What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Dean of Student Success position at Ferris State University?
Job no: 498225
Work type: Staff
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Administrative, Staff
Work type: Staff
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Administrative, Staff
Position Title:
Assistant Dean of Student Success
Location:
Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:
37000 - Pharmacy Deans Office
Advertised Salary:
$131,462; See Job Summary for details on salary placement. Salary commensurate with education, experience, and other requirements.
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.).
Admin/Admin Temp Benefit Plans
FLSA:
Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:
Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:
Full-Time
Union Group:
N/A
Term of Position:
12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:
At Will
Summary of Position:
The Assistant Dean of Student Success (ADSS) directs and coordinates the College's Office of Student Success and provides leadership to ensure compliance with all accreditation standards related to student services.
Specific responsibilities related to student success include overseeing recruitment, admissions, student advising, and development and analysis of key metrics that assess student success, well-being, and belonging.
The ADSS will provide leadership in planning key student experiences such as orientation, career fairs, and ceremonial events (e.g., White Coat Ceremony, Doctoral Hooding Ceremony).
In addition, the position is expected to foster a collaborative work environment with College and University faculty, staff, and administration, as well as College committees.
Limited instructional responsibilities as determined to be appropriate based on expertise and academic background. Pursuit of research/scholarly activities is encouraged.
The anticipated start date of this position is January 2027; however, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.
Offers are determined based on a review of the candidate's qualifications, including education, training, experience, and internal pay equity considerations.
Placement within the range will generally be based on the following factors:
Entry-Range: Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and core requirements of the position.
Mid-Range: Candidates with three or more years of directly related professional experience and demonstrate proficiency in the key responsibilities of the role.
Upper Range: Candidates with seven or more years of directly related experience, advanced knowledge, specialized skills, certifications, or expertise that provide significant value to the position.
Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's overall qualifications, experience, and alignment with the University's compensation philosophy in consultation with Human Resources.
The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F1 EAD’s, OPT, H1B, etc.
Specific responsibilities related to student success include overseeing recruitment, admissions, student advising, and development and analysis of key metrics that assess student success, well-being, and belonging.
The ADSS will provide leadership in planning key student experiences such as orientation, career fairs, and ceremonial events (e.g., White Coat Ceremony, Doctoral Hooding Ceremony).
In addition, the position is expected to foster a collaborative work environment with College and University faculty, staff, and administration, as well as College committees.
Limited instructional responsibilities as determined to be appropriate based on expertise and academic background. Pursuit of research/scholarly activities is encouraged.
The anticipated start date of this position is January 2027; however, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.
Offers are determined based on a review of the candidate's qualifications, including education, training, experience, and internal pay equity considerations.
Placement within the range will generally be based on the following factors:
Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's overall qualifications, experience, and alignment with the University's compensation philosophy in consultation with Human Resources.
The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F1 EAD’s, OPT, H1B, etc.
Position Type:
Staff
Required Education:
Terminal degree (Ph.D., Pharm.D., Ed.D.) in higher education, student services, educational administration, pharmacy, or related field.
Required Work Experience:
Five or more years of experience in higher education that includes teaching (didactic or experiential), academic advising and/or academic program administration.
Extensive experience in presenting to diverse audiences.
Demonstratable commitment to student well-being.
Understanding of professional/doctoral programming and healthcare education.
Extensive experience in presenting to diverse audiences.
Demonstratable commitment to student well-being.
Understanding of professional/doctoral programming and healthcare education.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Physical Demands:
- Office Environment
- Carrying
- Lifting
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:
Terminal degree in a healthcare-related or higher education field.
Ability to effectively utilize technology and academic, admissions, and assessment databases.
Experience in higher education student services in pharmacy, medicine, or related field.
Experience in advising/working with pharmacy or pre-pharmacy students in advising activities and career exploration.
Knowledgeable of various pedagogical methods currently employed in higher education.
Capable of designing research protocols in academic settings.
Experience in policy creation and implementation.
Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to effectively utilize technology and academic, admissions, and assessment databases.
Experience in higher education student services in pharmacy, medicine, or related field.
Experience in advising/working with pharmacy or pre-pharmacy students in advising activities and career exploration.
Knowledgeable of various pedagogical methods currently employed in higher education.
Capable of designing research protocols in academic settings.
Experience in policy creation and implementation.
Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Oversee recruitment, orientation, retention, and progression programs/initiatives within the college.
Serve as the direct report for the Office of Student Success, recruitment and admissions staff, and office support staff.
Serve as a member of the College's Admissions Committee, Progressions Committee, and Executive Council.
Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Academics and Admissions (ADAA) to support student academic progression, remediation, and retention efforts.
Work directly with students and serve in an advisory role.
Oversee compliance with all Federal Equal Opportunity and Americans with Disability Act policies within the College and work directly with the University Office of Educational Counseling and Disability Services.
Serve as a liaison between the College and the University's Office of the Vice-President for Student Affairs.
Oversee student academic, professional, and career success, ensuring that all students gain access to the highest quality faculty advising, career coaching, disabilities, tutoring, and counseling resources as appropriate.
Ensure students are orientated to the mission, goals, values, and educational philosophy or the College.
Provide required data for reporting to external organizations (e.g. AACP, ACPE).
Monitor compliance with codes of professional conduct, honor codes, and professional behavior expectations.
Ensure due process for all parties in cases of academic and non-academic misconduct.
Maintain an official complaint log as required by accreditation standards and report regularly to the Executive Council regarding student complaints.
Oversee/assure consistent student services for both campus locations and for students on experiential placements.
Align budgets and human resources to support student academic success.
Represent the college at assigned conferences, meetings, and professional organizations.
Ensure proper oversight of all registered student organizations (RSO) and compliance with pertinent standards.
Collaborate with the Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement Committee to develop and interpret relevant metrics to guide quality improvements in student services.
Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information.
Perform all duties in compliance with applicable University policies and procedures and state and federal requirements.
Supervise Office of Student Success staff members.
Report directly to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Serve as the direct report for the Office of Student Success, recruitment and admissions staff, and office support staff.
Serve as a member of the College's Admissions Committee, Progressions Committee, and Executive Council.
Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Academics and Admissions (ADAA) to support student academic progression, remediation, and retention efforts.
Work directly with students and serve in an advisory role.
Oversee compliance with all Federal Equal Opportunity and Americans with Disability Act policies within the College and work directly with the University Office of Educational Counseling and Disability Services.
Serve as a liaison between the College and the University's Office of the Vice-President for Student Affairs.
Oversee student academic, professional, and career success, ensuring that all students gain access to the highest quality faculty advising, career coaching, disabilities, tutoring, and counseling resources as appropriate.
Ensure students are orientated to the mission, goals, values, and educational philosophy or the College.
Provide required data for reporting to external organizations (e.g. AACP, ACPE).
Monitor compliance with codes of professional conduct, honor codes, and professional behavior expectations.
Ensure due process for all parties in cases of academic and non-academic misconduct.
Maintain an official complaint log as required by accreditation standards and report regularly to the Executive Council regarding student complaints.
Oversee/assure consistent student services for both campus locations and for students on experiential placements.
Align budgets and human resources to support student academic success.
Represent the college at assigned conferences, meetings, and professional organizations.
Ensure proper oversight of all registered student organizations (RSO) and compliance with pertinent standards.
Collaborate with the Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement Committee to develop and interpret relevant metrics to guide quality improvements in student services.
Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information.
Perform all duties in compliance with applicable University policies and procedures and state and federal requirements.
Supervise Office of Student Success staff members.
Report directly to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy.
Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Travel as needed, including overnight and weekend assignments.
Other duties, as assigned.
Other duties, as assigned.
Skills and Abilities:
Effectively communicate complex topics in an organized and effective manner.
Develop and implement effective policies and procedures.
Work effectively with diverse groups, including faculty, students, parents, and alumni.
Recognize problems, develop effective solutions, and maintain a high level of accuracy.
Effectively manage projects and processes to achieve administrative efficiencies.
Analyze trends and appropriately communicate observations to colleagues.
Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of an effective vision for the Office of Student Success.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Develop and implement effective policies and procedures.
Work effectively with diverse groups, including faculty, students, parents, and alumni.
Recognize problems, develop effective solutions, and maintain a high level of accuracy.
Effectively manage projects and processes to achieve administrative efficiencies.
Analyze trends and appropriately communicate observations to colleagues.
Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of an effective vision for the Office of Student Success.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Unofficial Transcript 1
- Other Additional Document
Optional Documents:
Philosophy of supporting student success in a professional academic program.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of terminal degree.
Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Other Additional Document (REQUIRED): Philosophy of supporting student success in a professional academic program.
Initial Application Review Date:
October 12, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?:
Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
Advertised: 11 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Retirement Plan, Sick LeaveSalary : $131,462