Assistant Dean (Student Engagement and Success )

About the role

The Assistant Dean for Student Engagement and Success is a senior leadership role within the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (CAFNR).

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate programs that encourage student participation in campus life, including clubs, organizations, leadership activities, and community service.
• Develop and oversee academic support services such as mentoring, tutoring, workshops, and orientation programs to improve student retention and graduation rates.
• Develop a CAFNR Student Engagement Strategy, identify barriers to persistence, align initiatives with university goals, and utilize data to inform decisions.
• Provide insight on student climate, recommend policy improvements, support leadership transitions, and align academic and co-curricular experiences.
• Lead and support Wellness in Houston outreach initiatives by guiding the development of community-based programs and curricula that align with established program goals and objectives.
• Collaborate with Extension program educators to design, deliver, and evaluate research-based educational programming and services, ensuring quality, consistency, and measurable community impact.
• Direct the development of strategic partnerships with schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and industry to expand Extension reach and impact.
• Ensure the translation of research into accessible, community-based programming, including trainings, demonstrations, and educational resources.
• Lead data-driven evaluation of outreach and engagement initiatives, measuring Extension impact, program effectiveness, and community outcomes.
• Support the development of Extension programs that integrate student involvement, enhancing experiential learning and leadership development.
• Ensure compliance with grant and funding requirements supporting outreach and Extension activities.
• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for student engagement, community outreach, and partnership initiatives within CAFNR.
• Serve as a key member of the Dean's leadership team and assists the Associate Dean in the development and implementation of college-wide strategic priorities, goals, and performance measures.
• Supervise and evaluate assigned staff, including professional development, performance management, workload allocation, and succession planning.
• Develop, manage, and monitor budgets for assigned programs and initiatives, ensuring responsible stewardship of university resources.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and administrative processes that promote efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Cook up coordination with university departments and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of student success, outreach, and community engagement efforts with institutional objectives.
• Facilitate strategic partnerships and collaborative agreements that support workforce development, student success, community engagement, and organizational growth.
• Monitor program outcomes and key performance indicators, utilizing data to drive decision-making and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, federal, and accreditation requirements applicable to assigned programs and operations.
• Represent the Dean and CAFNR on university committees, task forces, community boards, and professional organizations as assigned.
• Lead change management and organizational development initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and employee engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean and Associate Dean for Academic Programs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in an area represented in the College.
• Six years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate Degree in an area represented in the College.
• Demonstrated success in developing student engagement and retention programs.