Dean of Students

Job Posting Title:
Dean of Students
Job Description:
Staff, Exempt, Full-Time
Overview:
The Dean of Students provides leadership, vision, and direction for activities and services that enhance students' experiences, engagement, retention, internship, and graduation employment outcomes. This position is responsible for creating and supporting an environment that promotes the growth and development of Students and facilitates open communication and information sharing between students, faculty, and the administration.
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates integrating life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.
Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S. News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.
Education and Experience:
A Master's degree in a related field is required, along with a minimum of seven years of experience in progressively responsible leadership and related administrative responsibilities in Student Affairs on a college campus, preferably a graduate school. Must have a strong understanding of current issues in higher education, including various federal and state regulations, student mental health issues, and crisis management on overall campus life. Strong operational and business management skills are essential; one must have the ability to develop and implement key performance metrics and foster a climate of data-driven decision-making from knowledge of best practices in Student Affairs.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Student Affairs

• Responsible for the overall vision, direction, leadership, and continued development of a student-centered team and program within the Institute, offering programs focused on student success.
• Oversees and manages strategic planning for the division of Student Affairs in a manner that improves accountability, sustainability, and effectiveness of student services.
• Provides professional development for the Institute on managing student behavioral issues, conflict mediation, student rights and responsibilities, KGI's student disciplinary process, and other related fields that support student success.
• Manage and continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of Student Affairs service delivery methods and procedures; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of data pertaining to co-curricular assessment.
• Serves as the central source of research and information on student issues, utilizing research methodologies and retention to assess current student values and major programmatic needs.
• Develop and review institutional policies and procedures that provide fair and equitable treatment of all students.
• Builds community through empowering the expression and consideration of diverse voices on campus, developing robust co-curricular experiences for students, and cultivating the identification of shared and unifying values.
• Manage Student Affairs budget to ensure effective use of resources for serving students.
• Engages in creative problem-solving to balance serving the needs of Students with meeting the legal and ethical obligations of the institution; creates a culture of service to students, faculty, staff, prospective students, industry representatives, and community members.
• Serve as a liaison for 7C Committees and Groups such as the Student Dean's Committee (SDC), and work collaboratively on 7C resource hiring committees as a representative and advocate for KGI.

Student Engagement Services

• Plans or assists in planning events such as Orientation, Commencement, White Coat Ceremony, and student social events.
• Maintain current knowledge of Student Affairs best practices and social engagement trends to evaluate, develop, and implement enhanced programming to engage students.
• Serve as the advisor for the Student Government.
• Manages student engagement programming, including extracurricular programming and clubs and organizations.
• Oversees international student engagement services and programs.
• Serve on the 7C International Student Council.

Crisis Management

• Oversee the process related to student wellness concerns.
• Provide leadership and respond to student crisis incidents.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.

Judicial Affairs

• Enforces campus student discipline as outlined in the Student Handbook and makes recommendations to the Academic Dean(s) regarding student violations of the Institute regulations.
• Adjudicate student appeals and grievances and enforce the student Code of Conduct in student discipline issues.
• Investigates and oversees the student appeals process related to student complaints of the areas/employees supervised.

Title IX

• Serves as the Title IX Coordinator for the Institute. Oversees Title IX program development, training, and compliance for the Institute.
• Implement an annual training for all faculty and staff related to reporting and responding appropriately.
• Remain current on all federal and state regulation, and ensure policies and procedures for KGI remain compliant.
• Responsible for maintenance of Title IX files and cases.
• Serve on the 7C Title IXT9 Committee

Accessibility and Academic Support Services

• Oversees the department and provides direction in Accessibility Services in partnership with the Occupational Therapist.
• Provides general support and advocacy for students receiving accommodations in adherence with the Americans with Disabilities.
• Partners and collaborates with academic administrators and faculty on programs, services, and activities that support student development and success (writing center, tutoring program, etc.)

Career Services

• Oversees the department and provides direction in Career Services in partnership with the Director of Career Services.
• Works collaboratively with the Director of Career Services and AVP of Corporate Partnerships to develop industry partners and implement career assessment opportunities for students.
• Works collaboratively with academic deans or designees to develop career services for specific student populations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Strong operational and business management skills are essential; one must have the ability to develop and implement key performance metrics and foster a climate of data- driven decision-making from knowledge of best practices in Student Affairs.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate a strong leadership vision to a broad group of campus and community constituents.
• Progressively responsible administrative experience in a college or university environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop creative and innovative solutions.
• Knowledge of budget development, personnel selection, and program evaluation.
• Understanding of, and ability to, implement student equity programs and services. Demonstrated understanding of conflict mediation/resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and present complex issues to diverse individuals and groups.
• Experience working with a diverse campus community and possess a commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit within the division, and an environment supportive of student retention.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing; possess the ability to listen to all points of view, build consensus, and inform others of policies and decisions.
• Working Knowledge of relevant laws and policies (FERPA, Title IX, Clery Act, VAWA, and ongoing legislation).
• Experience in and commitment to advancing retention, graduation initiatives, and employment outcomes.
• Able to leverage crisis management, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• A valid driver's license or equivalent means of reliable transportation to off-site meetings and events is required.
• Holiday, weekend, and evening work hours will be required. Travel will be required. Regular hours may vary due to the needs of the Institute or division. May be on call 24/7 for student-related emergencies.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds/participate in light set-up for recruitment and on-campus events.

Hours, Classification, and Status:
This is a regular, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.
Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Availability and willingness to travel, depending on the needs of the Institute, as well as frequently working evenings and partial weekends is required.
Salary range: $125,000 - $150,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
Special Requirements
Keck Graduate Institute has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and Influenza Vaccination Program covering all employees and students. Employees must submit proof of vaccination or an Institute-approved exception or deferral to comply with the policy.
Physical and Mental Requirements
Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.
Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods. Standing for extended periods. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, files, books, and packages.
Ability to drive locally. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off-campus.
To Apply:
A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, please submit a cover letter highlighting your professional experience, a complete CV outlining your career and educational credentials, and three professional references (including their names, relationship to you, position, email, and direct phone numbers). Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
Keck Graduate Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment. KGI strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.