Dean of Students

Position Summary

The Dean of Students provides visionary leadership for the student life experience, fostering holistic student development consistent with the institution’s Christian mission. This role oversees co-curricular programs, student care systems, residential life, and community standards, cultivating a vibrant, Christ-centered campus community.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Student Development & Experience

• Oversee student engagement, leadership development, and co-curricular programming
• Promote a campus culture of belonging, community, and student success
• Support retention initiatives through student engagement and care efforts

2. Spiritual Formation & Christian Community

• Partner with campus ministries to integrate faith into the student experience
• Support chapel, discipleship, and service-learning initiatives
• Model and promote Christian character, leadership, and vocation
• Provide oversight for campus ministries initiatives in partnership with the Chaplain
• Provide oversight for campus activities and Launch Weekend
• Ensure alignment of student life practices with institutional mission and faith commitments

3. Student Care, Wellness & Support

• Oversee crisis response in collaboration with the Director of Campus Security
• Develop & lead a Student Care & Conduct response team.
• Develop proactive strategies for student mental health and well-being

4. Residential Life & Community Standards

• Provide oversight of residential life, including staff supervision and program development
• Establish and uphold community standards rooted in institutional values
• Oversee student conduct processes, ensuring educational and restorative approaches
• Monitor trends in student behavior and campus climate, assisting the Vice President of Student Affairs in regular benchmarking of the student body.
• Manage and regularly update the Student Handbook to ensure regulatory support through updated policies of the student body.

5. Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise Residence Life and Student Conduct departments.
• Recruit, develop, and evaluate professional staff
• Foster a collaborative, student-centered team culture
• Serve on Student Affairs Deans & Directors Team.

6. Campus Collaboration & Institutional Leadership

• Partner with Academic Affairs to support student success and retention
• Collaborate on campus-wide initiatives
• Engage parents and families as partners in student development

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or related field
• Progressive leadership experience in student affairs
• Demonstrated commitment to Christian faith and ability to integrate faith into student development work
• Experience in residential campus environments strongly preferred
• Strong skills in leadership, crisis management, and organizational development

Core Competencies

• Relational leadership and student-centered philosophy
• Ability to navigate complex student issues with care and accountability
• Commitment to belonging, and Christ-centered community
• Strategic thinking and systems-level leadership
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Possesses a clear value to serve on high performing teams