DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE, Office of the Provost, Computing and Data Sciences

The Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS) is an interdisciplinary academic unit of faculty who are solely appointed within CDS, as well as faculty with joint appointments from various schools and colleges at BU. The mission of CDS is to be a catalyst for integrative research and educational programs in computing and data sciences across the landscape of academic disciplines at BU. Founded in 2019 and anchored in the iconic 19-story Center for Computing & Data Sciences, CDS complements and connects traditional academic disciplines through the language of computation and data. In support of the University’s strategic goals, CDS is the foundation for promoting innovation-driven and civic-minded computing that creates real-world impact through research, curricular, and co-curricular programs.

Reporting to the Associate Provost for Computing & Data Sciences (CDS), will be the driving force for building the programmatic structures and processes necessary to sustain and grow our undergraduate academic programs and to act as the chief student advocate in CDS. We seek an experienced, creative, self-driven individual with a demonstrated passion for helping students make the most and the best of their academic journey at Boston University.

The Director of Student Academic Experience will plan, implement, and assess student services and will establish and enforce policies and sustainable practices to positively impact the academic success, campus life experience, and career development of CDS students. Example responsibilities for this position include supervision and direction of the undergraduate academic advising team; partnering with cognate offices in central administration and in other school and colleges to assist students in their academic journey at BU; developing recruitment, outreach, and yield programs for prospective, admitted, and matriculating students; creating orientation programming, first year retention programs, graduation advising, and inclusive community building activities with a particular focus on the undergraduate student experience; working on career development and graduate placement programs; overseeing academic integrity processes and administering surveys to assess learning outcomes and to evaluate and improve the efficacy of student-facing services.

• Master's degree in a relevant STEM or Higher Ed field of study.
• 8+ years of experience in student-facing positions in higher education such as academic advising, mentorship, career development, or similar positions.
• Prior supervisory experience of full-time professional staff.
• Must have an understanding of the complex challenges students may face, combined with a compassionate and empathetic student-centered approach that facilitates student growth and success.
• Must have exceptional oral and written communication skills. Must possess exceptional public speaking and presentation skills.
• Must have a track record of effective interactions and engagements with a diverse constituency including faculty, staff, and students.
• Must possess exemplary customer service skills, demonstrated ability to manage people and projects effectively, and the ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrated general knowledge of the field of computing and data science and of STEM disciplines and professions.
• Must have comfort working with uncertainty and in a fast-paced, dynamic start-up-like environment. Flexibility is a must. Positivity and teamwork are a must.
• Leadership skills to foster a sense of belonging and community engagement and to support programs aiming to broaden participation of women and members of underrepresented minorities in STEM.

Preferred Attributes

• Curiosity and willingness to learn about technology in general and about the computing and data science field in particular.  
• Familiarity with student-facing processes and roles such as admissions, financial aid, advising, and academic misconduct adjudication.
• Experience advising students facing academic difficulty who are at risk of probation and/or expulsion.
• Experience with large student-facing event planning and coordination related to admissions, academic advising, or career development.
• Demonstrated ability to imagine, create, and execute student-centered programs, especially those focused on STEM.
• Commitment to helping students find their own passion and in turn their own path through a flexible dynamic curriculum.
• Familiarity with the Boston University landscape and programs is a plus.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.