Reporting to the Vice President of Student Life, The Dean of Students (DOS) serves on the Vice President’s Senior Leadership Team, is an advocate for students, and a vital member of the Division of Student Life. The DOS oversees several facets of the Division and also actively collaborates with other members of the Division and the College. The DOS will partner with administrators, faculty, and students on the implementation of a new strategic plan to create rich learning opportunities that integrate academic experiences with life outside the classroom.
In consultation with the Vice President, the DOS will assume leadership for multiple units of the Division and support other offices in the absence of the Vice President. This includes Student Leadership and Involvement, Greek Life, Residence Life, New Student Orientation, First Year Experience, Student Conduct & Restorative Practices, Behavioral Intervention, Case Management, and Wellness/Prevention.
Duties include providing strategic visioning and administrative direction for areas of supervision; cultivating relationships with students and student groups; development of staff talent, review, assessment, and implementation of area policies and procedures; coordinating unit meetings and projects; preparing annual statistical reports; creating partnerships with faculty, and performing other responsibilities as assigned by the VIce President.
The Dean of Students is a full-time, on-site, 12-month professional staff employee, with a preferred start date of July 15, 2024 (flexible) who enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous vacation and time-off policy, as well as a competitive salary. Occasional weekend and/or evening hours are required.
Key Responsibilities
● Directly supervises the following full-time staff: Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Leadership & Involvement, Director of Residence Life, Director of Student Conduct and Restorative Practice, and Wellness/Prevention staff; the DOS shares administrative support with the Executive Assistant to the VP and Associate VP
● Serves in an advisory capacity to the Student Government Association (SGA) in conjunction with the Office of Leadership and Involvement
● Coordinates divisional crisis response, including creation of the Student Life on-call schedule, training for the on-call team, and review and implementation of related policies and procedures
● Serves as Dean On Call, overseeing the responses of on-call professional staff and following up as appropriate
● Works with the Vice President and Associate Vice President on development and implementation of policies, processes, and procedures relevant to student life and administration of the Division
● Works with the Senior Leadership Team and other Student Life staff to provide quality student-oriented services rooted in assessment and best practices
● Coordinates and participates in team meetings and assessment efforts
● Serves on Divisional and campus-wide committees that forward the mission and work of Student Life and the College
● Serves as a resource to faculty, parents, staff, alumni/ae, and to the community in matters related to Lafayette students
Qualifications
The successful candidate must possess a master’s degree in higher education administration, student personnel, counseling, or related field, and a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in student affairs with increasing levels of responsibility; at least three (3) years at the department head-level or higher.
Candidates for this leadership role should have experience in a predominantly residential liberal arts setting. The successful candidate will demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to diversity and inclusion, the ability to work collaboratively across the campus, and the aptitude to build and maintain strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff with an emphasis on dynamic communication and collaboration. They should demonstrate experience with conduct/judicial systems in higher education and leadership for crisis/risk management. Other preferred qualifications include supervisory and budgetary experience; planning/organizational skills; experience with Maxient software system preferred; experience in leading teams as well as advancing assessment and developing learning outcomes; knowledge of student development theory; knowledge of higher education law, including Title IX; and demonstrated and strategic visioning skills.
Requested Documents
Please send to interfolio: http://apply.interfolio.com/146239
● Cover letter indicating the candidate’s particular interest, qualifications, experience, salary requirements, and how they are a fit for this position
● Current resume or CV
● 3-5 professional references
Lafayette is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is inclusive and responsive, and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share in the responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All Lafayette operations reflect the College’s commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, and Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.