Summary:

The highly visible incumbent is responsible for implementing the mission and vision of D’Youville University and the Division of Student Affairs while directing the efforts within the Office of Student Access & Opportunity. The Director of Access and Opportunity provides strategic leadership, fiscal oversight, and programmatic direction for the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) and the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). This role ensures full compliance with NYSED regulations and internal university policies, while advancing D’Youville University’s commitment to student access to higher education. Evening and weekend hours may be required when the university is in session to manage workload and attend meetings and student functions. This position will help to ensure that the University is “student-ready” and that every student has the opportunity to be engaged outside of the classroom.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a unified strategic vision for HEOP and CSTEP that supports the holistic success of all participating students,
• Ensure full compliance with NYSED guidelines for both programs, including supervision, reporting, and documentation in close partnership with the Office of Sponsored Programs,
• Create and manage budgets for both programs in collaboration with the Associate Director of Sponsored Programs and the University Accounting Senior,
• Lead data collection and grant reporting efforts in close coordination with the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research,
• Serve as the official NYSED liaison for both programs ensuring regular communication and prompt response as needed,
• Supervise Student Opportunity Mentor Program and Student Work Study schedule and responsibilities,
• Provide leadership and mentorship to program staff and coordinate regular team development,
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director of Student Financial Services to ensure comprehensive and compliant financial aid packaging for HEOP students,
• Represent the programs in institutional committees and at relevant community and state events,
• Prepare, maintain, and submit all regular report submission needs for HEOP, CSTEP, and the Foster Youth Program,
• Maintain student maintenance, research, and involvement tracking and payment processing as needed,
• Attend bi-weekly 1:1 meetings with the Vice President for Student Affairs and monthly divisional meetings,
• Attend or delegate attendance at all open house experiences to promote both programs,
• Ensure a student-centered departmental environment with a focus on customer service,
• Collaborate with faculty and staff across campus to ensure programmatic efforts are met.
• Other duties as needed and assigned to ensure student support and success.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or appropriate field.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of supervisory or administrative experience in student success programs,
• Knowledge of NYSED HEOP and CSTEP regulations and strong fiscal/grant management skills.

Preferred:

• Background in STEM education or licensed professions,
• Bilingual proficiency.

Skills & Abilities:

• Highly organized, demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities,
• Demonstrated experience working in or supervision of student success programming,
• Thorough knowledge and proven track record in Student Affairs, including policy development, programming and student development,
• Strong cross-cultural, interpersonal, and writing skills necessary, including the ability to represent the State of New York and University in a positive way to all populations,
• Ability to innovative and create programs that supports student learning, leading to increased persistence and graduation rates across the served student populations,
• Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals on campus and in all areas of the community to accomplish student success objectives,
• Ability to make sound professional judgments, often under deadline pressure, when dealing with student related issues,
• A proven ability to identify and address problems, exhibit competence in identifying and interpreting needed areas of assessment, display sensitivity regarding personnel matters and the ability to participate effectively in short and long-range planning.

Physical & Enviornmental: 

• Possess the ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations,
• Handle multiple tasks and priorities at once while solving problems and thinking innovatively,
• Administrative, organizational, supervisory, and budget-management skills;
• Extended periods of sitting, standing, stair climbing, maneuvering objects of substantial weight;
• Responding promptly in late-night hours while remaining alert; 
• Must possess a student-centered personal philosophy and an amazing sense of humor.       

Work Remotely - No

Work Location: Buffalo, NY

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Grant Funded

Pay: $70,000 - $74,000 Annually

Additional Salary Information

The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.

About D'Youville University: 

Shaping the Future of Education at D'Youville University

D’Youville University, a nationally ranked private university in Buffalo, New York, is transforming lives through a unique blend of academics and holistic development. Committed to promoting a health mind, body, and spirit, D’Youville empowers individuals to realize their potential, thrive in their careers, and make meaningful contributions to society.

 A Dynamic and Purpose-Driven Community

Located on Buffalo’s vibrant West Side, just blocks from a bustling downtown, D’Youville University is deeply embedded in an energetic, diverse urban landscape. Under the visionary leadership of President Lorrie Clemo, the university is undergoing an exciting evolution, with innovative initiatives designed to meet societal needs, elevate student experiences, expand career readiness, and solidify our role as a leader in 21st-century education.

A Place for Growth and Innovation

D’Youville University offers education across health sciences and business, with a range of degree levels, advanced certificates, accelerated paths, and community-engaged learning experiences. Our dedication to preparing students for successful careers is showcased in our national ranking for social mobility making us the top private university in the City of Buffalo.  

Why Work with Us?

As a D’Youville University Saint, you’ll be joining a collaborative, innovation-driven community committed to academic excellence, social responsibility, and transformative growth. When you join our team, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a university making a real difference—for our students, our community, and our world. Explore the possibilities at dyu.edu.

All job offers are contingent upon legal authorization to work in New York State as determined by the NYS Department of Labor.