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.