Assistant Dean for Student Success

Sacred Heart University - Assistant Dean for Student Success

About Sacred Heart University:

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 students attend the University's nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent's College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change-in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 386 Colleges-2021 Edition, "Best in the Northeast" and Best Business Schools-2021 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theater. www.sacredheart.edu

Job Description:

The Farrington College of Education (FCE) at Sacred Heart University invites applications for a 12-month administrative position. We seek applicants who demonstrate a strong interest in helping students discover their interests and reach their intellectual and career goals. The Assistant Dean for Student Success will work closely with the FCE Dean, Associate Dean, department chair and program directors in the FCE to provide faculty training, student advising, course evaluation, scheduling, strategic planning, academic event planning and management. Additionally, the incumbent will work with colleagues across the university to provide leadership, support and service, as assigned.

The Successful Candidate Will Be Expected To   

• Develop and implement a college-wide advising model, to include strategies that provide meaningful opportunities for students to succeed.
• Develop, organize, and implement individual and group trainings, along with resources, to provide meaningful and consistent advising support to faculty.
• Develop, coordinate, facilitate, and/or present academic planning and career development modules and special workshops for students (e.g., choosing a major, resume development, identifying internship opportunities, etc.).
• Serve on university wide advising and career development task forces.
• Provide support for Commencement, Convocation, and other university wide events.
• Plan and provide support for advising events and initiatives.
• Counsel and advise students, individually or in groups, on issues related to planning an academic program.
• Evaluate and review credits for students transferring to FCE, advise students with academic difficulties, and assist students planning to study abroad and advise appropriately.
• Provide referrals to specific departments, schools or colleges as appropriate.
• Counsel and advise students in making career related decisions, using assessment instruments where appropriate.
• Assist students (and alumni) in the use of existing resources for learning about careers of interest to them.
• Critique resumes and assist with programs and services related to placement activities.
• Serve as liaison and resource with academic and/or student services, departments/organizations, including those outside of the FCE (e.g., Graduate Admissions, Registrar's Office, Transfer Admissions, Undergraduate Admissions, Student Success Center, Office of Global Affairs), as assigned.
• Coordinate revisions to the university catalog for the administration of the college.
• Coordinate and plan college participation in open houses and orientation events, including ancillary advising opportunities.
• Coordinate scheduling of courses with other colleges and SHU campuses.
• Become conversant with the university's student planning and advising system.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the FCE in areas that broadly relate to and support the Mission of SHU.

Specific examples of roles and responsibilities are provided below, to include, but not limited to:

• Prepare, organize, and maintain appropriate resources, reports and statistical summaries.    
• Assist in Open Houses for prospective students.                                                                         
• Assist in clearing students for graduation.                                                                               
• Conduct transcript reviews.                                                                                                    
• Understand and be able to articulate certification requirements for all programs.             
• Supervise staff and students, as assigned.                                                                                          -
• All other duties as assigned

Requirements:

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications

• Master's degree in education, counseling, or related student service area.
• Knowledge and experience in providing faculty support for advising.
• Two years of experience in academic counseling, post-secondary career planning and placement, or related experience.
• Evidence of excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and record-reviewing skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Strategic planning skills. Ability to work collaboratively.
• Command of technological skills (MS Word, Excel, Google Docs, Zoom).
• Additional Desirable Qualifications                                                 
• Experience leading or working in a college/university advising office or related administrative unit. 
• Doctoral degree.

Additional Information:

Participation in evening and weekend events is occasionally required.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online, faxes and emails will not be accepted.

Applicants should upload a letter of interest that relates qualifications to the requirements of the position, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references, and transcripts to Dr. Mel Horton, through the SHU online Application Portal.  The search committee will only consider online submissions. The position will start upon successful completion of the search.    

Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live are encouraged.