Associate Dean of Students, Student Retention & Engagement

Job No: 514429
Work Type: Management (MPP)
Location: Pomona
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time

Type of Appointment: Full-time, Management Personnel Plan (MPP II)

Salary Range: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

Recruitment Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Next Application Review: June 15, 2022

REQUIRED- All candidates must submit the following:

• Application
• Cover letter
• Resume or CV
• Three References

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Dean of Students Office at Cal Poly Pomona is a unit under the Division of Student Affairs that holistically supports student success through intentional programs, initiatives and collaborative partnerships (engagement), fosters an anti-racist and student-ready culture (equity and access) and creates innovative and integrative co-curricular pathways rooted in career readiness and civic engagement (lifelong learning and advocacy).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Line Management and Supervision:

The Associate Dean of Students serves as the administrative control point for reporting departments in matters related to budget and fiscal affairs, human resource management, general administration and the implementation of institutional, divisional, and departmental goals, strategies and functions. The incumbent provides a direct communication and administrative link between the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, as well as unit managers and staff.

The Associate Dean of Students leads the student retention and engagement unit in addressing critical issues and facilitates strategic thinking, organizational learning, creative problem-solving and short- and long-range planning. The incumbent holds unit managers accountable for administering student-centered and demonstrably effective programs, for fulfilling their responsibility to steward resources wisely, for assigning work and supervising employees in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and university policy, and for enhancing information systems and applications to further the university's goals.

The Associate Dean of Students will:

• Plan, implement, evaluate, and modify a variety of programs, services, processes, standards, and operations related to assigned areas of responsibility utilizing student success indicators.
• Oversee a case management team that works and collaborates with various stakeholders to oversee the university's process for addressing the needs of students who have crisis with academic, family, health, and other concerns through providing referrals and follow-up services.
• Work with staff and campus stakeholders to coordinate support services, including referral and liaison with housing agencies, social services, mental health services, financial support agencies, food services, and other basic needs resources for students.
• Develop and maintain a database of referral resources for social service agencies within the local community; facilitate relationships with off-campus agencies and resources to connect students to long-term support.
• Serve as part of the division's administrator on call rotation. Research, identify, and implement standard methodologies of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and multicultural concepts and issues.
• Collaborate and partner with key constituencies across campus to advance recruitment, inclusion, and retention of historically underrepresented and marginalized populations.
• Evaluate the utilization, effectiveness, and impact of programs and services and take actions to build upon strengths, resolve challenges, and remove barriers getting in the way of student success.
• Advocate for and create greater resources and support to aid in student success.
• Promote student success, learning and retention through the holistic programmatic development; work to help students feel empowered, valued, and well-supported both academically and personally; establish a strong rapport and vibrant campus life with students by being involved, visible, and engaged in all aspects of campus life.
• Supervise professional staff, classified staff, technical/support, and/or student staff. Evaluate and oversee the development of professional development plans and goals for assigned staff.
• Oversee the development and facilitation of data-driven and student-centered information sessions, presentations, trainings, and/or workshops related to assigned areas of student services.

Areas this role will oversee

Student Support and Equity Programs:

Student Support and Equity Programs (SSEP) aspires to offer model programs and services that continuously evolve to meet the changing needs of our diverse students. Our constituents and colleagues will look to SSEP as the leader in promoting access for underrepresented students; advocating for comprehensive major and career exploration for undecided students; and providing comprehensive and strategic retention services to ensure student success.

New Student Programs & Family Engagement:

The Office of New Student Programs & Family Engagement at Cal Poly Pomona facilitates the transition of new students into the institution; prepares them for educational opportunities and student responsibilities; and initiates their integration into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of the university.

Project Rebound:

CSU Project Rebound Consortium is to support the higher education and successful reintegration of the formerly incarcerated through the mentorship and living example of other formerly incarcerated students and graduates. Project Rebound constructs a life-affirming alternative to the revolving door policies of mass incarceration by making higher education more accessible and supportive of formerly incarcerated students so that they can acquire the knowledge and skills of a university education, enhance their capacity for civic engagement and community leadership, secure meaningful and gratifying employment, empower themselves and their families, and ultimately make stronger, safer communities.

Student Leadership and Engagement is a newly formed concept.

A new office will be formed and directly report to the ADOS. A campus-wide listening tour will provide students, staff, and faculty with the opportunity to provide feedback that will inform the structure of the new office. Currently, this area will oversee the following units: Bronco LEAD, Student Employment Programs, Greek Life, and Clubs & Organizations.

Cluster and Division Leadership

The Associate Dean of Students works with the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students on short- and long-range planning; participates fully in the overall leadership and management of the Student Affairs Division; and assists in the formulation, articulation and implementation of policy that has divisional, campus-wide and system-wide implications.

• The incumbent serves as a critical liaison between Student Affairs and other divisions and as the lead student affairs administrator in determining the strategic direction for designated operational areas, especially as they relate to the enhancement of student support structures and student success measures. The Associate Dean of Students works with faculty, staff, academic administrators and executive officers to promote cross-divisional partnerships and enhance the delivery of university-wide and college-based student services.
• In addition, the incumbent advises and also troubleshoots for the Associate Vice President; manages the appropriate expenditures from grants and private funding; handles special projects as assigned by the Associate Vice President; and acts on behalf of the Associate Vice President on a wide array of initiatives. The Associate Dean of Students participates fully in the life of the university and represents the campus within the California State University system, to government and professional organizations, and in the community at large.
• Presents innovative and creative ideas to continue and build on the current and future success of the Division and the operations and programs that support the students building a sense of community.
• Holds leaders and directors accountable for high performance and fosters a highly engaged culture by articulating expectations, monitoring performance, and providing feedback consistently across departments and areas for which they are responsible.
• Provide leadership and direction while working with the department directors to create and maintain internal operations that improve effectiveness and efficiency within the Division.
• Creates an agile administration model for the Division which can shift based on the changing needs of higher education and our student population.

Professional Development & Other Duties as assigned

• Stays abreast of current literature, ongoing trends, demographic changes, laws and policies that impact the diverse student body.
• Continually assess student needs and interests, as well as remain abreast of current, model practices in the field of student affairs as it relates to identity development, student behavior; utilize relevant data, scholarship, and student development theories/models in planning and developing programs and services designed to actively foster student learning and promote students' holistic success.
• Capacity to research and identify current issues in higher education both locally and nationally; awareness and insight into emerging issues (basic needs, mental health).
• Ensures staff have a professional development plan that incorporates and encourages best practices.
• The incumbent also actively engages in scholarly, creative and professional development activities serving in regional and national leadership roles and presenting at regional and national professional association meetings.
• Participates in local, regional and national research and presentations pertinent to job functionality
• Attends conferences and professional institutes to stay relevant and build a professional network that enhances the potential for innovation at CPP.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree, preferably in student affairs, higher education administration, college student personnel, social work, counseling, or a related field.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in crises management, case management, student success, advocacy support services, cultural center management, student affairs and/or other comparable collegiate or community-based settings.
• An understanding and deep commitment to social justice, demonstrated cultural competence with strong belief in the value of diversity, anti-racism, and student-readiness in enriching the learning experience and the quality of life on campus.
• Strong crisis management skills and demonstrated experience successfully working through crisis situations, with knowledge of mental health issues and laws impacting campus professionals and students
• Compassionate, , accessible, transparent, ethical leader with excellent communication skills to clearly articulate vision, direction and purpose and earn the respect and confidence of the faculty, staff, students, and family members/supporters.
• A strong systems thinker with the ability to assist the division in a pro-active approach to upcoming trends, issues, and needs.
• Ability to effectively manage daily activities and operations while always being cognizant of the larger issues impacting higher education on a regional, state, and national level.
• A proven record of implementing change, establishing a vision and direction for an office/department, motivating staff and students to embrace change, and successfully creating new programs and initiatives to enhance the quality of campus life for all students.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with excellent management skills; the ability to manage feedback with constructive action and build a solid framework to effectively develop and manage a complex, student- ready units.
• Understanding and appreciation of how academic affairs and student affairs intersect to provide a holistic experience for students.
• Strong community builder and collaborator, capable of building bridges to departments, faculty, staff, students, and the larger community.
• Skilled in the collection of data and ability to analyze and make educated decisions.
• Committed to continuing a student-centered approach to learning and engagement throughout the department's programs and services.
• Credible, engaging, supportive, empathetic, and approachable supervisor with knowledge of the responsibilities of each staff member's position, respect for their work and contributions, and adept at advocating for staff and students, their programs, and needs.
• Commitment to using best practices, technology, and innovation to continually provide students with cutting-edge programs and services.
• Strong supervisory experience with a proven ability to engage in identity specific supervision, mediate conflicts, and make tough decisions when necessary.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Doctorate degree, preferably in student affairs, higher education administration, college student personnel, social work, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience managing staff and skilled professionals in a university environment.
• Experience in a larger, complex and diverse public higher education institution.

BENEFITS

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid option
• Relocation reimbursement (discretionary upon appointing authority)

COVID-19 Vaccination

CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who physically access campus facilities or programs to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes obtaining a COVID-19 booster dose, or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement. See policy at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/11030468/latest.

Out of State Work

The California State University (CSU) system is a network of twenty-three public universities providing access to a quality education through the support of California taxpayers. Part of CSU's mission is to prepare educated, responsible individuals to contribute to California's schools, economy, culture, and future. As an agency of the State of California, the CSU's business operations almost exclusively reside within California. The CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California. See policy at https://calstate.policystat.com/v2/policy/10899725/latest/.

Background Check

Cal Poly Pomona will make a conditional offer of employment, pending the satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). The conditional offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. In determining the suitability of the candidate for the position, Cal Poly Pomona will give an individualized assessment to any criminal conviction history, considering such factors as the nature, gravity and recency of the conviction, the candidate's conduct, performance or rehabilitation efforts since the conviction and the nature of the job applied for. See policy at https://www.cpp.edu/eoda/employee-labor//documents/employment-policies/hr2017-17.pdf.

I-9

Cal Poly Pomona hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. See Form I-9 Acceptable Documents at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.

Conflict of Interest

This position is a 'designated position