Assistant Dean for Student Success

Assistant Dean for Student Success

The Assistant Dean for Student Success provides strategic leadership for initiatives that promote student retention, academic achievement, student progression, and timely degree completion. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs, this position oversees student success programs and services, including academic advising, new student orientation, student case management, and student appeals processes. The Assistant Dean leads the use of student success data to identify barriers to progression, evaluate outcomes, and implement continuous improvement strategies that enhance student experience and support student success. The position serves as a key liaison among students, faculty, staff, Academic Program Coordinators (APCs), Department Chairs, and university offices to ensure effective implementation of academic policies and student success strategies, and college-wide academic planning initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership and oversight for student success programs and services, including academic advising, new student orientation, student case management, and student appeals processes;
• Develop and implement strategies that promote student retention, academic achievement, progression, and timely degree completion;
• Lead continuous improvement efforts designed to enhance the student experience and support positive student outcomes; and
• Ensure alignment of student success initiatives with college and university strategic priorities.

• Oversee the collection, analysis, and use of student success data to identify barriers to academic progression and degree completion;
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, student outcomes, and key performance indicators related to retention, persistence, and graduation;
• Develop evidence-based recommendations and action plans to improve student success outcomes; and
• Prepare reports, presentations, and assessments to inform college leadership and support strategic decision-making.

• Serve as a key liaison among students, faculty, staff, Academic Program Coordinators, Department Chairs, and university offices to support student success initiatives and academic planning efforts;
• Facilitate effective implementation and interpretation of academic policies, procedures, and student support processes;
• Provide consultation and guidance regarding student concerns, appeals, and complex academic situations; and
• Foster collaborative partnerships that strengthen student support systems across the college and university.

• Support and attend SAA student-facing events, including (but not limited to) CEHD Research Symposium and CEHD Degree Celebration.

Required Qualifications include:

• Master's degree in related field from an accredited institution or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Typically, a minimum of five years of experience in higher education administration, academic advising, student success, student affairs, academic affairs, and/or a related area;
• Experience managing complex student issues and resolving conflicts;
• Knowledge of academic advising models, retention strategies, and student support services; of higher education policies, procedures, and regulations related to academic progression, student appeals, and degree completion; of data-informed decision-making;
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and relationship-building skills;
• Effective verbal and written communication skills;
• Data analysis and problem-solving skills;
• Strategic planning and project management skills;
• Conflict resolution and case management skills;
• Ability to prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations based on data findings; to develop and implement student success strategies and initiatives; to analyze complex student success data and identify trends, barriers, and opportunities for improvement; to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously; to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and administrators;
• Ability to interpret and apply academic policies consistently and equitably; to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality in sensitive student matters;
• Ability to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for students;
• Demonstrated ability to use student success, enrollment, and academic performance data to inform strategic decision-making, policy implementation, and continuous improvement;
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with academic leaders and faculty to implement student success initiatives; and
• Professional integrity and ethical decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Doctoral degree in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Student Affairs, or a related field;
• Experience with student success analytics, dashboard development and use, or predictive analytics;
• Experience supporting academic planning, enrollment management, or institutional effectiveness initiatives;
• Experience supervising professional staff;
• Experience with student information systems, advising technologies, and data visualization tools;
• Demonstrated success leading retention, advising, or student success initiatives;
• Experience designing and assessing large-scale student success initiatives;
• Experience fostering a culture of assessment and evidence-based decision-making;
• Advanced knowledge of predictive analytics, student success technologies, and early-alert systems;
• Knowledge of assessment methodologies and continuous improvement practices;
• Advanced analytical skills using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms;
• Ability to build partnerships across academic and administrative units to advance strategic priorities;
• Ability to evaluate and redesign processes that affect student progression and completion;
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous improvement;
• Ability to think strategically while maintaining operational effectiveness;
• Flexibility and adaptability in addressing changing student and institutional needs; and
• Record of successful leadership in advancing student success outcomes within higher education.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Dean for Student Success at . Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with CV for review.

Posting Open Date: October 1, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: October 30, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer