Director, Student Success at Lakehead University

Student Success Centre

Thunder Bay

Full-time

Permanent

Overview

Lakehead University is seeking a strategic and visionary Director of Student Success to provide leadership, planning, and operational oversight for this integral department within Student Affairs. The portfolio includes overall accountability for the development and implementation of programming aimed at assisting in the successful progression of Lakehead students, and the transition of incoming students, creation and execution of robust and targeted academic supports, collaboration with academic units in identifying and implementing supports, and the establishment of opportunities for students to build connections and a sense of belonging at Lakehead. The Director supports a strategic enrolment management approach, working collaboratively with university partners to build and enhance student experiences.

The role includes oversight and operationalization of services and supports specifically related to orientation and transition, academic supports and student leadership. The Director is instrumental in ensuring a successful transition for students coming to Lakehead University for the first time by overseeing the planning, delivery and assessment of orientation and transition programming across our campuses.

Responsibilities

• Directs the design and optimization of student-centered service delivery models while establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and service standards.
• Manages the recruitment, training, supervision, performance management and coaching of a diverse team, including unionized (COPE/CUPE) and non-unionized staff, as well as a large contingent of student employees
• Gathers, analyzes, and utilizes student feedback and other relevant data to ensure programming and support are accessible, responsive to diverse learner needs, and directly measurable in driving student persistence and retention.
• Manages the departmental operational budget, ancillary fee agreements, and external revenue streams, ensuring departmental spending adheres to provincial and institutional policies and guidelines
• Fosters cross-functional alignment to create a seamless student experience, actively engaging diverse student populations and institutional partners in joint success initiatives.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of leadership experience and demonstrated accomplishment within a post-secondary environment, specifically overseeing multi-faceted portfolios like academic supports, orientation, and student engagement.
• Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of student development theories, retention models, high-impact co-curricular practices, and pedagogical approaches to adult learning.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop a diverse, multi-tiered workforce
• Proven ability to develop a compelling vision, engage stakeholders at all levels, and lead successful organizational change.
• Strong skills in operational planning, financial analysis, and the use of data to inform decision-making.
• Advanced skills in multi-year operational budget design, complex resource allocation, and the strict governance of student fees and external grants.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills capable of building relationships across the university and with community partners.
• A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, with the ability to engage diverse student groups and create inclusive programming.
• Superior skills in listening, public speaking, and writing, with the ability to present complex topics to various groups, including senior administration and media.
• Advanced ability to design evaluation frameworks, oversee data collection, and utilize predictive data analytics to measure program efficacy and guide Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) efforts.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.

Benefits Information

Why Lakehead University?

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - 11:59pm

$79, 539.40 - $99,423.95 Band 8 (banding under review)

SCHII-26-47

Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - 11:59pm

$79, 539.40 - $99,423.95 Band 8 (banding under review)

Yes, eligible for benefits

SCHII-26-47