Assistant Dean for Student Success

Job Description

Assistant Dean of Student Success

Conveniently located in Morris County with easy access to Routes 287, 280, 80, 10, 24, and the Convent Station train station, Saint Elizabeth University which was established in 1899 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth resides on 150 acres of picturesque rolling hills and lush woodlands. The University offers a quality education in the Catholic tradition with a firm foundation in the liberal arts and serves a diverse population, including the needs of women, students of color, those who lack adequate financial resources, and those who would benefit from a nurturing, supportive collegiate environment.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement:

Founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1899, Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) is a community of learning in the Catholic liberal arts tradition for students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and cultures. SEU is devoted to providing educational and career training opportunities to traditionally underserved communities and is characterized by small class sizes and a highly communal student-centered culture emphasizing individualized attention.

SEU is a federally designated Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving Institution. Our traditional undergraduate population is 38 percent Black and our total enrollment is 30 percent Hispanic, while 47 percent of our students are first-generation college students. In addition, 76 percent of our first-time freshmen are low-income students eligible for federal Pell funding; many come to us with unique challenges related to their financial, social, academic, mental and physical health.

Saint Elizabeth University seeks to foster and maintain a diverse campus community through inclusive excellence and equal opportunity. SEU has long preserved its legacy of providing quality education and access for underserved populations, particularly in fields and career paths traditionally beyond the reach of marginalized and often disenfranchised communities. In our traditional co-educational undergraduate enrollment today, women outnumber men two-to-one. SEU has a long legacy of educating women who thrive in STEM and healthcare professions and continues to produce diverse women and men as leaders equipped with a deeper appreciation of inclusion in its various forms. We strive to ensure that all graduates realize their potential through hard work and an exceptional education that is unimpeded by irrational self-doubt or societal biases.

Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Assistant Dean of Student Success is responsible for helping to develop, implement, manage, and evaluate high-quality programs and initiatives that are consistent with best practices in the areas of student retention and student success.

The Assistant Dean of Student Success will be a dynamic self-starter who can help identify and respond knowledgeably to the needs of first generation, low-income, and traditionally underserved populations, a collaborative leader who will assist in making data-informed recommendations to the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs on existing and new retention and success initiatives; manage and direct staff in Career and Volunteer Services, Advising and Tutoring, Accessibility Services, and other areas as assigned; and collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and other leaders across the campus to develop and carry out a University-wide approach to student retention and success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Assist in leading and evaluating strategically the Student Success Center, a one-stop center for academic excellence that includes advising, tutoring and drop-in services, career services, and accessibility services

Academic Advising

Manage and direct staff advisors, tutors, and other staff specialists in support of a holistic vision of academic excellence

Collaborate on the development and implementation of a strategic retention plan

Collaborate with Registrar, Enrollment/Retention Task Force, and faculty committees on registration and retention initiatives

Assist in collecting and analyzing, as needed, data from student information technology platforms; analyze data and trends; provide forecasts; share information through dashboards

Assist in managing retention-driven events, initiatives, and activities, such as attendance, early-alert, and SAP

Assist in facilitating and assessing re-enrollment and degree recovery strategies and actions

Assist in facilitating communication with various programs and departments to support student success from admission to degree attainment

Assist in making appropriate referrals and be a resource for students and their families about specific academic concerns.

Lead the process of student review at themed-point and end of each semester

Communicate policies and resources to students regarding academic warning, probation, dismissal and appeals

Serve on student consult team to monitor students of concern

Work with the academic Deans on developing and communicating degree plans, course substitutions, course overloads, leaves of absence and withdrawals

Collaborate with Academic Affairs in the development and delivery of faculty professional development in support of student success and retention.

Assist in maintaining an online Advising Handbook

Assist in providing students with information regarding degree programs, policies, procedures and resources

Assist in coordinating the assignment of advisees (transitional and programmatic)

Collaborate with the Director of Athletics to make sure we are in compliance with NCAA academic regulations

Participate in open houses, orientations, commencements, convocations and other campus events

Serve on a variety of committees to promote student success and retention

Assist in case managing at-risk students

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

A Master’s degree or equivalent is required; a degree in Higher Education, Education Counseling, or Social Work preferred.

At least two years of progressive administrative experience in academic advisement.

Experience in academic advising in a higher educational setting.

Some knowledge and understanding of advisement and retention needs of students from underrepresented populations and experience with first generation college students, and a willingness to continue to develop in these areas.

Experience in effective direction and management of staff

Demonstrated leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Proficiency in computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite and Google Tools), database management (e.g. Excel, Access), experience working with student success technology platforms, and strong written and verbal communication skills.

Spanish language proficiency preferred.

Strong inter-personal skills

Salary Range: $55,000 – $75,000 - Salary is commensurate with experience and education.

Why Choose Saint Elizabeth University?

Saint Elizabeth University offers a positive work environment, dedicated leadership, faculty and staff who are committed to excellence, and an attractive benefits and compensation package.

Full-time Faculty and Staff Benefits Include:

Employer-Subsidized Health Care Plan

Dental and Vision Plan

Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match

Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance at No Cost

Supplemental Insurance Available for Employee, Spouse and Dependents

Other Voluntary Plans (Legal, Identify-Theft, Accident, Critical Care, etc.)

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Remission for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents

Tuition Exchange Program offering Reciprocal Scholarships Nationwide at 600+ Colleges and Universities

14 Paid Holidays, as well as the Week after Christmas Off with Pay

Paid Days Off on Fridays in the Summer Months

Birthday as a Paid Day Off

Generous Vacation Policy

New Jersey Earned Sick Leave

Employee Discount Program

Important to Know:

The health and safety of students, faculty and staff are a University priority. Please be advised that the University reserves the right to modify all policies and procedures related to COVID-19 based upon local conditions and emerging guidance from local, state and federal agencies.

How to Apply

Applications should consist of a cover letter, resume, proof of certifications and three professional references with email addresses and/or telephone numbers.

Saint Elizabeth University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ Veterans/ Disability Employer.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Saint Elizabeth University is a designated minority serving undergraduate institution.

EEO/AA Statement:

Saint Elizabeth University aspires to create a community based on the collaboration, innovation, creativity and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas - an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspective, backgrounds and experiences flourish. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all individuals feel and experience an environment where they are welcome, safe, secure, and heard. As such All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by Federal, state, or local law. Any information provided will be used only in the compliance of data for EEO/Affirmative Action reporting. Completion of this data is voluntary and will not affect your opportunity for employment and/or terms or conditions of employment.

Full-time