Associate Dean, Student Success

Associate Dean, Student Success & Graduation Associate Dean, Student Success & Graduation Job Purpose Under the supervision of the AVP, Dean of Student Success and Graduation, the Associate Dean will serve as the strategic and operational representative to enhance student success by developing and implementing student success initiatives and advisement strategies to advance learning, engagement, retention, and completion. The Associate Dean will work closely with academic affairs and campus partners to offer co‑curricular activities that support student development, academic achievement, and the University’s vision, mission, and values in pursuing excellence. The Associate Dean will oversee and manage the delivery of student success programming, including Saddle‑Up, peer mentorship, student services, and wellness resources and activities that contribute to academic success and personal development. The Associate Dean supervises professional and student staff members and oversees selection, training, and evaluation of staff, supports the development of strategic planning, and assesses the peer‑to‑peer mentorship program for freshmen and sophomores. The Associate Dean will participate in Student Affairs and University committees. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Supervision and Leadership Serves as the second in command to the AVP/Dean of Student Success and acts as an appointing authority in the AVP/Dean's absence; assumes full administrative responsibility for the Student Success and Graduation Hub, personnel, and fiscal resources during the AVP/Dean's absence. Supervises two project coordinators (Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives and Coordinator of Commencement/Parent & Family). Develops, mentors, and coaches staff of all levels (full‑time staff and student employees). Evaluates staff performance. Provides leadership and coordination for all Saddle‑Up programs. Collaborates with campus partners such as the VP for Student Affairs, Dean of Students Office, Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, Disability Support Services, the University Counseling Center, Student Health Services, Alumni Affairs, the President's Office, and the Provost's Office. Maintains high visibility throughout the division of Student Affairs and beyond through collaborations and participation. Oversees and performs reviews and analyses of existing retention, persistence, graduation rates, new initiatives, and resources with consideration for enrollment trends and resource support; makes recommendations to the AVP and Dean of Student Success and campus administrators to develop strategic plans implementing recommendations. Leads, develops, and analyzes results of Saddle‑Up. Ensures faculty, staff, and students promote overall student recruitment and retention efforts. Collaborates with divisional faculty, department chairs, directors, and campus leaders and administrators to establish and implement divisional and campus policy, developing creative solutions to address varied and complex issues with widespread impact. Participates in developing strategic planning support to the SS&G Hub and Student Success Institutional Transformation Taskforce strategic plan. Co‑leads on executing the SSITT strategic plan and the Division of Student Affairs strategic plan focused on student success. Leads stop‑out and re‑enrollment campaigns. Directs and/or formulates policies and long‑term strategies for enhancing the division's vitality and effectiveness in achieving its broad goals. Student Excellence, Engagement, and Inclusion In collaboration with the AVP/Dean and campus administrators, develops and implements the division's vision and strategic plan for student excellence, engagement, and inclusion. Stays well‑informed about trends in higher education regarding student excellence and engagement. Engages with campus units focused on student success. Assists the AVP/Dean with development of programs, resources, and institutional changes to meet student needs. Oversees student‑focused outreach relating to campus resources and programs. Ensures divisional representation on campus‑level committees related to student success, including advising‑related committees. Facilitates organizational development and change to promote progressive and efficient retention, engagement, and completion strategies. External Communications In conjunction with institutional marketing, helps develop the internal and external communications for Student Success and Graduation and the AVP portfolio. Events Management Works with the program and project coordinators within the division to balance the workload among internally and externally facing events. Collaborates with developing and building a robust Parent and Family Program, including Parent and Family Weekend. Provides leadership to the coordinator for organizing and executing two commencements a year. Coordinates with Alumni Affairs hosting Cowboy Coffee during Homecoming. Training & Professional Development Develops, implements, and evaluates training for student and professional staff including summer and winter training and ongoing professional development. Collaborates and develops relationships with campus partners for training sessions and initiatives. Commits to learning and development in all areas of student success and retention. Community Development Provides leadership to the Saddle‑Up, Cowboy Coaches, and Families in developing caring, inclusive, and academically prepared students. Creates opportunities for staff to connect Cowboy Coaches to the university, Laramie community, and beyond. Provides leadership in creating civically engaged communities that encompass student development and respect differences. Collaborates with campus colleagues. Provides opportunities for staff and student input for all areas of supervision. Competencies Adaptability Initiative Stress Tolerance Teamwork Strategic Planning Minimum Qualifications Master's Degree and five years’ experience in education, higher education preferred. An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing higher education with experience and background sufficient to conceptualize, communicate, and implement the University's mission and goals. Excellent analytical, organizational, planning, and management skills plus related experience to creatively address instructional, research, and administrative issues, effectively define and implement strategic plans and goals, and promptly complete critical projects and tasks. Extensive experience using problem‑solving skills. Demonstrated leadership and skills to manage and motivate a diverse administrative, professional, and technical staff. Focus on fostering teamwork, formulating, and instituting reporting structures and processes to achieve maximum functionality and efficiency. Flexibility and skill in successfully leading staff and other teams through organizational change. Strong negotiating, mediation, and decision‑making skills and experience. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex academic and administrative issues clearly, both verbally and in writing, to understand the concerns of various groups. Ability to use information gathered through appropriate consultation in proposing solutions, and to represent and explain the mission and work of Student Success and Graduation Office to campus. Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP. Desired Qualifications Ph.D. in a related field. A background leading large‑scale programs and initiatives on a higher education campus. Demonstrated experience supervising teams. Benefits Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes 14.94% of your gross salary, and you contribute 3.68%, totaling 18.62% toward your retirement plan. Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, including 4 deductible options to suit your needs. Paid Time Off: Ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure. Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth. Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources. Work Location On‑campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is at 7,220 feet above sea level. Work Authorization Requirements The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States, as sponsorship for any work authorization or work visas is not available for this position. Hiring Statement / EEO All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr