Assistant Director of Retention

Assistant Director of Retention & Student Support Category: Administrative / Staff Subscribe: Department: 07-51-5107-AWC Online Locations: Longmeadow, MA Posted: Jul 21, 2023 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Full-Time Salaried (Exempt) Position ID: 165033 Share

About Bay Path University:

When Bay Path opened its doors to students in 1897, it had a very clear goal: to provide a practical, affordable, and career-oriented education to prepare students to not only meet the needs of companies, organizations, and communities but to also thrive in their professions, identify and realize their dreams, and make a lasting difference in the world. From the beginning, Bay Path prided itself on being entrepreneurial, constantly pushing the boundaries of the academic experience to fit the student...to start them on the road of success. That spirit and philosophy is best reflected in our shared vision, "At Bay Path, every learner's dreams of a better career, a richer life, and a brighter future will be realized."

Recognizing that our learners come first, we know it is equally important that we develop, cultivate, and sustain a culture that binds us together as a community. As part of the University's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we draw upon our eight Core Values-beliefs that provide the internal framework and a moral compass for how we work and interact with each other.

Bay Path University, an independent and not-for-profit institution, was named Among Fastest Growing Baccalaureate Colleges and Graduate Programs by The Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac, and is a member of the Women's College Coalition. With a main campus in Longmeadow, MA, and a satellite location in East Longmeadow, MA, Bay Path offers undergraduate, graduate (for women and men) degrees, and professional certificates.

For 125 years, we have been committed to preparing our students to navigate a constantly changing world. Whether it is one of our innovative academic programs, groundbreaking online learning platform, or We Empower Learners and Leaders initiative, we educate our students in ways that will help them to grown, learn to adapt, and always to flourish. Be part of the change. Be Bay Path.

We invite you to visit our website at where you can learn more about Bay Path University.

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Retention & Student Success and the Associate Dean of Advising & Student Support, this position plays a key role in the Student Success Center and is focused on supporting student success by providing an array of services designed to assist all students with successful completion of their degree. This individual will assist in leading an innovative team focused on delivering holistic, coordinated, wraparound academic, financial, advising and career development support services that are easily accessible, both online and on-ground. The Center will accommodate the needs of the diverse student populations by helping facilitate academic success in utilizing data and technology to help inform meaningful outreach to students at key touch points during their education.

The Assistant Director of Retention & Student Success will leverage data and technology to help coordinate meaningful outreach to students throughout their educational journey. They will collaborate with other student-facing offices and positions to assist in creating a well-coordinated network of support. The Assistant Director will provide guidance and supervision to the Student Success & Retention Specialist positions.

Essential Job Functions: 

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Retention, provide guidance and leadership on retention and student success best practices  Provide a highly supportive, and collaborative experience for students as they enter, move through, and complete their education at Bay Path University Actively support ethical growth and transformational learning in fulfillment of the mission and vision of Bay Path University for its students  Support each student holistically by developing plans for student success including referrals to career services, disability services, tutoring or counseling needs Assist in developing or administering virtual events such as orientation, webinars, ceremonies, graduation activities Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of activity utilizing technological tools such as a CRM and Student Information System Assist in leading collaboration with various student facing positions and offices to create and implement meaningful interventions Evaluate processes and procedures and make recommendations for continuous improvement in the student experience by thoughtfully utilizing technology, customization and workflow design  Support recruitment, marketing, admissions, orientation and retention activities as needed Assist in analyzing data to ensure effectiveness of interventions Assist with, and guide, the process of addressing early alerts for all BPU students - undergraduate and graduate Responsible for collecting/verifying/distributing attendance data at the start of each session and coordinating with registrar on student record data  Consult with academic program chairs, deans, and other departments on policies, procedures on student and/or faculty related concerns brought forward to advising team  Support Senior Director of Retention in the oversight of social media platforms, intervention strategies, CRM coding, and communication plans Work collaboratively with the admissions and enrollment teams to ensure a smooth transition for students from admissions to advising Performs non-academic assessment of student on-boarding experiences Approach all work with a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) lens. This includes but is not limited to: considering the impact of decisions on marginalized and underrepresented groups, actively seeking out diverse perspectives and voices, and regularly reviewing and updating policies and practices to ensure they are inclusive and equitable. Participating in DEIB initiatives and serving on committees is strongly encouraged. Train other staff, as necessary Coordinates student success outreach with the Student Success Center Assist in advising support for graduate students as needed  Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned by the University

Requirements:

Master's degree required.  3+ years of experience in academic advising, student recruitment/retention, student services administration, or counseling, preferably for an online and/or adult population.  Proficiency with computerized student information systems and constituent relationship management systems.  Detail oriented with commitment to data collection and management. Demonstrated knowledge of student development concepts, principles, practices in academic advising strategies. Innovative thinker with a desire to constantly improve. Committed to providing exceptional customer service. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with a wide range of people and groups. Ability to effectively prioritize multiple responsibilities and adhere to deadlines. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Full understanding of FERPA regulations and ability to work with confidential material with integrity and discretion. This position is not remote. Must be able to work out of the Springfield, MA location and travel to One-Day campus locations as requested.  Passion for the University's mission, purpose and goals and commitment in achieving those goals. Ability to adhere to University policies and procedures. Should be committed to a culture of diversity, respect and inclusion; demonstrated ability to build working relationships with people having a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences different from ones' own. General knowledge of the University's mission, purpose and goals and the role this position plays in achieving those goals.

Additional Information:

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Bay Path University is a diverse community devoted to proactively nurturing a campus-wide culture that promotes and ensures equity, respect, inclusion and safety for all members regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity, socio-economic background, or physical ability. We are one University that opens our hearts and minds to conversations, to learning and to creating a community that is welcoming of all. Regardless of position, it is expected that each employee will embrace this commitment and demonstrate an attitude of respect toward and acceptance of all members of our community.

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