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Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Engagement, the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Student Engagement provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for key areas within the Division of Student Engagement, including Student Life and Activities, Residential Life, Student Support Programs, and Student Employment. This position plays a critical role in advancing the University's mission by fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and supportive campus environment that promotes student engagement, well-being, and academic success. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in higher education leadership and experience in building and/or improving comprehensive campus-based and digital student experiences. The AVP will work closely with other campus units that support student development, academic achievement, and Mercy University's vision, mission, and values to create an exceptional and well-supported student experience, resulting in improved student outcomes, specifically student satisfaction, retention, and on-time graduation rates. As Mercy celebrates its 75th anniversary, the University has implemented a bold set of goals and is committed to providing our students with world-class experiences, in and out of our classrooms. The AVP will lead the non-academic improvements to student life and keep Mercy on the cutting edge of student development, recreation, and campus engagement.

The AVP plays a key role on the University’s Enrollment Management and Student Engagement leadership teams and is a member of the President’s Cabinet.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for student engagement and non-academic services that align with the University’s mission, vision, and strategic goals

• Reimagine the new student onboarding and first-year experiences for undergraduate students and leverage Mercy’s locations, campuses, and strategic partners to increase student participation and satisfaction within Student Life
• Develop programs and strategies that can be successful at scale across three physical campuses and online

Operational Management

• Provide oversight, supervision, and strategic direction for all student life and residential life functions
• Provide oversight, supervision, and strategic direction for student support programs such as TRiO, Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), and Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP)
• Collaborate with campus leaders to create and/or improve significant on-campus experiences such as New Student Orientation, recognition events, social events, etc.
• Establish and monitor goals, objectives, and key performance indicators to determine the effectiveness of programming and participation
• Facilitate the improvement of unit processes and practices
• Serve on the Enrollment Management and Student Engagement leadership team, alongside colleagues from Admissions, University Advisement, Marketing and Communications, Athletics, and Student Financial Services
• Cultivate a culture of service excellence within the unit by setting and championing high standards of service delivery, ensuring that staff consistently provide exceptional support and guidance to students, while continually seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation in the delivery of student services

Student Engagement

• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and training related to student behavior, rights, and responsibilities
• Collaborate with campus partners on prevention and education initiatives related to community standards and student accountability
• Service as key advocate for student needs and concerns within the administration
• Coordinate efforts to promote student engagement, involvement, and leadership development through co-curricular activities, clubs, and organizations
• Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to create, and execute, integrated support services that enhance student retention, progression, and graduation rates

• Reinforce Mercy’s Success Strategies that are scalable, evidence-based, and equity driven; these strategies include: Introductory Course Support, Risk-Based Advising, Career-Embedded Learning, Referral Networks, 24/7 Support, Mindset and Belongingness, Completion Grants, Data Strategy, and Peer Support

Assessment and Best Practices

• Conduct regular assessments, surveys, and feedback sessions with students and families to identify areas of improvement. Implement improvements in a timely manner

• Provide regular on-campus professional development, including best practices sessions for student success and engagement for faculty and staff
• Promote Mercy’s student success initiatives at regional and national levels and take on leadership roles in professional organizations that support and highlight Mercy’s work

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations regarding student support services
• Advocate for policies and practices that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within the advisement and student success framework
• Some travel is required
• Some evenings and weekends are required
• Some “on-call” emergency availability is required
• In-person position with a primary office in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Regular travel to Manhattan and Bronx campuses is also required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master’s degree in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in higher education administration, preferably in the field of student affairs. Related experience in K-12 and event management also considered
• Experience with Slate CRM, Tableau reporting tools, and higher education student information systems preferred
• Demonstrated ability to create, develop, lead, and manage complex projects, programs, and initiatives
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities
• Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community