Associate Dean of Student Success

Bethel University•Mishawaka, IN

15h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Master's degree required; Doctorate strongly preferred in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, or related field.
5+ years of progressive leadership experience in student success, retention, or academic support in higher education.
Demonstrated track record of improving retention rates, particularly with at-risk populations.
Deep understanding of challenges facing first-generation students, student-athletes, and international students.
Expertise in early alert systems, predictive analytics, and data-driven intervention strategies.
Proven ability to lead organizational change and build collaborative partnerships.
Excellence in strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong commitment to Christian higher education and ability to integrate faith with student development.
A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian life.

Responsibilities

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