Assistant Dean for Student Success

Job Overview: Assistant Dean for Student Success

The City University of New York (CUNY) is seeking a strategic and student-centered leader to serve as the Assistant Dean for Student Success within the School of Education. Reporting directly to the Dean, this executive-level role provides comprehensive oversight of the student lifecycle—from recruitment and admissions to certification and graduation.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will be the primary architect of a student-centered infrastructure designed to foster equity, belonging, and academic excellence. You will lead the Offices of Admissions and Recruitment and Academic and Student Affairs, ensuring that every student has the resources needed to become a successful educator.

Key Responsibilities & Strategic Oversight

Student Journey & Retention

• Strategic Vision: Lead equity-centered support services that improve enrollment, retention, and graduation outcomes.

• Recruitment & Admissions: Oversee graduate recruitment initiatives, including outreach, information sessions, and data-informed admissions efforts.

• Academic Advising: Direct faculty and staff advising teams to ensure students meet degree requirements and professional licensure goals.

Administrative & Policy Leadership

• Enrollment Management: Partner with administration to oversee course scheduling and ensure efficient resource utilization.

• Policy Interpretation: Act as the primary authority on academic and student policies, guiding faculty and students through complex institutional systems.

• Scholarship Administration: Manage the awarding of school-level scholarships in alignment with institutional priorities.

• Academic Requests: Oversee the review of transfer credits, course waivers, and grade changes.

Digital Success & Innovation

• Platform Management: Lead the continuous improvement of student success technology, including DegreeWorks, Slate, Navigate, and Coursedog.

• Trend Monitoring: Apply national best practices in student engagement and emerging trends in higher education to enhance school-wide initiatives.

Requirements & Qualifications

Mandatory Credentials

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred).

• Experience: At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration.

• Leadership: Proven track record in managing diverse teams, budgets, and complex projects.

Core Competencies

• Analytical Skills: Ability to drive data-informed decision-making and present insights in actionable formats.

• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills for building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Discretion: Ability to handle sensitive student issues and confidential matters with high professionalism.

• System Knowledge: Familiarity with large, public university systems and the specific requirements of teacher certification and licensure.

Compensation & Executive Benefits

• Salary Range: $150,000 – $175,000 (commensurate with education and experience).

• Health & Wellness: Access to CUNY’s comprehensive range of health plans and wellness programs.

• Financial Well-being: Competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans.

• Professional Perks: Tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off.

• Community: Participation in a diverse academic community in New York City with access to campus arts and athletic programs.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted via the CUNY Jobs Portal (Job ID: 30961).

Critical Document Formatting:

• You must upload all materials as one single document (PDF preferred).

• Include a Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and 3 Professional References.

• The file name must not exceed 10 characters and must not contain symbols or accents.

  The Organization & Culture The City University of New York (CUNY) is the nation’s largest urban public university system and a global leader in social mobility. In 2026, CUNY’s culture is driven by the “CUNY Lifting New York” strategic roadmap through 2030, which focuses on removing barriers to entry and ensuring every New Yorker has a clear path to a degree and a career. The atmosphere across its 25 institutions is defined by diversity, resilience, and civic engagement. As of March 2026, the system is undergoing a massive digital transformation, positioning itself as a “laboratory of AI exploration” to ensure students are prepared for a tech-driven workforce.

  The Locations: A Five-Borough Network CUNY is truly “the university of the city,” with campuses integrated into every corner of New York:

  • Manhattan Hubs: Includes Baruch College (Flatiron/Gramercy), Hunter College (Upper East Side), John Jay College of Criminal Justice (Hell’s Kitchen), and The City College of New York (Harlem). The CUNY Graduate Center sits in the heart of Midtown near the Empire State Building.

  • Brooklyn Powerhouses: Anchored by Brooklyn College (Midwood) and NYC College of Technology (City Tech) in Downtown Brooklyn.

  • Queens & Staten Island: Home to Queens College, York College, and the College of Staten Island, which provide expansive, traditional-style campuses within the city.

  • The Bronx: Includes Lehman College, Bronx Community College, and Hostos Community College.

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  Academic & Workplace Highlights (2026)

  • The 2026 AI Innovation Fund: CUNY recently awarded $3 million to 113 campus-led initiatives to integrate AI into teaching and research.

    • York College is launching an AI-enhanced micro-certificate for health and nursing.

    • John Jay is building a “proxy website” to give students free access to premium AI models, closing the digital divide.

    • Brooklyn College is using AI to analyze data and combat food insecurity on campus.

  • 2025–2026 Tuition & Affordability:

    • Senior Colleges (4-year): Approximately $6,930 annually for NY State residents.

    • Community Colleges (2-year): Approximately $4,800 annually for NY State residents.

    • The Excelsior Scholarship: Eligible students from families earning $125,000 or less continue to receive $0 tuition coverage after other aid is applied.

  • Workplace Salaries (2026 Estimates):

    • Average Annual Salary: Across the system, the average salary is approximately $102,495, with typical ranges between $89,619 and $117,269.

    • Specialized Roles: Lecturers and Assistant Professors typically range from $65,000 to $88,000, while clinical coordinators and administrative directors can exceed $115,000.

  • Student Outcomes: CUNY remains the “greatest engine of social mobility” in the U.S. In 2026, programs like ACE (Accelerate, Complete, Engage) and ASAP provide intensive advising and financial support to ensure students graduate on time and debt-free.

  • Comprehensive 2026 Benefits:

    • NYS Benefits: Employees have access to the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) and robust pension plans (TRS or ORP).

    • Tuition Waivers: One of the most valued perks, allowing employees and their families to take courses across the CUNY system at little to no cost.