Assistant Provost for Student Retention

Join The New School 

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.
 

The Division of Student Success fosters an inclusive, supportive environment that empowers students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Through services and programs that promote wellbeing, engagement, and achievement—from health and counseling to advising, leadership, and career development—Student Success helps students navigate their college experience and reach their goals. Reporting to the Senior Associate Provost for Student Success Strategies, the Assistant Provost (AP) for Student Retention role is a core member of the senior leadership team in the Student Success division.
 

The Assistant Provost (AP) for Student Retention is charged with leading The New School’s strategic efforts to promote student persistence, success, and degree completion. As a key contributor to the university’s retention vision, this individual will design, implement, monitor, and continuously refine data-informed initiatives that strengthen institutional capacity to retain and support all students. The Assistant Provost will lead high-impact, cross-functional projects—bridging academic affairs, student services, institutional research, and other critical units—to foster cohesive, forward-looking retention practices.
 

This is a compelling opportunity for a seasoned leader who combines expertise in data analytics, research, program design, and change management. In this role, the AP will partner with Institutional Research and relevant stakeholders to collect, analyze, and interpret student data and retention metrics, provide strategic direction and oversight for the university-wide retention committee, and develop rigorous assessment frameworks for key Student Success initiatives. The role will lead the formation, implementation, and ongoing oversight of retention policy and procedural interventions and support grant development efforts that advance retention goals. In addition, the role will lead the creation of and oversee a comprehensive department focused on driving student retention and robust assessment efforts on the student experience at The New School.
 

The Assistant Provost for Student Retention will play a pivotal part in shaping the student experience at The New School—proactively identifying barriers to persistence and driving institutional transformation to better support student outcomes.
 

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 

Strategic leadership

• In collaboration with the Senior Associate Provost, develop a comprehensive, multi-year retention strategy that aligns with overall TNS priorities – setting ambitious but realistic retention goals.

• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of programs that support student persistence and academic achievement.

• Serve as a key liaison, advocating for student retention initiatives with the Senior Associate Provost and other senior leaders across the university. 
   

Cross-functional communication and leadership

• Provide leadership to assist the Vice Provost, Senior Associate Provost, and the university in realizing the goals, and in creating and fostering organizational alignment, program management and effective delivery of work across the university; collaborate and partner with operational stakeholders at the University (including, but not limited to, Vice Provost for Student Success, Dean of Students, Office of the Provost, Institutional Research, CLAA, affinity groups, etc.) to provide effective implementation and management of retention strategies.

• Collaborate with faculty partners and CLAA across the campus to ensure excellence and/or enhancement related to the University’s degree completion program, developmental education, and high drop and failure courses.

• Develops and maintains communication methods and processes designed to maximize internal and external awareness of TNS retention efforts, developments and plans.

• Maintains discretion of information, including meeting materials, calendars, emails and university communications, and the sensitivity to handle confidential matters with students and staff members.
   

Data analysis and evaluation

• Direct all functions related to evaluation, research, and data analysis concerning student success and retention in close collaboration with IRDS.

• Oversee the analysis of key performance indicators and student success metrics to identify barriers for at-risk students and recommend strategic improvements.

• Support institutional data reporting and compliance in collaboration with IRDS. 

• Using results from internal institutional data (NSSE, ACHA-NCHA, and others) to inform programmatic design and interventions. 
   

Program management and oversight

• Provide strategic oversight for initiatives related to recruitment, student engagement, and retention.

• Lead the strategic execution and continuous improvement of new student onboarding and orientation experiences.

• Work collaboratively with the SAS team to develop the best use of student success platforms and data management tools such as Starfish, Stellic, and Tableau to drive student retention efforts.

• Facilitate the creation and execution of focused processes and interventions designed to increase retention and graduation rates, especially among historically underserved populations.

• Manage key data support, project execution, and relationships to drive the implementation of AI retention management tools such as but not limited to CollegeVine, etc. 

• Ensure the university secures and maintains robust external funding for student success programs, especially through direct grant submissions. 

• Identifies any university barriers to student retention. Directs the policy development, implementation, resource allocation, and strategies to address identified and dissolve barriers.

• Develop relationships with each of the colleges/schools to facilitate integrated efforts of the First Year experience program and assessment. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree.

• 7+ years of related experience providing organizational and operational planning and leadership, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must include experience directing, developing, and implementing programs and services with specific mapping and deliverables, planning and managing financial resources, and effectively using data management systems.

• Advanced knowledge in data analytics.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including excellent influence and negotiation skills.

• Familiarity with student success issues in education, student retention, and graduation best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and foster effective relationships at all levels of the organization.

• Strong analytical, assessment, and planning skills, including skills related to business process, controls, and operations.

• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated skills in organizational development and resource development, and strategic planning.

• Demonstrated ability to trouble-shoot, problem-solve, and anticipate issues needing resolution.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as within a team in a fast-paced and adaptive environment, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful, and professional.

• Demonstrated excellence and strong professional ethics.

WORK MODE

On Campus - This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.
 

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$120,000 - $130,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:
 

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
   

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA

• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan
   

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day

• Paid holidays and floating holidays

• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)
   

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities

• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations

• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents
   

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.