Dean of Retention and Completion

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

A new position at Cape Cod Community College, the Dean of Retention and Completion will be part of a dynamic and visionary team of leaders in the division of Academic and Student Affairs. The Dean will provide inclusive, growth-mindset leadership, innovative vision, and a commitment to key programs in the division, as well as retention and completion goals/initiatives with all constituents throughout the College. 

The ideal candidate is someone with positive and productive experience working with colleagues to design, implement, and assess successful retention programs. In addition to being knowledgeable about the goals and metrics outlined for retention, progression, and equity as detailed in the College's Strategic Plan, 2020-2025 , as well as the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education's Equity Agenda, the ideal candidate will be ready to scale up successful programs already in place. With research and data, the ideal candidate will be able to propose programming that will increase our students' completion, understanding that 70% of our students are part-time.

The Dean will support the leadership and staff of the current grant-funded programs of TRiO and Perkins-funded Coaches & Mentors, as well as vital student support services such as Student Engagement and disability support services through the College's O'Neill Center.  The Dean will also oversee the critical area of Academic Advising. A creative problem solver with an endless reservoir of patience, the ideal candidate will create a positive and engaged culture in which professional advisors in the Advising Department collaborate with full-time faculty advisors to provide comprehensive services to improve retention and completion. Additionally, the Dean, as an understanding, patient, servant-leader, will act as the College's Student Code of Conduct officer, overseeing the student grievance process.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

1. Makes decisions related to planning and execution of all Retention and Completion services and initiatives.
2. Develops and recommends to the Vice President plans, policies, and procedures as related to the division.
3. Prepares budget requests and monitors division's cost center budgets.
4. Participates as a member of the College's Leadership Council and advises the President in formulating overall plans, data collection, policies, and procedures for the execution of the goals and purposes of the College.
5. Supports professional development for all staff.
6. Supervises, supports, and mentors the managerial staff of Academic Advising, Student Engagement, the TRiO/Advantage Program, the Coaches & Mentors Program, the Career Vocational Technical Secondary Education Program (Tech Prep), the O'Neill Center for Disability Services, the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Program (MAICEI), Project Forward, Veterans Services and Service Learning & Civic Engagement.
7. Chairs regular meetings of staff.
8. Works within the collective bargaining agreements under which staff work and collaboratively with union leadership.
9. Works directly with the Vice President in an advisory, as well as administrative, role as relates to retention and student completion.
10. Advises students on both an individual and groups basis as needed.
11. Participates in national, state and local professional activities.
12. Ensures equal opportunity for students.
13. Assists the President in ensuring that the College is in compliance with rules and regulations as established by the College's Board of Trustees.
14. Serves as the College's Code of Conduct Officer and Student Grievance Officer.
15. Serves on committees as assigned (Crisis and Life Management Team, College Readiness and Student Success, and search committees).
16. Prepares the College Official's Report and the Notification of Good Standing Report for transfer students.
17. Serves on the Appeals Committee for students who have been dismissed from the College for academic reasons.
18. Other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's degree plus five years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, preferably at a community college in programs/areas related to retention and completion programming.
2. Demonstrated experience in working with diverse populations.
3. Demonstrated skills in analyzing, interpreting, and implementing academic policies.
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with various college constituencies.
5. Evidence of the ability to provide effective leadership and vision to enhance current programs and develop new programs.
6. Proficiency in oral, written, and electronic communication.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the role of the collective bargaining agreement in a working environment.
2. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with all levels of staff and to lead with compassion, fostering the strengths of the staff.
3. Demonstrated skills in active listening, conflict resolution, and problem solving.
4. Evidence of outreach activity and consultation with various resources in the community.