Executive Director, Student Success & Retention

George Mason University; Chantilly (VA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, seeks an Assistant Dean for Student Success to lead student retention and degree completion initiatives across the College of Education and Human Development. The role oversees academic advising, new student orientation, student case management, and appeals, driving data-informed improvements.

The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, staff, APCs, and university offices to implement policies, analyze outcomes, and advance strategic planning

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Typically a minimum of five years of experience in higher education administration, academic advising, student success, or related areas.
• Experience managing complex student issues and resolving conflicts.
• Knowledge of academic advising models, retention strategies, and data-informed decision-making.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and develop strategic recommendations; project management and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for student success programs and services, including academic advising, new student orientation, student case management, and student appeals processes;
• Develop strategies that promote student retention, academic achievement, progression, and timely degree completion;
• Lead continuous improvement efforts designed to enhance the student experience and support positive student outcomes; and
• Ensure alignment of student success initiatives with college and university strategic priorities.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and use of student success data to identify barriers to academic progression and degree completion;
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, student outcomes, and KPIs related to retention, persistence, and graduation;
• Develop evidence-based recommendations and action plans to improve student success outcomes; and
• Prepare reports, presentations, and assessments to inform college leadership and support strategic decision-making.
• Produce reports and coordinate communications with stakeholders to support policy implementation and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Conflict resolution

Analytical thinking

Student affairs

Education

Master’s degree in related field

Doctoral degree (preferred)

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, seeks an Assistant Dean for Student Success to lead student retention and degree completion initiatives across the College of Education and Human Development. The role oversees academic advising, new student orientation, student case management, and appeals, driving data-informed improvements.

The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, staff, APCs, and university offices to implement policies, analyze outcomes, and advance strategic planning