ACE Director (HEO) - NYC Staffing : Job Details

Founded in 1847 as the first free public institution of higher education in the United States, The City College of New York (CCNY) is the flagship college of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Located in the heart of Harlem, CCNY is home to over 14,000 students and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across eight schools and divisions. With a proud legacy of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and social impact, CCNY continues to serve as a beacon of opportunity, diversity, and innovation in higher education.

The City College of New York is currently accepting applications for the position of ACE Director. Launched in Fall 2023, the CCNY ACE program was established to support incoming transfer students by providing comprehensive academic, career, and financial support services. As the program enters a new phase of expansion, we are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to guide its continued growth and ensure the successful implementation of its next stage. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a high-impact initiative that plays a critical role in student success at the College.

Both ASAP and ACE help students earn their college degree as quickly as possible, by removing the financial, academic, and personal obstacles that many students confront. Key ASAP I ACE program features include a consolidated block schedule, required full-time study and comprehensive advisement and career development services. Financial incentives include tuition and fee gap scholarships for financial aid eligible students, textbook assistance, and OMNY/Metro Cards for all students.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management, the ACE Director provides general day to day oversight and successful delivery of a comprehensive program of academic, advisement, career and financial supports for program students. The ACE Director will represent the CCNY ACE program on all relevant committees, within and outside the College, developing and maintaining relationships that create buy in and allow the program to operate successfully as part of the College. The director will implement CUNY ACE policy, and develop local program policies and processes, to meet the Program's mission, as well as develop the local strategy to meet program enrollment/recruitment targets each semester. This position oversees all program staff and manages the development of processes to regularly and consistently enter, share and analyze engagement and outcomes data, both within the team and with college leadership, to ensure successful progress toward student engagement and program academic performance benchmarks. The ACE Director oversees the program budget and daily administration, including scheduling and timely delivery of services. The ACE Director is responsible to create a supportive, inclusive environment, encouraging and promoting opportunities to staff for professional development and growth.

The ACE Director, in collaboration with other program designees, duties will include but are not limited to:

• Oversee the development and timely implementation of strategies and delivery of supports to improve retention, including interventions/academic supports for probation and at-risk students.
• Create and manage program component delivery and data collection to ensure successful progress towards student engagement and program academic performance benchmarks.
• Develop strategy and processes to reach enrollment targets.
• Develop processes for program incentive distribution in coordination with appropriate college departments.
• Develop strategy and mechanisms to increase FAFSA completion, reduce SAP/verification issues.
• Establish points of contact within college departments integral to programming including, but not limited to admissions, registrar, career center, financial aid.
• Regularly attend required meetings with CUNY Central ASAP I ACE staff, prepares reports for the University.
• ASAP I ACE Executive Director, CUNY Office of Academic Affairs (CUNY Central), and share outcomes each semester with college leadership.
• Monitor the development of a comprehensive framework to provide opportunities for ACE students to progress toward career competencies.
• Actively participate in relevant campus-wide committees and working groups to remain informed about institutional initiatives, foster cross-departmental collaboration, and ensure program alignment with broader college goals.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of the Student Academic Success Hub to align ACE program goals with broader student success initiatives and institutional priorities.
• Facilitate cross-functional communication and coordination between ACE staff and other Hub programs, including academic advising, tutoring, and student support services.
• Lead or co-lead Hub-based initiatives that enhance the student experience, particularly for transfer students and those facing academic or financial challenges.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Bachelor's Degree and eight years' relevant experience required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Educational Psychology, Counseling, and/or Social Work
• Demonstrated budget oversight and planning experience.
• Demonstrated successful program management experience, including strategy development.
• Understands the experiences of historically marginalized racial groups in the U.S in education, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Latinx groups.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organization, project management, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Proficient computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office; CUNYfirst and Tableau data visualization software a plus.
• Proven leadership experience in supervising professional staff and managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of student development theory, academic advising models, and retention strategies, particularly for transfer and underrepresented student populations.
• Experience using data to inform program development, assess outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with CUNY systems, policies, and student support structures is a plus.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff.
• Experience in delivering or overseeing career advising services, including helping students develop career competencies, explore career pathways, and connect with experiential learning opportunities.

Salary Range: $115,333 - $124,656. Salary commensurate with education and experience. CUNY is in the process of implementing salary schedule increases. Once implemented, salaries of eligible employees will be adjusted by 6.09% with additional increases of 3.25% effective 9/1/2025 and 3.5% effective 9/1/2026, in accordance with the terms of the PSC-CUNY collective bargaining agreement. CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

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Closing Date: September 2, 2025.

Job Search Category: CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

Equal Employment Opportunity: CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.

Job ID 30637 Location: City College of New York