ACE Program Director

Position Details

Position Information

Budget Title Director Special Student Programs Campus Title ACE Program Director School/Division Academic Affairs, Division of Department Vice Provost's Office Staff Sub-Type Staff & Administration Salary Level SL4 Salary Range $70,000 Salary Determination

Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may include the position's major responsibilities, the applicant's background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university's strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts.

Position Effort Full-Time If Part-Time, enter FTE: Is this a temporary position? No If Temporary, enter End Date: Position Summary

The ACE Program Director will oversee the implementation and management of the Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program at SUNY Cortland. This program is designed to support students in completing their degrees on time by providing comprehensive academic, financial, and personal support. The Program Director will manage all aspects of the program, ensure fidelity to the established model, and collaborate with SUNY and various college departments to achieve program goals and ensure student success.

Watch this video to learn more about careers at SUNY Cortland: https://youtu.be/krNjgXC95M0?si=k2l13TUB9mJ9YjD8

Salary: $70,000

What makes SUNY Cortland a great place to work?

• Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many offer permanency.
• Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
• SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all forms. The university's state-of-the-art Student Life Center is free for employees to use, with membership options for families. Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor's approval.
• Professional development opportunities exist through training, continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference travel, based on funding.
• Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts, entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more. Experience Cortland dives deep into the region's offerings

Major Responsibilities

ACE Program Management:

• Lead the implementation and coordination of the program, ensuring alignment with SUNY guidelines, policies, and objectives.
• Recruit, train, and supervise program staff, fostering a collaborative and student-centered environment.
• Manage the program budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and compliance with funding requirements.
• Carefully monitor program metrics and utilize data to inform decision-making and program management.
• Establish and maintain relationships with internal departments (e.g., admissions, financial aid, registrar) and external partners to enhance program effectiveness.
• Formulate and implement local program policies and processes that align with the overarching mission of ACE.
• Develop strategies to meet enrollment targets and support student retention through comprehensive services.

Leadership and Supervision:

• Supervise ACE staff.
• Articulate a vision that unites team members and define departmental objectives and goals to establish a common purpose.
• Assign duties to staff based on their roles and adjust assignments as needed; and, plan, organize and monitor the progress of work and goal completion.
• Hire, onboard, and train staff; provide clear instructions, regular feedback, and coaching; communicate performance expectations and goals, complete performance programs and evaluations in a timely manner; and, nurture the development of staff by identifying opportunities for training and career development.
• Confirm staff complete required training to maintain compliance with university policies and state and federal laws.
• Act as a liaison between staff and senior management, relaying information in both directions; facilitate open communication and collaboration within the office; and address and help resolve staff issues and workplace concerns.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships

• Reports to the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Achievement.
• Supervises the ACE advisor and provides functional supervision of the administrative assistant 1 for ACE-related work.
• Works closely with colleagues in Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Admissions, Financial Aid, EOP, associate deans of each school, and academic departments.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in counseling, educational psychology, social work, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in higher education administration, with a focus on student success initiatives and program management.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and familiarity with student information and student success software products.
• Demonstrated dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within an educational setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students from underserved communities and from diverse backgrounds.
• Supervisory experience, including recruiting, training, and managing staff.
• Budget management experience, including allocation and compliance with funding requirements.
• Experience with grant-funded programs, reporting, and compliance.
• Experience developing enrollment strategies and meeting recruitment targets.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of student retention strategies, academic support models, and holistic advising.
• Knowledge of higher education policies, FERPA, and student services operations.
• Knowledge of FAFSA processes, scholarship administration, satisfactory academic progress (SAP), and financial aid verification procedures.
• Leadership and team management skills, including staff supervision and professional development.
• Strategic planning skills to develop and implement student support programming, program policies, processes, and enrollment strategies.
• Skill in budget management and resource stewardship.
• Skill in interpersonal communication and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to work effectively across differences and foster inclusive engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to evolving student and institutional needs.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

About the University

A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S. body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money magazine's "Best Colleges for Your Money List," fields a powerhouse Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of alumni making a difference in education, business, government, fitness, medicine and many other fields.

EEO Statement

The State University of New York at Cortland is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act (AA/EEO/ADA) employer. The university actively seeks applications from women, veterans, individuals with a disability, members of underrepresented groups or anyone that would enrich the diversity of the university.

Job Close Date

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S25128 Review Start Date 06/15/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/11238

Special Instructions

Special Instructions to Applicant

Special Instructions to Applicant

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Are you a current SUNY Cortland employee?
• yes
• no

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents