Dean of Student Success

Job Title:Dean of Student Success

Department:Division of Student Life

Job Description:

The Dean of Student Success is a senior leadership role within the Division of Student Life at Rhodes College that supervises and leads the Center for Learning, Access, & Student Success (CLASS). Reporting directly to the Vice President for Student Life (VPSL), the Dean is critical in shaping and advancing student success initiatives from enrollment to graduation. This position provides executive-level leadership to ensure a data-informed, data-driven, student-ready, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate experience for all students. The Dean participates in the on-call rotation, supporting students in crisis and manages special projects as assigned. In the absence of the VPSL and/or other deans, this role may assume senior administrative responsibilities to ensure continuity of operations.

As a key member of the Student Life Leadership Team, the Dean oversees CLASS, which includes:

Office of Academic Learning & Resources

Office of Student Accessibility Services

Office of Student Outreach & Support

Independent Consultant, ADHD coach

This role is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance retention, academic achievement and engagement, and persistence to graduation. The Dean also serves as a critical campus leader in student advocacy, crisis response, and institutional partnerships to promote holistic student development.

Responsibilities:

Provide vision, strategic direction, and oversight for CLASS, ensuring services and programs align with divisional and institutional priorities. Represent Student Life on college committees, councils, and working groups (e.g., Faculty Academic Advising Committee, Faculty Academic Standards & Standing Committee, Student Retention & Success Council, and Staff Leadership Council).

Supervise and develop a high-performing, student-ready team that fosters an inclusive and supportive campus environment.

Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of student success programs—lead initiatives to address access gaps in student success and ensure excellence through belonging in all programming. Utilize qualitative and quantitative assessment methods to measure program effectiveness. Make data-driven decisions to assess and improve student success and support initiatives. Serve as a key liaison for assessment initiatives related to student success.

Lead proactive outreach, intervention, and support programs for all students and track key student populations, including but limited to:

Students on academic warning or probation

First-generation and low-income students

Transfer students and commuters

International students and other historically underserved groups

Student-athletes

Chair the Student Life Academic Intervention Team, develop and monitor action plans for students experiencing academic and personal challenges, and serve as a Student Care Case Manager, coordinating cross-campus resources to support student well-being as needed.

Collaborate with the Director of Student Life Operations & Strategic Initiatives to enhance branding, marketing, and communication efforts.

Partner with faculty, staff, and administration to foster student belonging and engagement among students with academic challenges. Partner with Academic Affairs to enhance student support structures.

Manage the Leave of Absence, Mid-Semester Withdrawal, College Withdrawal, and Return from Academic suspension/probation processes with the Registrar’s Office.

Support signature student experiences by being present at events, assisting with planning and logistics, presenting information, and/or staffing information tables, as needed. Events may include, but are not limited to:

Admitted Student Days

Orientation & Registration

Baccalaureate & Commencement

Welcome Week & Family Weekend

Involvement Fairs

Campus Life Awards

Implement emergency response protocols and communication plans as needed. Work with campus partners to ensure a coordinated student safety and well-being approach.

Ensure compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Regularly review policies and procedures to ensure the best student support and academic engagement practices.

Job Requirements:

Required

Master’s degree in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a related field.

Five years of progressive leadership experience in student success, student affairs, or related areas.

This position requires evening and weekend availability as needed.

Strong knowledge of advising best practices, student development theories, and retention models.

Proven ability to lead and support diverse student populations.

Demonstrated success in collaborative leadership and team development.

Experience with assessment, program evaluation, and data-informed decision-making.

Strong interpersonal skills to build community among students, faculty, and staff.

Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

Commitment to equity.

Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

Preferred

Doctoral degree in higher education, student affairs, or a related field.

Experience supervising professional staff and managing teams.

Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and accessibility services.

Direct experience in crisis management and student conduct processes.

Experience applying trauma-informed, wellness-based, and holistic student support models.

Proficiency in student information systems (e.g., Workday, Slate, Maxient, AIM).

A complete application includes a cover letter and a resume.

Rhodes is an equal-opportunity employer that offers an excellent benefits package and a great working environment.

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