Dean for Student Retention & Advising

Category : : Administrative / Staff

Subscribe : :

Department : : 01-51-5110-VP Academic Affairs

Locations : : Longmeadow, MA

Posted : : Sep 22, 2025

Closes : : Open Until Filled

Type : : Full-Time Salaried (Exempt)

Position ID : : 193060

About Bay Path University :

Bay Path University is a private comprehensive university with a bold and innovative spirit. Known for its commitment to providing a practical and career-focused education, Bay Path offers a residential bachelors degree for women only on its Longmeadow, Massachusetts campus, as well as bachelors, masters and doctoral programs for both men and women on campuses in East Longmeadow, Boston, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico and online. In 2024, Bay Path expanded its reach and program offerings through the acquisition of Cambridge College, increasing its enrollment to approximately 5,000 learners, gaining new locations, strengthening its online presence, and broadening its career-focused programs. Respected for strong allied health, education and business programs, accessible online options, and a supportive community, Bay Path is an appealing choice for many students.

Job Description : JOB SUMMARY :

The Dean for Student Retention & Advising is a visionary leader responsible for fostering a culture of student success and persistence across both Bay Path University and Cambridge College. This role requires a strategic, data-informed approach to developing and overseeing retention initiatives, advising services, and student support programs for a diverse student body, which includes a significant population of adult learners. A key aspect of this position will be to spearhead the implementation of a new, AI-powered student support program.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Dean will lead and empower a dedicated team to provide high-touch, holistic support that proactively addresses student needs from enrollment through graduation, ensuring every student has the resources and guidance to achieve their educational and career goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership for Student Retention & Persistence :

• Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate a comprehensive, multi-year retention strategy that aligns with university-wide goals for student success, degree completion, and graduation rates.
• Set and communicate clear retention and persistence goals for the university, and report on progress to senior leadership.
• Utilize predictive data modeling, case management data collection, and assessment to inform student outreach and impactful intervention strategies.
• Design and execute targeted programming for specific student populations, such as first-year students, transfer students, and at-risk learners, to foster a strong sense of belonging and academic connection.
• Lead the strategic execution and continuous improvement of a holistic new student onboarding and orientation experience. This includes creating a welcoming and informative environment that introduces students to university culture, academic expectations, and key support services, while also building a foundation for sustained engagement and success from their very first interaction.

2. Management & Team Empowerment :

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Advocacy :

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES :

If you operate a college-owned, leased or personal vehicle at any time while performing your duties you must follow all policies and procedures outlined in the Operations Manual. Additionally, you must report any driving offense, on or off company time, which causes a loss, suspension, or any other change in your license status. You must report this change within one business day of the offense. You can report this change to the Human Resource Department or your direct supervisor. Failure to do so can lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

Requirements :

Additional Information :

Bay Path University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Instructions :

All qualified applicants for this position should attach a cover letter, resume / curriculum vitae, and any other relevant information pertaining to this position and your candidacy. Please apply online. Faxes and emails will not be accepted.

Bay Path University is a smoke and tobacco-free community.

All offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory background check.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position please email us at HR@baypath.edu or call 413-565-1157.