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Posted: 07-Jul-23
Location: Fredonia, New York
Salary: $90,000 - $115,000
Employment Type:
Organization Type:
Required Education:
Internal Number: 164034
The State University of New York at Fredonia seeks nominations and applications for a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President for Retention and Academic Success, to provide vision and strategic direction for retention and student success efforts at the university.
Fredonia is in the midst of a transformation, with a focus on self-examination and reimagination. Therefore, this position will help the institution navigate the shifting landscape of higher education and chart new territory by experimenting with new ideas and approaches. Essentially, only those looking to generate change, take risks, and invent new opportunities should apply.
Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Provost, the Assistant Vice President for Retention and Academic Success will create, implement and assess best practices, policies, and procedures to improve the retention of students at SUNY Fredonia. The successful candidate will supervise and provide leadership for the directors for the following operations: Academic Advising Services, Full Opportunity Program, Tutoring Services, Honors, the Office of International Education and International Student Services, and the Educational Development Program.
The Assistant Vice President will join the productive and collaborative Provost's Council, working collaboratively with the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Dean of the School of Business, the Dean of the School of Music, and the Dean of the College of Education, Health Sciences and Human Services. Additionally, the Assistant Vice President will work collaboratively with the Provost, the Vice Provost, the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services and other members of executive leadership to provide leadership for the campus' retention strategies. This is an Appendix A, SL-6, 12-month position.
Rewards & Benefits
- Competitive compensation plus comprehensive benefits plan including health, dental, and vision insurance and retirement plan options including a fixed pension plan or a 401(A) with generous employer contributions;
- Paid leave provisions including sick and holiday leave; impressive educational benefits including tuition-free study plus supplemental tuition aid;
- A rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of their personal life, including professional development programs and services, employee EAP and wellness programs, discounted membership to the on-campus fitness center, and access to the Campus and Community Child Care Center.
KEY RESPONSBILITIES
Reporting to the Provost, the successful candidate will:
- Build and develop a system to gather attrition data that helps to identify stop out trends that can lead to a longitudinal study of retention issues and efforts;
- Review and evaluate Fredonia's existing retention activities and make recommendations for appropriate strategies and resources needed to increase student retention and graduation rates;
- Research, develop, and implement student success strategies and best practices that promote student persistence, retention and academic success.
- Create a comprehensive retention plan that includes resources needed to achieve retention goals;
- Investigate perceived barriers, rationale behind them, and find collaborative ways to improve service to students as necessary;
- Collaborate with student support offices, such as Admissions, Enrollment Management, Advising, Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Registrar and Student Affairs to create and implement initiatives that support successful academic progress, retention and persistence;
- Ensure student retention and persistence for first-generation students, transfer and international students;
- Perform targeted outreach and interact directly with at-risk students, connecting them with resources to navigate barriers to completion;
- Lead campus colleagues, departments, and committees that focus on retention efforts and coordinate campus-wide, mutually-supporting persistence efforts for all students;
- Manage the assessment process for retention and persistence initiatives, monitoring outcomes and improving where needed;
- Provide analysis and dashboard metrics on retention efforts as requested;
- Serve as a member of the Students of Concern Team;
- Oversee the campus Academic Standings Committee, regularly reviewing practices and policies to ensure efficiency, fairness and compassion in the process;
- Serve as an active, collegial member of the Academic Affairs senior leadership team and on the Provost's Council;
- Provide supervisory oversight and leadership for the directors of the following operations: Academic Advising Services, Full Opportunity Program, Tutoring Services, Honors, the Office of International Education and International Student Services, and the Educational Development Program;
- Advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for members of the campus community;
- Other duties as assigned;
- Contribute to curriculum development and refinement;
- Provide academic advisement to students;
- Participate in committees and provide service to the department, college, university, and profession;
- Be aware of, understand, and follow all university policies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Vision and demonstrated ability to advance the retention and student success efforts of the university;
- Demonstrated effectiveness in planning, administration, personnel, and fiscal management;
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and exceptional communication skills;
- Demonstrated ability to foster close relationships with other units on campus;
- Demonstrated ability to make creative, data-driven decisions;
- Effective written and oral communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills;
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission of a public, liberal arts university;
- Appreciation of the contributions that educational technologies can make to retention and student success efforts;
- Ability to work well with many university constituencies;
- An excellent sense of humor and comfort working in an ever changing environment.
This is a full-time, term appointed, position beginning Fall 2023.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Earned masters from an accredited institution;
- Minimum of three years professional experience in admissions, advising, university administration, student recruitment, student services, or related area;
- Experience in academic administration, minimally at the level of supervisor or academic department chair, or equivalent in an academic support unit;
- Experience overseeing employees;
- Prior experience in academic advising;
- Demonstrated commitment to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Earned doctorate from an accredited institution;
- Progressive administrative experience;
- Experience involving faculty, staff, students, and administrative personnel in collaborative decision-making;
- Proven record of success in external grant writing;
- Experience with the supervision and evaluation of staff in a collective bargaining setting;
- Interest in, and commitment to, community engagement.
