Inside Higher Ed
Dean for Student Retention & Advising
Location:
Longmeadow, MA Department:
01-51-5110-VP Academic Affairs Type:
Full-Time Salaried (Exempt) Position ID:
193060 Posted:
Sep 22, 2025 Closes:
Open Until Filled Category:
Administrative / Staff Overview The Dean for Student Retention & Advising is a visionary leader responsible for fostering a culture of student success and persistence across Bay Path University and Cambridge College. This role requires a strategic, data-informed approach to developing and overseeing retention initiatives, advising services, and student support programs for a diverse student body, including a significant population of adult learners. A key aspect of this position is to spearhead the implementation of a new, AI-powered student support program. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Dean will lead and empower a dedicated team to provide high-touch, holistic support that proactively addresses student needs from enrollment through graduation, ensuring every student has the resources and guidance to achieve their educational and career goals. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership for Student Retention & Persistence: Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate a comprehensive, multi-year retention strategy that aligns with university-wide goals for student success, degree completion, and graduation rates. Set and communicate clear retention and persistence goals for the university, and report on progress to senior leadership. Utilize predictive data modeling, case management data collection, and assessment to inform student outreach and intervention strategies. Design and execute targeted programming for specific student populations (e.g., first-year, transfer, and at-risk learners) to foster belonging and academic connection. Lead the strategic execution and continuous improvement of a holistic new student onboarding and orientation experience. Management & Team Empowerment: Lead, mentor, and supervise the professional advising and student success teams; foster a collaborative, high-performing environment. Manage and optimize tools and resources used in communication plans and outreach throughout the student lifecycle. Design processes, create documentation, and provide training to guide efficient activities of support service areas. Develop and implement professional development programs to ensure staff can deliver cutting-edge, student-centered advising and support. Manage departmental budgets and secure external funding through grant writing to expand retention programs and services. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Advocacy: Collaborate with New Student Enrollment and Marketing, Student Engagement & Academic Resources, the Registrar's Office, Data and Technology teams, Student Financial Services, Academic Deans, and other stakeholders. Serve as a liaison and advocate for student success, reviewing and optimizing processes to remove barriers to degree completion. Coordinate retention and advising efforts with Academic Deans, Student Life, and Student Academic Support teams; work with Admissions to ensure smooth transitions for incoming students, focusing on adult learners. Represent the university at conferences and on committees; attend trainings as required. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities Senior Director of Advising CC Director of Retention & Student Success Director of Advising BPO/BPU Other staff as assigned Requirements Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field; a doctoral degree is preferred. Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education with a proven track record in student retention and advising initiatives. Experience with online learners is preferred. Demonstrated expertise in using data and technology to inform retention strategies and improve student outcomes. Proficiency with technology including Student Relationship Management (CRM) and Student Information Systems (SIS); Salesforce and Jenzabar experience at the user level is preferred. Strong leadership and team management skills; ability to inspire and develop a diverse team. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication; ability to build consensus with a wide range of stakeholders. Thorough understanding of FERPA and ability to handle confidential information with integrity. Valid U.S. driver’s license. Must pass Safe Driving Course within 15 days of hire and maintain driving record checks. Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures. Additional Information Bay Path University is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Application Instructions All qualified applicants should attach a cover letter, resume / curriculum vitae, and any other relevant information. Please apply online. Faxes and emails will not be accepted. Bay Path University is a smoke and tobacco-free community. All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory background check. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply, please email HR@baypath.edu or call 413-565-1157.
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Location:
Longmeadow, MA Department:
01-51-5110-VP Academic Affairs Type:
Full-Time Salaried (Exempt) Position ID:
193060 Posted:
Sep 22, 2025 Closes:
Open Until Filled Category:
Administrative / Staff Overview The Dean for Student Retention & Advising is a visionary leader responsible for fostering a culture of student success and persistence across Bay Path University and Cambridge College. This role requires a strategic, data-informed approach to developing and overseeing retention initiatives, advising services, and student support programs for a diverse student body, including a significant population of adult learners. A key aspect of this position is to spearhead the implementation of a new, AI-powered student support program. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Dean will lead and empower a dedicated team to provide high-touch, holistic support that proactively addresses student needs from enrollment through graduation, ensuring every student has the resources and guidance to achieve their educational and career goals. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership for Student Retention & Persistence: Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate a comprehensive, multi-year retention strategy that aligns with university-wide goals for student success, degree completion, and graduation rates. Set and communicate clear retention and persistence goals for the university, and report on progress to senior leadership. Utilize predictive data modeling, case management data collection, and assessment to inform student outreach and intervention strategies. Design and execute targeted programming for specific student populations (e.g., first-year, transfer, and at-risk learners) to foster belonging and academic connection. Lead the strategic execution and continuous improvement of a holistic new student onboarding and orientation experience. Management & Team Empowerment: Lead, mentor, and supervise the professional advising and student success teams; foster a collaborative, high-performing environment. Manage and optimize tools and resources used in communication plans and outreach throughout the student lifecycle. Design processes, create documentation, and provide training to guide efficient activities of support service areas. Develop and implement professional development programs to ensure staff can deliver cutting-edge, student-centered advising and support. Manage departmental budgets and secure external funding through grant writing to expand retention programs and services. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Advocacy: Collaborate with New Student Enrollment and Marketing, Student Engagement & Academic Resources, the Registrar's Office, Data and Technology teams, Student Financial Services, Academic Deans, and other stakeholders. Serve as a liaison and advocate for student success, reviewing and optimizing processes to remove barriers to degree completion. Coordinate retention and advising efforts with Academic Deans, Student Life, and Student Academic Support teams; work with Admissions to ensure smooth transitions for incoming students, focusing on adult learners. Represent the university at conferences and on committees; attend trainings as required. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities Senior Director of Advising CC Director of Retention & Student Success Director of Advising BPO/BPU Other staff as assigned Requirements Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field; a doctoral degree is preferred. Minimum 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education with a proven track record in student retention and advising initiatives. Experience with online learners is preferred. Demonstrated expertise in using data and technology to inform retention strategies and improve student outcomes. Proficiency with technology including Student Relationship Management (CRM) and Student Information Systems (SIS); Salesforce and Jenzabar experience at the user level is preferred. Strong leadership and team management skills; ability to inspire and develop a diverse team. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication; ability to build consensus with a wide range of stakeholders. Thorough understanding of FERPA and ability to handle confidential information with integrity. Valid U.S. driver’s license. Must pass Safe Driving Course within 15 days of hire and maintain driving record checks. Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures. Additional Information Bay Path University is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Application Instructions All qualified applicants should attach a cover letter, resume / curriculum vitae, and any other relevant information. Please apply online. Faxes and emails will not be accepted. Bay Path University is a smoke and tobacco-free community. All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory background check. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply, please email HR@baypath.edu or call 413-565-1157.
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