Gwynedd Mercy University is seeking an experienced and innovative higher education professional for the position of Associate Dean for Student Success & Retention.  

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Gwynedd Mercy University is a private, Catholic institution with a strong foundation in the liberal arts, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948. Approximately 2,000 students currently are enrolled as undergraduates, graduates, onsite, and remote learners.  The University's academic distinction lies in the intersection of excellent programs in health care, education, business, and arts and sciences, which prepare students to become leaders in the region's powerful and growing health and life-sciences industries. 

Gwynedd Mercy University's enrollment size and prime location within 30 minutes of Philadelphia means that it is large enough to offer a vibrant campus life but small enough that professors can develop mentoring relationships with students. The University educates students in the Mercy tradition of service to society, preparing graduates who not only launch successful careers but also create lives with deep meaning and purpose.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Associate Dean for Student Success & Retention (ADSR) is a full-time staff member who is responsible for the development, implementation, and supervision of all the academic support services and coordination of retention initiatives of the university.  The ADSR has specific oversight of all the student success services and programs (Academic Alert, Accessibility Services, Advising, Career Development, First Year Experience, Griffin Ready, Integrated Studies, Testing, Tutoring, Student Aid Appeals, FYE and Orientation Programming). This position will also provide current, best practice retention and student success resources to the University.  Centered on a holistic student success approach, this position requires collaborating frequently with all campus divisions, departments, and units to effectively support all students. The ADSR reports directly to the Provost/VPAA.
 
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to use relationship-building techniques to ensure continued engagement with students and campus partners.
• Proven decision-making skills for quick, informed, and appropriate decisions essential to understanding students’ needs and identifying solutions.
• Possess energy, empathy, listening skills, and a desire to work in an innovative, proactive, and student-centered position.
• Apply retention, student success and persistence theories, student identity development, advising, and learning theories to shape student-centered programming.

Major Duties (other duties as assigned)

Retention

• Lead University-wide retention initiatives and efforts, including serving as point of contact/coordination of “Move the Needle”/Credo partnership.
• Identify and disseminate retention-related, research-based best practices to the University community to inform and improve policy and practice.
• Oversee the development and implementation of academic success plans for at-risk student populations to improve retention and degree completion.
• Oversee University-wide academic alert system and academic coaching program.

Campus Relations 

• Interact regularly with Academic Affairs and Academic Council, Student Services, and Enrollment Management.
• Represent the Student Success Programs at Open Houses, Orientations, and other university functions or identify designee.
• Communicate student success needs and offerings with faculty and campus community.

Institutional Responsibilities

• Collaborate/partner with other leaders in the University College structure.
• Serve as member of Academic Council and other institutional bodies as requested.

Student Success Programming

• Oversight of the following support programs:  Accessibility Services, Advising Support, Career Development, First Year Experience, Griffin Ready, Integrated Studies, Tutoring Services & Placement Assessment. 
• Manage all staff of the various student success programs and units.
• Coordinate with the appropriate staff member, budget oversight, program planning, and workflow considerations of all programs in this unit.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 
 Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the University’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; verifying electronic time sheets; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 
 
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE 
 The ADSR will have a graduate degree (doctorate preferred) in applicable field; current knowledge of relevant higher education trends/best practices; experience in retention work and literature, academic administration, as well as excellent interpersonal, organizational, planning, budgeting, and computer skills; and a willingness to commit to the mission and values of Gwynedd Mercy University. 
 
 Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate against any applicant for admission to or employment at the University because of race, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, color, marital status, veteran status, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law ("Protected Classes"). This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, financial aid, educational services, and student programs and activities, as well as to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, transfer, promotion, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, and termination. The University will not tolerate unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment based upon Protected Classes, or related.

When Applying: Interested applicants are asked to complete the online application at: gmercyu.edu/careers  An up-to-date CV and a letter of interest focused on the key duties and responsibilities of the position will be required at the time of making application.  Applications are accepted until the position is filled.