Assistant Dean of Students for Retention Initiatives

The Assistant Dean of Students for Retention Initiatives at Roanoke College provides support services for students to promote retention and academic success. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies aimed to improving student retention and success at Roanoke College. This position involves working closely with students, faculty, and staff to identify barriers to student retention and provide appropriate resources and support services. The Assistant Dean helps students navigate academic, social, and personal challenges to ensure a successful college experience, leading to higher retention and graduation rates.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Outreach and Support:

• Proactively reach out to students identified as at risk for dropping out due to academic, personal, or financial challenges.
• Conduct one-on-one meetings with students to assess their needs and develop personalized retention plans.
• Act as a liaison between students and campus resources such as academic advising, tutoring, financial aid, and counseling services.
• Serve on the CARE Team

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Analyze student retention data to identify trends and risk factors.
• Maintain accurate records of student interactions and progress.
• Prepare reports for administration on retention rates, success stories, and areas needing improvement.

Program Development:

• Develop and coordinate retention programs and initiatives such as mentorship programs, workshops, and academic success seminars.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to create early intervention strategies for at-risk students.
• Organize events that promote campus engagement and support students’ sense of belonging. In collaboration with other divisions, offices and units across campus.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with academic departments, student affairs, financial aid, and other campus offices to align retention efforts.
• Serve as a key point of contact for students facing non-academic challenges such as housing, health, or personal crises.
• Facilitate communication between faculty, staff, and students to ensure holistic student support.
• Other duties as assigned.

Advising and Coaching:

• Provide academic advising or refer students to appropriate academic support services.
• Offer coaching in time management, study skills, and problem-solving to enhance academic performance.
• Support students in understanding academic policies, course registration, and graduation requirements.

Education, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, psychology, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum three years of experience in higher education or student services, preferably in retention or student success roles.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with a diverse student population and demonstrate sensitivity to various backgrounds and needs.
• Experience in data collection and analysis, with a focus on improving student outcomes.
• Proficiency in student information systems and database management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience with student retention strategies and success programs.
• Familiarity with the challenges faced by first-generation and underrepresented students.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

About Roanoke College

Roanoke College is a place where every student who works hard has the opportunity to succeed. We champion potential, providing essential learning and leadership through innovative academic programs and transformative educational experiences, giving students the mettle, mindset, and empathy to pursue lives of purpose, build meaningful careers, and meet society’s most pressing needs. Located in scenic Salem, Virginia, Roanoke College is an intimate, welcoming community that has served the local region and beyond for nearly 200 years. Now, we’re building on momentum and offering a Roanoke experience for today’s students and a legacy that belongs to every Maroon.

Roanoke College is a nationally ranked residential liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA), located in the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia. A Phi Beta Kappa institution, Roanoke College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks diversity among its faculty, staff, and students; women and members of under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.