Associate Dean, Student Success & Graduation - Student Success & Graduation

University of Wyoming • Laramie, WY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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 but not limited to 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 the selection, training, and evaluation of
staff, supports the development of strategic planning, and assessment of the
peer-to-peer mentorship program for freshmen and sophomores. The Associate Dean
will participate in Student Affairs and University committees.

Requirements

• 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 (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in a related field.
• A background leading large-scale programs and initiatives on a higher education campus.
• Demonstrated experience supervising teams.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Supervise two project coordinators (Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives and Coordinator of Commencement/Parent & Family).
• Develop, mentor, and coach staff of all levels (full-time staff and student employees)
• Evaluate staff performance.
• Provide leadership and coordination for all Saddle-Up programs.
• Collaborate 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.
• Maintain high visibility throughout the division of Student Affairs and beyond through collaborations and participation.
• Oversee and perform reviews and analyses of existing retention, persistence, graduation rates, new initiatives, and resources with consideration for enrollment trends and resource support. Make recommendations to the AVP and Dean of Student Success and campus administrators to develop strategic plans implementing recommendations.
• Lead, develop, and analyze results of Saddle-Up. Ensure faculty, staff, and students promote overall student recruitment and retention efforts.
• In collaboration with divisional faculty, department chairs, directors, and campus leaders and administrators, establish and implement divisional and campus policy, developing creative solutions to address varied and complex issues with widespread impact.
• Participate in developing strategic planning support to the SS&G Hub and Student Success Institutional Transformation Taskforce (SSITT) strategic plan.
• Co-lead on executing the SSITT strategic plan and the Division of Student Affairs strategic plan focused on student success.
• Lead stop-out and re-enrollment campaigns.
• Direct and/or formulate policies and long-term strategies for enhancing the division's vitality and effectiveness in achieving its broad goals.
• In collaboration with the AVP/Dean and campus administrators, develops and implement 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.
• With consideration to related research and student feedback, assist 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.
• Facilitate organizational development and change to promote progressive and efficient retention, engagement, and completion strategies.
• In conjunction with institutional marketing, help to develop the internal and external communications for Student Success and Graduation, and the AVP portfolio.
• Works with the program and project coordinators within the division to balance the workload among internally and externally facing events.
• Collaborate with developing and building a robust Parent and Family Program, including Parent and Family Weekend.
• Provide leadership to the coordinator for organizing and executing two commencements a year.
• Coordinate with Alumni Affairs hosting Cowboy Coffee during Homecoming.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate training for student and professional staff including summer and winter training and ongoing professional development.
• Collaborate and develop relationships with campus partners for training sessions and initiatives.
• Commit to learning and development in all areas of student success and retention.
• Provide leadership to the Saddle-Up, Cowboy Coaches, and Families in developing caring, inclusive, and academically prepared students.
• Create opportunities for staff to connect Cowboy Coaches to the university, Laramie community, and beyond.
• Provide leadership in creating civically engaged communities that encompass student development and respect differences.
• Collaborate with campus colleagues.
• Provide opportunities for staff and student input for all areas of supervision.

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: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs
• Paid Time Off: Benefit from 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: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager