Associate Director of Student Retention, Office of Retention and Educational Innovation

External Applicant Instructions

• Please upload your resume/CV for automatic population of information to your Kean application.
• Your contact information, work experience and education will be automatically filled in. Please review all fields – you will 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 any other supporting documents you may wish to submit.

Office of Retention and Educational Innovation

Associate Director of Student Retention

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Student Retention and Educational Innovation (AVP), the Associate Director of Student Retention (Associate Director 3) assists the AVP with University-wide retention initiatives and programs, as well as caseload management. The Associate Director will assist with established initiatives related to the first generation population; those students on academic probation, as well as students with GPAs below a 2.5. The Associate Director will assist in developing innovative methods to support these students specifically and Kean students generally, as it relates to student success and retention.

The Associate Director supervises staff and students within the Office of Retention and Educational Innovation; collaborates with other divisions and departments with student orientation and registration, and for any other assigned projects or committees; provides overall leadership and direction for their assigned initiatives, programs and caseload; develops, implements and evaluates general education policy and compliance programs, pre-and outside-the-major advising programs and registration practices; and demonstrates specialized knowledge for their assigned cohort and general knowledge of broader fields, combining to create a holistic approach to student advising, persistence and success. The Associate Director will also lead and oversee all aspects of junior retention initiatives which include, in part, juniors on probation, as well as the Halfway to Graduation ceremony for rising juniors; oversees a caseload of undeclared juniors; generally oversees the degree completion of all undeclared juniors as assigned; and does related work as required.

This is not a remote position and requires physical presence on campus as determined by the Supervisor. This position requires travel and a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours.

Qualifications: Master’s degree from an accredited college and a minimum of two years of advising experience with college students is required. Candidates who have managed professional and student staff are preferred. Candidate must be student centered with excellent customer service skills; have the ability to successfully review transcripts; have experience with the use of technology, including student tracking systems; have strong computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace; and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment of students, faculty and staff. Use of the student information systems Ellucian and Colleague is preferred. Excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication skills are essential.

Candidacy review begins immediately and continues until appointment is made. Please submit your cover letter, resume/CV and contact information for three professional references. Official transcripts are required prior to the starting date of employment.

Additional Information

As a condition of employment, external candidates are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date. If you are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or religious reasons, you may submit a request for an exemption. All employees are expected to follow the University's current health and safety protocols for COVID-19 and any procedures/protocols created through additional correspondence.

Kean University complies with the New Jersey First Act (Senate Bill No. 1730, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any individual newly hired by Kean University will be required to abide by this law and establish a principal residence in New Jersey. New employees will have a full 365 days to establish such residence, from the effective date of hire.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please refer to Section III.A. of our Reasonable Accommodations Policy & Procedures.

Diversity & Non-Discrimination Statement

Kean University is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse campus community through inclusive excellence and equal opportunity. Kean’s commitment to access and equity is designed to prepare each graduate to not only thrive, but climb higher in a diverse world. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution we work to support a campus-wide agenda to foster a community that both values and promotes the diversity and equity of all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and beyond.

EEO/AA Statement

Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer