Associate Dean of Student Success

Job Title: Associate Dean of Student Success

Department: Academic Affairs
Reports to: VP for Academic Affairs

Role:

The Associate Dean of Student Success provides strategic leadership in developing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive student success and retention initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs with functional accountability to an Academic Dean, this role drives institutional efforts to enhance student persistence, academic achievement, and timely degree completion through data-informed interventions and collaborative partnerships across the institution.

Job Description:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive student success and retention strategic plan aligned with Bethel University goals.
2. Establish measurable retention targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) for at-risk student populations.
3. Analyze retention data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for intervention.
4. Design and oversee early alert systems and proactive intervention programs.
5. Implement predictive analytics to identify at-risk students and coordinate timely support.
6. Develop holistic support frameworks addressing academic, financial, social, emotional, spiritual, and personal barriers to success.
7. Create pathways for seamless student transitions (first-year, transfer, returning students)
8. Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Athletics, Financial Aid, and Student Services, and Spiritual Life to create coordinated retention efforts.
9. Work with faculty to enhance student engagement and inclusive teaching practices.
10. Serve on the appropriate faculty committees to promote and advocate for student-centered policies and procedures.
11. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Expertise:

1. Demonstrated track record of improving retention rates, particularly with at-risk populations.
2. Deep understanding of challenges facing first-generation students, student-athletes, and international students.
3. Expertise in early alert systems, predictive analytics, and data-driven intervention strategies.
4. Proven ability to lead organizational change and build collaborative partnerships
5. Excellence in strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Qualifications:

1. Master's degree required; Doctorate strongly preferred in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, or related field.
2. 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in student success, retention, or academic support in higher education.
3. Strong commitment to Christian higher education and ability to integrate faith with student development.
4. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian life.

For more information, visit our website at


Bethel University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal laws. In keeping with the mission of the institution, Bethel University seeks applicants with a strong commitment to the values and lifestyle of evangelical Christianity and who profess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a Christian institution, we require faculty and staff to adhere to the University's Lifestyle Covenant and to enforce a religiously based statement of responsibilities for all University employees. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Bethel University, as an educational institution operating under the auspices of the Missionary Church, reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (Title VII, Sections 702-703, United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended).