Assistant Vice President for Student Retention and Educational Innovation, Division of Student

Division of Student Success and Retention

Assistant Vice President for Student Retention and Educational Innovation

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Success and Retention, the Assistant Vice President for Student Retention and Educational Innovation will support the mission of the Division of Student Success and Retention. The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Student Retention and Educational Innovation will utilize the University’s strategic plan to manage all student retention initiatives. This role provides dynamic, visionary leadership in the development of innovative approaches and models designed to advance retention and innovation across university programs and initiatives. This position requires travel and a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours.

The AVP is a leader who partners with the Office of Institutional Research, college deans, faculty, staff and student leaders to lead the retention and educational vision for the university. The AVP will institute high impact educational practices that increase persistence to graduation. The AVP is expected to provide significant thought leadership and advocacy in the formation of key retention and educational initiatives that will further the trajectory and evolution of Kean University as a leading institution of higher education. The AVP will provide visionary leadership and enthusiastic support for impacting student success and retention programs at all levels of the institution and will work across divisions to enhance retention initiatives that will ultimately reduce student attrition. They will create innovative programming and oversee first generation initiatives, Supplemental Instruction, the LEAP Scholarship, Kean Family Day, a college-wide mentoring initiative and a team of staff who oversee intervention for at-risk students. The AVP will work with all areas of the University to identify contributing factors and proactively devise and lead strategies for academic success and retention; develop and implement University retention goals and strategies; track retention activities; assess efficacy; develop and organize cohorts; recommend changes to the administration to enhance retention efforts; and perform related work as required.

This is not a remote position and requires physical presence on campus as determined by the Supervisor. It requires working on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic and interacting directly with students following all procedures and protocols set forth in the University’s Restart Plan and any procedures/protocols created through additional correspondence.

Qualifications: Terminal degree or Master’s degree in Higher Education, Law, Communication, K-12 Education or another related field and five years of professional experience working with at risk populations, mentoring and/or community stakeholders is required. Teaching experience at the college level is preferred. Candidate must have excellent administrative and organizational skills; excellent data-gathering, management, analysis and reporting skills; supervisory experience; and excellent oral and written communication skills.

The deadline for applications is December 8, 2021. Please submit your cover letter, resume/CV and contact information for three professional references. Official transcripts for all degrees are required prior to the starting date of employment.

Attention current Kean University employees (including part-time Student Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Academic Specialists and Adjuncts): Please apply via the internal career site to ensure consideration as an internal candidate. To apply internally, please log into your Workday account and select the Career icon on your homepage to view available positions.

Additional Information

As a condition of employment, external candidates are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date. If you are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or religious reasons, or reasons related to a current pregnancy, you may submit a request for an exemption. If you are approved for an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, you will be required to wear a mask while indoors on campus and you will be required to be tested for COVID-19 by the University on a regular schedule.

Kean University complies with the New Jersey First Act (Senate Bill No. 1730, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any individual newly hired by Kean University will be required to abide by this law and establish a principal residence in New Jersey. New employees will have a full 365 days to establish such residence, from the effective date of hire.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please refer to Section III.A. of our Reasonable Accommodations Policy & Procedures .

Diversity & Non-Discrimination Statement

Kean University is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse campus community through inclusive excellence and equal opportunity. Kean’s commitment to access and equity is designed to prepare each graduate to not only thrive, but climb higher in a diverse world. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution we work to support a campus-wide agenda to foster a community that both values and promotes the diversity and equity of all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and beyond.

EEO/AA Statement

Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer