Senior Assistant Dean of Student Services, College of Earth, Ocean and Environment

University of Delaware•Newark, DE

About The Position

The Senior Assistant Dean leads the Student Success Center, the central source of academic information and student service activities for approximately 600 students in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE). The College includes the departments of Geography & Spatial Sciences and Earth Science, and the School of Marine Science and Policy. Under the limited direction of the Dean, the Senior Assistant Dean works closely with department chairs, the School Director, the College Business Officer, and other administrative staff, and supervises the Assistant Dean for Graduate Services and the College’s Academic Advisor. The role serves as a primary resource for students and faculty on degree requirements, curriculum options, and academic policies throughout student progression, including prospective student services, registration controls, current student services, degree audits, and certification of graduation requirements. The Senior Assistant Dean plays a critical role in College enrollment management, from recruitment and retention to alumni relationship cultivation, coordinates faculty and staff participation in College and University initiatives, and helps foster a cohesive academic community.

Requirements

Master’s degree and six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Advanced knowledge of best practices in university-level academic advising, development, and retention issues, trends, and programs.
Advanced knowledge of University curriculum, academic policies and procedures, and student services resources.
Knowledge of computerized student information systems and database management.
Knowledge of community outreach and student recruitment principles and techniques.
Skills in budget preparation and management, including developing financial tools, managing resources, and analyzing data; preferably in a higher education institution.
Knowledge and ability to interpret and explain higher education laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to plan, develop, and implement strategic plans and programs.
Experience and knowledge of academic program planning, development, and administration.
Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments.
Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community, including faculty, students, and staff.
Ability to develop and implement short- and long-range goals.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Proficient knowledge of and experience with a wide range of computer software.
Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
Commitment to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.
Ability to travel to professional meetings and other external events.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the Student Success Center for the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment.
Manage student services and advisement across College academic units; monitor student progress and implement and enforce related policies and procedures.
Supervise Student Success/Services Center staff, including the Assistant Dean for Graduate Services and the College’s Academic Advisor.
Guide faculty in addressing student issues, including academic and personal challenges, through policy interpretation and internal or external referrals.
Develop strategic initiatives to increase the visibility and growth of CEOE academic programs through relationships with high schools and community colleges.
Serve on College and University committees and councils, including as an ex-officio member of specified CEOE councils and committees, and participate in the Dean’s Advisory Council and other committees as requested.
Represent the College on University-wide committees, including academic advising and enrollment management groups, and other committees as requested.
Serve as College liaison to University offices and services, exchanging information, advising on programs and policies, promoting the College, and referring students to services.
Monitor course scheduling and registration controls and recommend changes as needed.
Interpret and administer University academic policy for graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and advisors; handle matters such as withdrawal, leave, academic difficulty, probation, dismissal, grade changes, major changes, other requests, and Dean signature authorization.
Prepare College reports concerning student education and research.
Manage Curriculog and the curriculum approval process.
Ensure the academic advisor completes undergraduate senior checkouts, maintains course substitutions, and certifies graduation requirements.
Identify at-risk students and formulate intervention plans with appropriate College representatives; represent the College and ensure departmental participation in University admissions and recruitment activities.
Meet with students to discuss and resolve academic and personal concerns, provide referrals, and review special student requests or exceptions.
Represent the College on the University Committee for Undergraduate Records and Certification (CURC), present petitions, and provide academic interventions and referrals.
Originate and coordinate Academic Renewal requests and approve readmission requests.
Attend Graduate College Council, Graduate College Graduate Directors, and Graduate Services Network monthly meetings; hold monthly meetings with CEOE graduate directors.
Coordinate meetings and updates with undergraduate faculty program coordinators.
Coordinate thesis, dissertation, and ELP submission deadlines with departments; communicate deadlines for advanced-degree applications and submissions; ensure College signature and Graduate College submission deadlines are met; and hold timely-completion workshops.
Monitor and report departmental admissions and recommend admissions, recruitment, and retention initiatives to the College, departments, and School.
Represent the Dean’s Office at receptions and other activities as needed.
Collaborate with the College Development Officer on giving and alumni engagement with current students.
Oversee recruitment, advising, and matriculation of students in the ESM program, including enrollment, course selection, academic advising, finding research faculty advisors, and progress toward degree completion.
Partner with Career Services to develop programming related to environmental careers, graduate school, internships, and skill-building.
Maintain a close relationship with the Environmental Public Education Office to promote student events and success stories.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Travel to professional meetings and other external events.