Chief Student Success Officer

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Chief Student Success Officer (CSSO) is the senior level administrator overseeing all student success functions in
the College of Liberal Arts (CLA). The CSSO oversees programs and initiatives that broadly encompass the
undergraduate student experience; including engagement and belonging, academic advising; recruitment,
admissions, career services, scholarships, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The CSSO will lead strategic
initiatives that promote student recruitment, persistence, retention, and degree completion; foster a welcoming and
inclusive environment; and ensure a comprehensive support system for the 12,500 undergraduate students in CLA,
the largest college at the University and in the state of Minnesota, This inaugural position will report to the Dean of
CLA and serve on the College's executive leadership team (Dean's Group).

The work environment is mainly in the office with built-in flexibility.

Relocation assistance is available.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic and Operational Collegiate Leadership (30%)

• Serve as an integral member of the Dean's Leadership Team (Dean's Group), contributing to strategic
  decision-making and institutional governance.
• Work in partnership with the Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs to advance initiatives with curricular
  development, academic planning, and faculty development in alignment with and in support of
  undergraduate student success.
• Work directly with partners within the University and from other institutions of higher education to foster a
  strong relationship for development, academic partnerships, pathways, and affiliations.
• Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for student services, encompassing staff development,
  planning, and resource allocation.
• Supervise a diverse team of directors.
• Facilitates and directs alignment, communication, and collaboration within Undergraduate Education and
  across the College.

Collegiate Enrollment and Retention Oversight (30%)

• Oversee the recruitment, retention, and degree attainment of undergraduate student populations, ensuring
  alignment with the College's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive enrollment management strategies.
• Foster an inclusive community and promote equity for all students. Oversee outreach to diverse student
  populations to support goals and sense of belonging
• Manage the CLA Care Team's partnership with the UMN Office of Student Affairs to coordinate crisis
  responses and communicate with students, families, and stakeholders during critical situations.
• Utilize data-driven insights to monitor student retention and graduation trends, leveraging insights to
  strategically refine initiatives that promote sustained student success and high retention rates.
• Ensure comprehensive support for high-priority students, including those facing academic, personal, or
  financial challenges, by developing personalized interventions and connecting them with necessary
  resources to ensure their success and retention.

Financial and Administrative Leadership (20%)

• Oversee an annual budget that exceeds $10 million and an organizational unit employing 100+ personnel.
• Collaborate with unit directors to coordinate annual budget planning.
• Provide strategic oversight of comprehensive compensation and staffing plans in collaboration with the
  College and Human Resources.

Academic Engagement Initiatives (10%)

• Partner with the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education and the Office of Faculty and Academic Affairs
  to advance high-impact practices such as experiential learning, undergraduate student research, internships,
  study abroad, and community-engaged learning, enriching the student experience.
• Develop and lead student engagement strategies, coordinating activities and programming with academic
  units to foster a dynamic and inclusive campus environment.

University and Collegiate Leadership and Engagement (10%)

• Serve on Curriculum, Instruction, and Advising (CI&A), CLA Assembly, the CLA Budget Advisory Committee,
  and other college committees.
• Co-Chair (with the Associate Dean for Academic Planning and Undergraduate Education) the new CLA
  Committee on Enrollment and Academic Planning and the new CLA Committee on Student Engagement and
  Curricular Innovation
• Attend Office of Undergraduate Education committees such as University of Minnesota Council of
  Undergraduate Education, University Student Equity and Success Committee, and Associate Dean
  Committee for the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education

REQUIRED:

• BA/BS degree plus at least 12 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree plus at least 10 years of
  experience in higher education in at least one of the following areas: student affairs, student success,
  enrollment management, or academic student support.
• Evidence of commitment to belonging, diversity & inclusion efforts
• Supervisory experience.

PREFERRED:

• Ph.D or other terminal degree
• Experience with student services administration within an academic college
• 10+ years of supervisory experience
• Evidence of excellent communication skills and ability to speak to a wide audience including faculty, staff,
  students, and the public
• Experience with managing a complex organization
• Cross functional leadership and collaboration
• Experience managing large and complex budgets

The Office of Undergraduate Education in the College of Liberal Arts is committed to an exceptional, inclusive
undergraduate experience and education. We provide resources, opportunities, and systems from recruitment
through graduation that promote student success, career readiness, and personal wellbeing so students can
leverage the advantages of their liberal arts education to the benefit of society. The core values of the College of
Liberal Arts include freedom of thought and expression respect, diversity, and social justice excellence in all we do
and efficiency and adaptability in the achievement of our mission.

Pay Range: $130,000 - $170,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

A cover letter is required.

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply with a resume and cover letter by April 25, 2025.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).