Overview

Job Location:
Montclair, NJ

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
  • The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
  • Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
  • In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Dean of the College of Communication and Media, the Assistant Dean for Student Success provides leadership and administrative oversight for student success and engagement programs, including academic advising, professional and career development, student recruitment, enrollment management, orientation and retention activities, and student policies and procedures. The Assistant Dean supports students, faculty, and staff in the development and implementation of co-curricular programming that enhances student life, belonging, and learning; advances alumni relations; and contributes to initiatives that promote the College for regional, national, and international publics.

As part of the College’s senior management team, the Assistant Dean oversees the student services infrastructure and conducts regular assessment of processes toward improving the student experience and increasing student success, belongingness, and engagement. The Assistant Dean works directly with students to manage issues and maximize educational experiences; supervises the College’s academic advising team and the Coordinator of Special Projects and Events; supports faculty in their work as academic advisors and leaders of student clubs and activities; supervises the College’s Office of Career Services; and collaborates with partners in the College (e.g., the Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs) and the University—serving as a liaison with such units as the Office of Admissions, University College, the Office of Enrollment Management, and the Dean of Students Office.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serve as the primary point of contact to triage and resolve complex student issues, including grade grievances and student crises, and help students access resources through referrals to appropriate University offices as needed, using discretion and judgment.

  • Direct and manage the College of Communication and Media’s academic advising team to ensure that holistic (SSIPP) advising processes function well for students’ registration, progress toward degree, attainment of academic and professional goals, and other advising-related outcomes.

  • Direct and manage professional staff and oversee projects related to the overall student experience, with an eye toward students’ senses of belonging and engagement.

  • Ensure professional growth through mentoring and managing professional staff, participating in professional development opportunities, and partaking in team building initiatives.

  • Finalize hiring decisions and review professional performance to achieve college goals.

  • Set a vision and develop/enhance services and programs that ensure equity-oriented advising while increasing student success, retention, and graduation.

  • Work with the College’s Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs to methodically monitor and manage undergraduate and graduate enrollment; and to confer about course scheduling decisions.

  • Guide admissions procedures by handling change of major requests and by supporting B.F.A. and M.A. program faculty with admissions processes.

  • Spearhead the College’s recruitment initiatives, including communications campaigns with prospective students, Open Houses, Accepted Students Days, college fairs, pre-college programs, high school group tours/workshops, and new student orientations.

  • Interpret, implement, and communicate student and academic policies to multiple audiences and guide students, faculty, and staff in understanding and upholding policies.

  • Oversee the awarding of college and departmental-level scholarships.

  • Remain current with national trends in academic and co-curricular advising, student excellence, support, and engagement.

  • Represent the College on relevant standing and ad-hoc university-wide committees and effectively advocate for resources and needs.

  • Build partnerships with Alumni Relations, the Office of Student Belonging, the Office of Social Justice and Diversity, the Center for Student Involvement, and other student-facing units.

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

  • Management retains the right to change or add job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED: 

  • Master’s degree from an accredited college or university.

  • Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in higher education management, working in a department that supports a wide range of student services, co-curricular initiatives, and community partnerships.

  • Professional experience in project management and budget management.

  • Comprehensive understanding of academic programs, processes, and operations in a large public research university.

  • Advanced knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn academic regulations and university policies, curriculum/graduation requirements, and processes and procedures related to student registration and advising.

  • Ability to maintain confidential records regarding highly sensitive issues.

  • Advanced communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information and build relationships with internal and external audiences/stakeholders.

  • Strategic thinker with strong data analytic skills.

  • Ability to effectively execute multiple initiatives simultaneously and promote teamwork, solve problems, troubleshoot, think creatively, and resolve conflicts.

  • Flexible availability, as needed for occasional weekend and evening hours for special events.

PREFERRED:

  • Familiarity with the disciplines represented in the College of Communication and Media (animation and VFX, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism, sports communication, and strategic communication).

  • Strong understanding of contemporary diversity and belonging issues, especially as they apply to recruitment and retention, and a commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive environments.

  • Prior experience in student affairs programming and/or academic advisor.

  • Demonstrated ability to research and make presentations to varied and variously sized audiences, in-person and via digital platforms.

  • Demonstrated understanding and ability to plan and execute student-focused collateral materials and multimedia communications campaigns.

  • Academic background and experience in student success research.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY
Applicants should include a resume AND cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Department

School of Communication and Media

Position Type

Administrative

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at 
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities.  The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/