Dean Of Students

The Dean of Students organizes, and coordinates assigned programs and services that facilitate a supportive institutional approach to student success. The Dean of Students reports directly to the President and is a member of the President's extended leadership cabinet. The Dean of Students is responsible for student life policies, campus life and retention strategies, ensuring the optimal use of resources supporting student success. The Dean is committed to collegial governance, cultural diversity, innovation, student success, and creative leadership.
The Dean of Students advocates for students and shares information with students, colleagues, and other interested parties to promote student success, retention, and graduation. The overall charge is to evaluate and enhance campus life.
The position requires a demonstrated commitment to the Catholic liberal arts mission of the University. The successful candidate will possess a master's degree, a doctorate preferred, and a proven record of extraordinary success in change management in student life areas and higher education leadership and administration. A candidate with at least ten years of experience in different student life areas, with progressively higher levels of responsibility, is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership and direction in the strategic supervision and management of the Dean of Students Office; oversee the activities, operations, communication, and fiscal integrity of all programs administered by the Office.
• Provide guidance, expertise, and management on matters related to the student code of conduct, student rights and responsibilities, the process of adjudication, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Directly supervise the leadership team of the following student life offices: Center for Student Involvement & Belonging, Residence Life, Campus Ministry, Counseling Services, Center for Student Diversity, Orientation & New Student Services, as well as an executive assistant. Oversee other offices within the division, including Campus Recreation and Wellness and Student Activities. 
• Actively engage in the professional development of division employees, providing mentorship, training, and opportunities for growth to enhance their expertise in student affairs and administrative practices.
• Engage in university strategic planning efforts and participate in programs and processes to improve student support and experience; represent student safety and wellness needs to university leaders and stakeholders.
• Work closely with students to identify needs and implement potential solutions to individual and community-level issues.
• Contribute to student success efforts by ensuring that the university offers well-maintained living spaces and engaging student activities.
• Establish and implement short- and long-range department goals, objectives, policies, budgets, and operating procedures.
• Create and maintain a structure for assessment within areas of management.
• Serve as a visible presence at University events, student programs, and community activities.
• Develop, coordinate, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures for all student activities.
• Oversee annual production of Student Handbook/Code of Student Conduct and other documents.
• Serve as a student advocate and voice for student needs and concerns.
• Represent the interests and resources of the Dean of Students Office/Student Life in various University contexts (e.g., enrollment management, admissions events, budget, risk management, student life) with students and, as appropriate, parents. 
• Partner effectively with faculty and staff to develop opportunities for experiential learning in the Dean of Students Office; oversee student engagement in these experiences, where appropriate; and facilitate student reflection and learning.
• Collaborate with administrators, staff, and students on various committees, as appointed, including Mount Council, Retention Committee, Catholic Identity, Enrollment Management, and other university and Student Life committees.
• Serve as a key staff member in Title IX matters, including participating in hearings, meetings, and investigations as appropriate. 
• Coordinate with the university team associated with Mount's alcohol abuse prevention efforts.
• Serve on the University emergency On-Call team.
• Represent the University through service and leadership in community, regional, and national organizations.
• Other duties as assigned by the President.
• The successful candidate will possess these key competencies in order to successfully meet the expectations for this role:

Job Requirements: Education, Experience and Skills:

• A commitment to support and enhance the Catholic identity of the University.
• A commitment to support and enhance an inclusive University community, and comfort and experience working with diverse populations.
• Master’s degree required, doctorate preferred and 10 years progressive responsibility in Student Life, or relevant experience in a related department or discipline.
• Exceptional leadership skills and ability to lead a collaborative team.
• Diplomacy skills, including savvy, tact, courage of convictions, commitment to education and to the community, and a high tolerance for ambiguity.
• Familiarity with the organization and function of educational administration and be well versed in higher education policy, procedure and regulations.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Skill in fostering team building and the ability to engage and motivate the full talents of a diverse staff.
• Ability to budget, manage and allocate funds fairly and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in writing, in personal conversation, and in group presentations.
• Ability to establish trusting and respectful relationships with students.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and budgeting software.
• Ability to maintain professional but friendly demeanor at all times, including ability to remain calm and patient in stressful situations such as disciplinary hearings.
• Ability to work well with a variety of different individuals and age levels.
• Knowledge of mental health conditions and ability to engage in emergency situations.
• Comfort with efficient multitasking.
• Detailed familiarity with school code of conduct.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes evening, weekend, and "on call" assignments.
• The successful candidate must ideally reside within close proximity to the campus. This requirement is essential to ensure availability for student support and campus engagement activities.

Salary/Benefits:

This is a full-time position with full benefits and annual, holiday and sick leave. The university offers a generous benefits package, including tuition remission for graduate and undergraduate classes at Mount St. Mary’s University, retirement program with a match as well as a generous paid time off schedule. Competitive salary commensurate to experience.