Chief Student Success Officer/Associate Provost for Student Success

Thomas Edison State University provides distinctive undergraduate and graduate education for self-directed adults through flexible, high-quality, collegiate learning and assessment opportunities. One of New Jersey’s senior public institutions of higher education, the University offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 100 areas of study, predominantly online. At Thomas Edison State University we embrace a diverse and dynamic workforce that drives innovation, learner success and organizational growth. We welcome you to apply to be a part of our team.

Summary:

The Chief Student Success Officer is charged with developing, leading, and overseeing the university’s comprehensive approach to the student experience, with a focus on student retention and success, including degree completion. The Officer is responsible for designing, implementing, and providing on-going support for University-level efforts that enhance the student experience and that meaningfully promote access and inclusion. The position reports to the Provost and will interface with the leadership of the Academic Affairs division and represent the Provost’s Office internally and externally. The individual in this position will need to cultivate and maintain strong professional relationships with key personnel in all areas of the University, and will also coordinate the development and implementation of academic practices, policies and procedures that ensure an integrated experience for each student. The Officer will also oversee the academic integrity and student ADA functions.

Requirements:

Education: Minimum possession of Master’s degree in an academic or professional discipline.

Required Experience:
• A minimum of six years’ experience in higher education and experience with emerging student success, support, and retention strategies and technology or equivalency as determined by the appointing authority.

OR

• Customer service leadership experience and a minimum of three years in higher education areas outlined above.

AND

• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to optimize the student experience and to support student success in an online environment.
• Knowledge of metrics in support of the development and evaluation of success initiatives.

Preferred:

The preferred candidate will possess a terminal degree (preferably PhD or EdD) and be able to quickly obtain a full understanding of Thomas Edison State University organizational structures, academic and administrative policies and procedures. Exceptionally strong writing and verbal skills; effective interpersonal skills, especially working in a collaborative team environment and demonstrated expertise in collaborating with academic and service units/departments across a higher education institution. The ability to successfully compete for external funding opportunities and experience with ADA policies and processes and in an online environment are highly desirable.

Examples of Work:

•Develop, implement, and coordinate comprehensive strategies to optimize the student experience and support, with a focus on retention and student success.
•Develop assessment and evaluation criteria to ensure program success in collaboration with the Director of Assessment. Measurable outcomes include and improved retention and graduation rates
•Oversee areas that provide current student support activities and resources including:
•All student advising
•Disability services.
•Tutoring services
•The Office of Academic Integrity
•Collaborate with the NJ State Librarian regarding library support
•Propose additional resources needed to support students
•Support initiatives to procure external funding to support the development of additional support resources

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

•Strong organizational, strategic and problem solving skills
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•Ability to prepare clear reports and studies that include findings and recommendations.
•Ability to represent the University at conferences, seminars or meetings.
•Ability to manage and prioritize tasks and assignments.
•Ability to acquire basic knowledge of the university philosophy, goal and organization.
•Ability to acquire basic knowledge of the higher education system and the function of institutions of higher learning.
•Ability to utilize date in the evaluation of success initiatives.
•Demonstrated background establishing cooperative working relationships and coordinate with other offices or organizations that impact on or relate to the work of the section(s) and program or unit.
•Ability to establish cooperative working relationships with supervisors and staff.