BASIC FUNCTION

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Students for Academic Success, the Assistant Dean of Students for Academic Success contributes to the creation of a campus environment that supports students’ academic success, physical and mental health and overall wellness. In addition, s/he supports the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) and office of the Dean of Students in strategic marketing and communications initiatives for the division of student affairs.

The Assistant Dean will assist in assessment of the academic and personal success and wellness needs of the campus and create programming designed to address identified areas of need and goals.  S/he will be a visible and approachable presence on campus by participating in after-hours programs, events and training sessions to forge relationships with students.

The Assistant Dean develops, implements, and coordinates academic success outreach for students with special attention to first-year students and students from first-generation-to-college and low-wealth backgrounds, with a primary focus on connecting them to campus and community resources, promoting growth in self-advocacy, and educating and empowering students to navigate their CMC experience. S/he advises, counsels and coaches all students in the development of their individual strategies for academic and personal success.  

The Assistant Dean works in close partnership with the Assistant Dean for Disability Services to assist in managing testing services for students with testing accommodations. In this capacity, s/he assists with coordination of testing with faculty and proctoring exams in the DOS testing rooms as needed.  In addition, s/he assists with the management of the disability services note-takers system, and serves these two functions in full when the Assistant Dean for Disability Services is not available.

S/he manages the Academic Success Consultants (ASC) program and supervises the Consultants.  S/he coordinates the Peer Tutoring Support Services within the office of the Dean of Students. In the work with the ASC, s/he works closely with the Associate Dean to develop training modules and materials to support the consultants in developing their skills and approaches to student support.

The Assistant Dean will coordinate the DOS response to Low Grade Notices, reaching out to all students receiving notices and triaging their connections to the appropriate personnel in the DOS and/or on campus. S/he will track these contacts in our database for our assessment and outreach efforts. In circumstances where it is necessary to reach out to faculty regarding a student’s attendance, s/he is responsible for this contact and subsequent follow up with faculty and other pertinent campus personnel.

S/he develops collaborative partnerships with CARE Center, Residence Life, Student Activities, Case Management, Registrar and Financial Aid, Athletics, Faculty, and many other departments and student organizations.

S/he works closely with the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students to develop communications and marketing materials for the office of the Dean of Students, assist with development and management of social media presence and effective strategy, and serves as a liaison with Public Affairs as needed.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct regular student outreach & academic success meetings; coach and advise students in their achievement and success.
• Employ aa coaching model when working with students and develop ongoing academic check-in / monitoring system.
• Connect students to appropriate resources as needed; follow-up with students regarding networks and connections.
• Develop support mechanisms connecting students to books and supplies, work with financial aid regarding any gaps in need, and assist students in developing their understanding of financial aid awards and policies.
• Working collaboratively with the CARE Center, Residence Life, and other departments and student organizations, develop programming related to academic support, time management, adjustment to college, financial aid support, international students, 1st Gen student concerns, programming specific to class year (sophomore, junior and seniors) and other topics.
• Provide relevant training sessions and outreach materials for faculty, students, residence halls, Resident Assistants, First-Year Guides and other constituencies.
• Track and monitor students of concern and maintain real time case records in Maxient system.
• Respond to consultation requests from faculty, staff, students, and parents and facilitate appropriate action plans.
• Assist students with leave of absence process and transition back into CMC.
• Work with appropriate procedures and resources/requirements for return after leave.
• Coordinate the Peer Tutoring and Academic Success Consultants programs: recruiting, hiring and supervising all students serving as tutors and study consultants, assisting in workshop development and tutor training, and tracking student usage and outcomes.
• Assist students with understanding the CMC class attendance policy, and provide outreach to faculty regarding attendance in cases where such outreach is appropriate.
• Working with the Assistant Dean for Disability Services during peak testing periods., assist in the coordination and daily implementation of testing services in the Office of the Dean of Students
• Work closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Success to analyze data and identify trends related to academic achievement in special populations.  Design interventions based on data.
• Stay abreast of national trends, best practices, and literature related to student success and academic transitions, mental health, federal regulations including Title IX, ADA.
• Manage the DOS parking exemption process.
• Develop marketing strategy for the Dean of Students Office to inform, educate, and publicize the Office’s philosophy, services, departments, goals, and programs.
• Develop visually engaging web based and published marketing materials and keep them up to date.
• Work with the VP/DOS to develop a social media strategy and presence for the DOS Office.
• Assist with Dean of Students Office special projects on and as needed basis.

The successful candidate will also be able to perform the following essential functions:

• Regular attendance.
• Take and follow directions.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Receive and respond appropriately to constructive criticism.
• Display a positive attitude.
• Balance multiple tasks and priorities
• Performs other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.

QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:

Education:  Master’s degree in Student Affairs/Higher Education, Social Work, Psychology or related social/behavioral science field, or related field required.  

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience, preferably working in a college environment.  Previous experience in student development work, campus programming, academic support, crisis management, counseling, case management, marketing and communications preferred. A commitment to promoting a proactive and interactive approach to overall student success in the college setting. Familiarity with social media platforms and web content development.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Individual must possess knowledge, skills, and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how they will perform the essential functions. 

Individual must have familiarity with academic environments at highly competitive, liberal arts college and understand the needs of special populations. 

Individual must have superior interpersonal skills, ability to build rapport, collaboration skills, familiarity with the principles and limitations of confidentiality. 

Must demonstrate the ability to use tact and exercise a high level of discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive matters. 

Must be self-motivated and comfortable working with minimal direction.  Individual must have proven ability to prioritize concerns, and respond accordingly using sound judgement.

Must be able to work cooperatively and collaboratively with others, and must be able to receive and respond appropriately to constructive criticism.  Must display a positive attitude. 

Must be able to operate computers with basic Microsoft Office software (such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, and PowerPoint) and any associated professional and/ or department specific software; experience with Maxient and Google platforms highly preferred.

Familiarity with assessment and statistical analyses of quantitative and qualitative data preferred.

Licenses:   A valid driver’s license or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events is required.   Ability to be insured under the College’s authorized driver’s policy.

GROOMING AND APPEARANCE: 

The Claremont Colleges seek to maintain a neat and professional image at all times. 

OTHER:

Hours:   The regular hours for this position are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Hours may vary due to needs of the College or department.  Some evening and weekend work is required. A willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule in order to be available for emergency consultation and planned programming during off hours.

Classification and Status:  This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt level, benefits-eligible position.

Physical Requirements:                        Light (up to 20 lbs.)

BACKGROUND CHECK:  The successful candidate will be required to undergo a full consumer background check.  Certain positions will require the successful completion of a post-offer physical agility test.  Employment is contingent on the satisfactory results of the aforementioned, in addition to compliance with requirements cited in this job description.

ADA/OSHA:  This job description defines the essential or fundamental job duties of this position.   It is assumed that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others.  It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Claremont McKenna College hires and promotes individuals on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.  Inquiries may be directed to the Director for Human Resources, 528 N. Mills Avenue, Claremont, California 91711-4015, (909) 621-8490.  All applicants must complete and submit an online application to be considered for an open position.

Employment is contingent upon new employee providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States, applicant's acceptability for positions requiring use of a college vehicle is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the College's automobile liability insurance. Promotion from within is encouraged whenever qualified employees of Claremont McKenna College are available. Interested employees of the College are urged to contact the Office of Human Resources if qualified for any open position. Please do not contact departments directly.

Disability Accommodations                                                                                    

In compliance with applicable laws ensuring equal opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, CMC will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual (applicant or employee) with a disability if the disability affects the performance of essential job functions, unless the accommodation results in an undue hardship for the College. Employment decisions are based on the merit and not an individual’s disability.               

An applicant or employee who requires an accommodation should contact the immediate supervisor and the Human Resources Office. If multiple accommodations are identified that do not pose an undue hardship for the College, the selection of an accommodation will be at CMC’s discretion. To request disability accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (909) 621-8490 or hr@cmc.edu for assistance.