Position: Interim Director, Center for Academic and Career Success
Status: Temporary, Full-time, 12-month, Exempt
Reports to: Dean of Curriculum
Compensation: $88,000.00-$92,000.00 annually
Interim Director, Center for Academic and Career Success
One-Year Leadership Appointment | Paul Smith's College | Adirondack Park, New York
The Interim Director will provide steady, experienced leadership for CACS during a year of intentional transition, supervising a dedicated team of academic support professionals and partnering closely with the Dean of Curriculum and Dean of Student Life. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building strong teams, solving problems quickly, and leaving an organization better positioned for its next chapter.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision for CACS, including First-Year Experience, academic coaching, tutoring and supplemental instruction, and accessibility services staff.
- Partner with the College's TRIO SSS and HEOP program leadership to ensure strong integration across academic support and access programs.
- Assess current programs, staffing, and workflows, and implement improvements that strengthen student retention and success.
- Lead the national search for CACS's next permanent Director, including finalizing the position description, managing the candidate search, and making a hiring recommendation.
- Collaborate closely with the Student Support Coordinator in Student Life to align academic and student-life support for students with complex needs.
- Represent CACS in College-wide planning and student success initiatives.
What We're Looking For
- Significant progressive leadership experience (typically 10+ years) in higher education academic support, student success, or student affairs, including prior experience at the Director level or above.
- A track record of leading teams through change and making sound, timely decisions.
- Experience with, or interest in leading, a search process for a senior staff position.
- Strong understanding of retention strategy, accessibility services, and holistic student support.
- Comfort with an interim or consulting-style engagement; candidates who split time across institutions or are semi-retired are encouraged to apply.
- Master's degree in Education, Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related field preferred.
Appointment Details
Term: Approximately one year (2026-27 academic year), with exact dates negotiable.
Structure: May be arranged as a College term employee or as an independent consultant/contractor, depending on candidate circumstances.
Location: Paul Smith's College, Paul Smiths, NY - regular on-campus presence expected; schedule negotiable.
Reports to: Dean of Curriculum
To Apply
Please submit a resume, letter of interest, and three professional references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
