POSITION/APPLICATION INFORMATION:
McNeese State University invites qualified applicants for the position, Dean of Student Success. This is a full-time, 12–month, unclassified position. The appointment is available to begin as early as July 1, 2026.
Department: Office of Student Success and Retention (90%) / Office of Student Affairs (10%)
Position Number: U99122
SALARY:
$80,000 - $85,000 per year pending education and professional experience
POSITION DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Dean of Student Success reports to the Senior Vice President and serves as the university’s lead student success administrator and serves as an Activity Director of the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant. The professional will be responsible for collecting data for annual and quarterly reporting along with generating information to assist with information provided to the US Department of Education. Furthermore, the professional provides leadership, vision, and oversight for departments within the Center for Learning and Student Success collection of departments, the Office of First-Year Experience Programs, as well as supporting the Student Health and Wellness umbrella within the Division of Student Affairs. The selected candidate works cooperatively with other departments within the Division of Student Affairs and leads units tasked with fostering a holistic student success experience for McNeese students, faculty, and staff.
Additionally, the Dean will be responsible for the following:
- Oversee the collection of data required for the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant.
- Assist with the completion of required data and financial reporting for the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant.
- Participate in professional development activities relating to the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant.
- Manage student success and retention initiatives such as the CARE mentorship program, early alert interventions, and academic success programs
- Monitor early alerts and serve as an interventionist for first-year students at risk of dropping out and/or academic jeopardy
- Promote campuswide usage of platforms to support student success such as Maxient, Suitable, and Canvas
- Develop, implement, and evaluate programs to drive student participation in the Center such as tutor training, workshop development and success course management
- Provide a vision for academic support guidance and group workshops on topics such as student engagement, networking, study skills, time management, test-taking, college adjustment, etc.
- Lead units consisting of full-time professional employees, graduate assistants, and student workers
- Provide guidance and vision for the training, developing, and oversight of the operations for Student Success mentors
- Collaborate with other departments on campus to ensure continuity of support and targeted assistance for students
- Provide administrative leadership for departments within the Center for Learning and Student Success and the Office of First-Year Experience Programs through daily working relationships with executive directors
- Provide administrative support to the Student Health and Wellness branch of departments within the Division of Student Affairs
- Conduct staff team building and professional development activities
- Conceptualize marketing efforts for student success and student wellness initiatives and monitor student usage
- Serve as a liaison between units under purview and campus academic units
- Represent student success and student wellness with internal and external audiences including admissions, alumni, campus police, and local media as needed
- Gather and review student participation and satisfaction using reports, surveys, and external audits
- Develop, monitor and implement best practices in student success, retention, and student wellness
- Engage in evaluation and assessment practices to ensure quality outcomes and accountability
- Participate in one or more system-wide programs
- Effectively communicate with supervision regarding progress and updates
- Build relationships with external constituents who can provide partnerships and support to student success and student wellness
- Communicate and network with counterpart professionals at peer institutions to remain abreast of best practices and recent trends for better operation of the department
- Participate in both local and non-local professional development to maintain up-to-date knowledge relative to the position
- Serve as a member of university committees, steering groups, and advisory councils as assigned
- Provide support and partnership to other areas within the Division of Student Affairs
- Perform other job-related duties as required and assigned by the direct or next-level supervision
REQUIRED/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Master’s Degree from an accredited institution
- At least seven years of related professional experience
- Experience formulating assessment and generating data/action reports based on findings
- Experience supervising adults aged 21 or older
- Experience supervising a department or collection of departments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Understanding of using computer software needed to complete job duties such as the Microsoft Office 365, Banner (or other) student information system and a campus portal platform
- Prior experience managing programs and budgets
- Experience working in areas of student support services for college students
- Familiarity with relevant legal and governance issues at the campus, local, state, and federal levels
- Evidence of an energetic, student-centered approach to completion of work duties and program development
Preferred:
- Doctorate degree in student affairs, student services, higher education, educational leadership, or other field related to the position, current pursuit of master’s degree, or a commitment to do so
- Ten years or more of related experience
- Effective conflict management and resolution skills
- Experience developing student success plans and implementing student success interventions and programming
- Experience in policy development, enforcement, and compliance monitoring in an educational setting
- Knowledge regarding federal and state of Louisiana policies impacting higher education
DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
APPLICATION PROCESS AND MATERIALS:
For the application process, applicants MUST complete an electronic application and upload the required documents listed below:
- Letter of Application (Cover Letter)
- Resume
- References (Name and contact information for at least three)
- Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts will be required if hired)
Only completed application packets including all items listed above will be reviewed.
ALL JOB OFFERS ARE CONTINGENT UPON THE SUCCESSFUL RESULT OF A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND RECEIPT OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT(S) IF APPLICABLE.
