Job description
The Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Student Engagement & Retention provides strategic leadership for initiatives, programs and student organization advising that intentionally support first-generation and limited-income students at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Reporting directly to the Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, the Associate Dean serves as a key member of the Student Affairs leadership team and plays a critical role in advancing the University’s Strategic Plan through intentional student engagement and co-curricular learning. This position is central to aligning campus-wide programming, student engagement efforts and social initiatives with institutional priorities related to access, retention and student success. The Associate Dean leads and coordinates First Year Experience initiatives with a strong focus on the transition, belonging and academic momentum of first-generation and limited-income students and serves as a primary liaison to campus partners engaged in student retention and success efforts.
The Associate Dean ensures that engagement and global initiatives are inclusive, accessible and strategically aligned with institutional goals, with particular attention to reducing barriers to participation for first-generation and limited-income students. This role emphasizes cross-unit collaboration, effective resource management and the use of assessment and student feedback to strengthen program quality and impact. The Associate Dean represents Student Affairs on institutional committees, working groups and special projects, contributing a student-centered and equity-minded perspective to campus-wide initiatives. The position requires a visible campus presence and engagement with students including evenings and weekends as needed.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative and student-centered leader with a demonstrated commitment to advancing access, opportunity and success for first-generation and limited-income students. We seek a strategic and forward-thinking professional who can lead with vision, develop high-performing teams and align student engagement structures with the Pitt–Bradford mission and Strategic Plan.
Responsibilities
- Lead initiatives and programs to support and foster a sense of belonging for First-Generation and limited- income identified students.
- Coordinate First Year Experience initiatives and serve as a liaison to campus partners regarding student retention efforts.
- Strengthen campus culture by working with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs and Athletics to build a welcoming and inclusive campus community.
- Assist campus leaders in developing and implementing a comprehensive student retention plan aligned with Pitt Bradford’s strategic plan. Serve as a key advisor on student success trends and opportunities.
- Supervise the Director of Student Engagement, who oversees student government, Greek life, student activities council & campus wide programming.
- Supervise the Coordinator of Global Engagement, who manages global engagement efforts, study abroad, affinity student organizations & campus wide programming.
- Supervise administrative staff who provide logistical support to students, student organizations and student engagement staff as it relates to logistical, fiscal and office responsibilities.
- Serve as a key member of the Student Affairs Leadership team.
- Contribute as a strategic thought partner to the Vice President & Dean of Student Affairs.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance the goals of Student Affairs.
- Represent Student Affairs on committees, working groups and special projects.
- Engage students and cross-functional initiatives to promote student engagement, well-being and sense of belonging.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs or related field and five (5) years of professional experience in Student Affairs or Higher Education Administration.
- Competency and experience working with and/or advising first-generation & limited -income students.
- Strong understanding of student success including issues, trends, language, and ability to proactively respond to a wide array of issues or emerging student needs.
- Experience building collaborative partnerships with faculty, administrators, students, parents/families, community partners and alumni.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, planning, reasoning, organizational, and project management skills.
- Experience supervising professional staff, graduate interns and student leaders.
How to apply
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
