Assistant Vice President, Student Success

Position Details

Position Overview

Position Title
Assistant Vice President, Student Success

Department
200100 - Office of the Provost

Position Type
Regular

Position Classification
Full-Time, 12 months

Grant/Gift Funded (all or a portion)?
No

If Temporary or Grant Funded, Start Date and End Date

Position Description/Posting Details

Posting Number
S1239P

Position Summary

The Assistant Vice President of Student Success (AVPSS) provides strategic leadership and coordination of University-wide efforts to continuously improve the student experience, retention and persistence goals, and graduation rates. Reporting directly to the Provost, the AVPSS supervises the University's Student Success Coaches and the Academic Support Services teams within the Center for Academic Achievement and Connelly Library and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and key stakeholders across campus to develop and implement data-driven strategies that support student success at every stage of the undergraduate student lifecycle. This role focuses on creating an inclusive and supportive environment that addresses the diverse needs of students, particularly those from underrepresented or at-risk groups. The AVPSS leads initiatives, coordinates resources, and utilizes student success data to identify challenges and implement interventions that drive positive academic and personal outcomes for students.

Essential Duties

Leadership and Strategy Development

• Provide the vision and strategic leadership in the development and implementation of University-wide undergraduate student success and retention initiatives.
• Supervise the Student Success Coaches to ensure comprehensive, holistic support for students from first-year enrollment through the end of the sophomore year.
• Oversee Academic Support Services, including the Center for Academic Achievement and the Connelly Library, ensuring alignment with student success goals.
• Lead the University's Persistence and Student Success (PASS) team.
• Collaborates with key leaders in Academic Affairs, Student Development and Campus Life, Student Financial Services, and the Office of Mission, Diversity, and Inclusion to create and execute integrated retention strategies that align with the University's mission, goals, and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the revision and development of policies and programs that promote persistence, retention, and timely graduation.
• Oversee the continuous analysis of student success data, identifying key trends, challenges, and opportunities to enhance retention and student engagement.
• Lead initiatives to ensure that retention and success strategies address the needs of all students, with a particular focus on historically underrepresented, first-generation, and at-risk student populations.
• Oversee budget planning and resource allocation for student success initiatives.
• Identities and pursues external funding opportunities, including grants, to support student success programs and initiatives.

Program and Initiative Development and Coordination

• Develop and coordinate student success programs and services aimed at improving and enhancing student engagement, persistence, and graduation rates, including advising, tutoring, academic coaching, and early alert systems.
• Drive the implementation of interventions throughout the student lifecycle, from pre-enrollment to graduation, ensuring that interventions are timely, targeted, and effective.
• Partner with academic and student life and development departments, and other campus units to create a cohesive support system for students, integrating academic, social, and co-curricular experiences to promote student success.
• In collaboration with the De La Salle Institute of Teaching and Learning, facilitate training for staff and faculty on best practices in student success, retention, and coaching.
• Develop and implement programs across the student life cycle that focus on retention and degree completion, from admission to graduation and post-baccalaureate outcomes.
• Coordinate initiatives to close achievement gaps, particularly for at-promise student populations, through data-driven and evidence-based approaches.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Utilize data analytics to monitor student success metrics, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement in student outcomes.
• Evaluate and integrate appropriate technologies for improved student tracking, communication, and intervention strategies.
• Stay current on research and trends in student success, participating in professional development opportunities.

Collaboration and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring a seamless and supportive holistic experience for students.
• Serve as a liaison across departments within the University to align student success initiatives with academic and administrative resources.
• Foster a diverse and inclusive campus culture that promotes equity and access for all students.
• Ensure that all student success programs consider and respect the needs of a diverse student body.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Provost.

# of Direct Reports
6+

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively more responsible related professional experience in higher education administration, including three (3) years of supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
• Proven experience in leading student success and retention programs with a strong focus on data analysis to inform program development, strategic planning, and outcome assessment.
• Familiarity with student success software systems (e.g., Starfish, CRM systems) and learning management systems (LMS).
• In-depth understanding of student retention and persistence theories, best practices, and trends in higher education.
• Ability to manage complex projects and initiatives, from inception through to evaluation.
• Proven ability to work with diverse populations and create inclusive programs and services that support student success.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of campus constituents.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on data-driven results.
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to utilize data for strategic planning and program evaluation.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and student-centered campus environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in a related field is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in securing and managing external grants.
• Demonstrated experience in change management and driving innovation within higher education.
• Direct experience with institutional assessment and accreditation processes.
• Previous experience working with Ellucian's Banner, Degree Works, and/or Starfish.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

• Evening and weekend work will be required to support student programming and during peak times.

Special Instructions to Applicant

La Salle University is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where all individuals can thrive. We seek candidates who will contribute to a positive, equitable, and supportive working and learning environment. We encourage individuals to apply who bring diverse perspectives and experiences, and who are dedicated to helping create an inclusive community for all.

La Salle University offers its eligible employees comprehensive medical and dental plans, employer paid life and disability insurance, retirement benefits, generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and holidays), and tuition benefits such as no cost undergraduate and graduate degree programs for its employees (with no wait period) and no cost undergraduate degree programs for its employees' dependents (after completing the required years of service).

Posting Information

Application Open Date
04/16/2025

Application Close Date

Application Open To
Internal and External Applicants