Services- Oversee campus-wide learner supports and peer programs while designing and coordinating core academic success workshops across ELL, numeracy, literacy, and student learning skills.
Career Services- Develop and implement the Career Services strategic plan, overseeing the Job Board and consultant contracts.
Supervision- Lead and supervise the Student Academic Success team, including hiring input, daily direction, accountability, performance reviews, and operational coverage.
Budgets, Grants, and Reporting- Collaborate with the Executive Director to manage budgets and produce required quarterly and annual reports, ensuring accurate internal, federal, and provincial reporting.
Enrolment Team Member- Serve as an active member of the Enrolment leadership team, supporting cross-team initiatives, campus partnerships, and ongoing improvements in student academic success programming.
Education and Experience
- Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field (Education, Educational Psychology, Student Development, Psychology), or a bachelor’s degree with related experience.
- Specialized training in student success, retention, learning skills strategies, and student development theory.
- Five to seven years’ experience supporting students in a post-secondary (or equivalent) learning environment
- Program management experience.
- Supervisory experience preferred.
Skills
- Ability to think and lead creatively and strategically.
- Strong supervisory skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Ability to coach, motivate, and support team members.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and staff at all levels.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive issues confidentially.
- Customer service orientation with strong responsiveness.
- Strong facilitation, presentation, and organizational skills in high-pressure settings.
- Proficiency with MS Office 365, website tools, and Student Information Systems.
- Understanding of Christian higher education and ability to articulate Ambrose’s mission and vision.
Personal Characteristics
- Alignment with Ambrose’s mission and doctrinal statements.
- A growing relationship with God reflected in character and relationships.
- High energy, strong work ethic, and professionalism.
- Sensitivity to diverse people and cultural groups.
- High personal integrity and optimism.
- Ambrose Employees agree to uphold and sign the University’s Statement of Faith upon initial appointment and to govern the conduct of their work, in accordance therewith.
- Employment is contingent upon satisfactory background criminal check and academic transcripts.
- In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
To apply, please forward a curriculum vitae and cover letter Attention to Human Resources at careers@ambrose.edu indicating Manager of Student Academic Success in the subject line. Salary expectations are available upon request. Review of applications will begin immediately but the position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been selected. Only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Ambrose University is committed to employment diversity and encourages applications from all qualified men and women, members of visible minorities, aboriginal peoples, and persons with disabilities.
Ambrose University is a private Christian university located in Southwest Calgary. The Faculty of Arts and Science offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in Behavioural Science, Psychology, Christian Studies, English, General Studies, History, and Music, as well as a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. These programs are accredited by the Ministry of Advanced Education and overseen by Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC). The School of Education provides a Bachelor of Education (After Degree), and the School of Business offers both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a BA in Business. The Faculty of Theology offers an undergraduate Certificate in Christian Discipleship and a Diploma in Christian Ministry. The seminary offers graduate degrees including a Master of Divinity, Master of Leadership and Ministry, Master of Intercultural Ministry, Master of Theology, and Master of Christian Studies, along with diploma and certificate options. Graduate theological studies are also available in Chinese. Ambrose is committed to the integration of Christian faith with academic discipline, with a vision for academic excellence in the service of the church and the world. For more information visit us online at www.ambrose.edu.