Senior Assistant Dean

The Graduate School 

The Graduate School at UMBC leads and directs the university’s graduate education enterprise, working with departments, schools, and colleges on the development and administration of graduate education as a critical component in the transmission of new knowledge, research, ideas, and scholarship across the university. UMBC recognizes that success as a leading R1 institution depends upon the ability to prioritize graduate education, research, and well-being as central to the academic mission. 

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Dean, the Senior Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Special Initiatives in The Graduate School serves as a strategic leader focused on enhancing the academic trajectory and overall success of graduate students through comprehensive, data-informed programming and partnership development.

Why Work at UMBC?

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $132,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed.

For 16 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

Telework:

A hybrid telework schedule may be available. 

Responsibilities:

• Bridge the critical gap between student admission and degree completion by establishing and sustaining initiatives that support academic excellence, broaden participation, and accelerate progress through key milestones
• Provide training related to academic success and research funding for all graduate students. Coordinate with other units and colleges to limit duplication and complement existing training.
• Create enhanced capacity for proactive student support by leveraging external funding opportunities, fostering cross-unit collaboration, and implementing evidence-based interventions that address systemic barriers to graduate student success.
• Supervise the Pathways, Progressions, and Graduation (PPG) team and improve data analysis infrastructure, to ensure the Graduate School better understands the graduate student journey and can effectively respond to evolving student needs while advancing institutional goals, inclusive excellence, and timely degree completion across all graduate programs.
• Serve as a thought-partner with other units in The Graduate School to enhance strategies for onboarding and orientation, regional recruitment pathways, and professional development.
• Partner with Graduate Program Directors and Colleges to help them consider and implement initiatives to improve retention.
• Assist the Dean with special projects and initiatives. 

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree.
• Four years of experience working with graduate student programming and retention efforts.
• Proficiency with Excel and data analysis.
• Experience supervising full-time staff.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working across institutions, particularly institutions within the region.
• Experience obtaining and managing grant funding.
• Experience leading programming designed to build community and academic success for students across with various identities and backgrounds.
• Experience collaborating with academic leaders as well as students from different colleges, institutions, and/or disciplines.
• PhD preferred. 

Background Screening Statement:

A background check will be required. 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Upload a cover letter and a resume/CV.  

Closing Date: November 25, 2025 Benefits:

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days