Dean of Student Success

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 liberal arts tradition for students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and cultures. 

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.

Description of the Position: 

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of Student Success is responsible for developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating high-quality programs and initiatives that are consistent with best practices in the areas of student retention and student success. 

The Dean of Student Success will be a dynamic self-starter who can identify and respond knowledgeably to the needs of first generation, low-income, and traditionally underserved populations, a collaborative leader who will make 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 leaders across the campus to develop and carry out a University-wide approach to student retention and success. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and evaluate 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
• 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
• Collect and analyze data from student information technology platforms; analyze data and trends; provide forecasts; share information through dashboards
• Manage retention-driven events, initiatives, and activities, such as attendance, early-alert, and SAP
• Facilitate and assess re-enrollment and degree recovery strategies and actions
• Facilitate communication with various programs and departments to support student success from admission to degree attainment
• Make 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. 
• Maintain an online Advising Handbook
• Provide students with information regarding degree programs, policies, procedures and resources
• Coordinate 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
• Case manages at-risk students
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Higher Education preferred and at least three years of progressive administrative experience in academic advisement. 
• Experience in academic advising in a higher educational setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of advisement and retention needs of students from underrepresented populations and experience with first generation college students.
• Experience in effective and 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.

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

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.