QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree in higher education administration or other related discipline and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs are required.
• Demonstrated experience in providing high-quality support and meaningful opportunities for students is essential, along with a proven ability to develop strategic plans, establish priorities, and achieve defined goals.
• Experience leading and managing teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment, and effectively utilizing resources to support student success.
• Experience in managing budgets and allocating resources effectively is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, while maintaining strong organizational skills, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are required.
• Demonstrated superior verbal and written communication abilities including working effectively with individuals at all levels of the university, as well as with external stakeholders.
• Essential crisis management experience as well as possess of a background in student affairs with a comprehensive understanding of best practices, policies, and legal issues in the field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in Higher Education Administration or other related discipline.
• Experience working in a large academic school or college.
• Experience working in an engineering, science or technology environment.

PURPOSE

As a member of the Cockrell School of Engineering’s leadership team, the Assistant Dean provides strategic direction and administrative oversight for programs, services, and initiatives that foster student engagement, build community, and support student success. This role oversees all areas of student affairs within the School, including academic advising and support services, career services, scholarships, student life, and academic support programs. A central focus of the position is on the recruitment, retention, and graduation of undergraduate engineering students. The Assistant Dean collaborates closely with stakeholders across the institution to cultivate a positive, comprehensive, and supportive campus environment that enhances the overall student experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic and visionary leadership to advance the mission of the Engineering Student Services (ESS) unit within the Cockrell School of Engineering. Lead efforts to recruit, retain, and support the successful graduation of undergraduate engineering students. Oversee key student success and outreach programs, including the Engineering Student Success Center, Engineering Advising and Academic Support, Engineering Scholarship Office, Ramshorn Scholars Program, Student Life and the Engineering Career Assistance Center.
• Represent and advocate for the needs, interests, and concerns of undergraduate students within the Cockrell School of Engineering. Provide leadership and support for advising and programmatic initiatives that enhance the undergraduate experience. Develop and implement programs, services, and resources that address student needs, and oversee their management and ongoing assessment to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Establish and communicate clear goals, objectives, outcomes, and benchmarks that support a student experience aligned with the mission of the Cockrell School of Engineering. Ensure effective budget management and the strategic allocation of resources to advance programmatic priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the effective delivery of student support services, including—but not limited to—developmental academic advising, registration advising, new student orientation, academic support programs, internal transfer, academic standing (warning and dismissal), degree audits, and commencement. Assess and implement effective protocols, structures, and systems to ensure efficient management of these processes. Lead the coordination of crisis response efforts and case management to support student well-being and success.
• Represent the Cockrell School of Engineering on university committees, projects, initiatives, and activities. Foster partnerships and collaborative relationships with university and Cockrell School departments to strengthen student services and programs. Serve as a liaison between students and various university offices, departments, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for undergraduate student issues and act as a liaison with key campus offices including Admissions, Title IX, Student Conduct, International Student Support, and other colleges, schools, and units across the university.
• Lead the development and enhancement of electronic systems and processes that support student success. Oversee the continued implementation of EAB Navigate and design new initiatives that enable proactive outreach to students, promoting academic achievement, timely progress toward degree completion, and career readiness.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the planning and execution of both university-wide and Cockrell School-specific events. Represent the Cockrell School at key events such as Gone to Engineering, Honors Day, Order of the Engineer, Commencement, and other signature programs that celebrate student achievement and foster the student experience.