Assistant Dean for Student Services, College of Biological Sciences

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 125,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and generous time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

University of Minnesota is seeking an Assistant Dean for Student Services in the College of Biological Sciences. This role leads CBS Student Services, overseeing recruitment, retention, academic advising, student engagement, and career planning, reporting to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education.

You will represent the college to parents, peers, and university partners. The ideal candidate will have strong strategic vision, collaboration skills, and a track record of building

Qualifications

• Master's degree plus at least 8 years of professional experience in higher education and/or relevant industry experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in an educational setting with oversight of administrative and operational activities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse constituencies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a shared strategy for CBS undergraduate education.
• Provide strategic oversight for recruitment, retention, and graduation using metrics.
• Lead CBS Student Services and supervise 6 full-time employees; foster leadership and development.
• Represent CBS to external partners, peer institutions, and university stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Strategic thinking

Biological sciences education

Education

Master's degree plus 8 years experience

Job description

Job ID: 376029

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Academic

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 9313

Employee Class: Acad Prof and Admin

About the Job

Position Title: Assistant Dean for Student Services, College of Biological Sciences

Job Code: 9313

The priority application deadline for this position is September 30, 2026.

Position Overview

The Assistant Dean for Student Services in the College of Biological Sciences is a strategic and operational leader responsible for shaping a comprehensive, inclusive, and premiere undergraduate experience. Reporting directly to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and serving on the Dean's Leadership Council, this position requires a collaborative, visionary, and student-centered administrator. The Assistant Dean provides leadership for CBS Student Services, overseeing recruitment, retention, academic advising, student engagement, career planning, and other support services. This role serves as a key public representative for the college, advocating for undergraduate interests across campus and connecting with parents, peer institutions, and administrative partners.

The ideal leader will demonstrate strong organizational oversight, adeptness in operationalizing strategic goals into measurable outcomes, and an ability to foster an engaging, collaborative workplace while building strong relationships within the College, across the University, and with peer institutions.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Operational Management (60%)

• Partner with the Associate Dean to develop and execute a shared strategy for CBS undergraduate education.
• Serve as a key member of the Dean's Leadership Council, contributing to strategic decision-making and institutional governance.
• Provide strategic oversight for the CBS undergraduate experience, to include academic advising, career coaching, and engagement.
• Direct operations focused on student recruitment, retention, and graduation, utilizing metrics to measure and improve the student experience.
• Manage unit budgets and personnel, cultivating a work environment that attracts and develops high-performing professionals.
• Represent CBS to external partners, peer institutions, and University stakeholders.
• Engage with parents and student groups as a recognizable leader for CBS undergraduate programs.
• Serve as the direct supervisor for 6 full time employees. Responsible for building a highly productive and engaged team of professionals and supervisors. Foster a culture of leadership and professional development.

Collegiate Recruitment, Enrollment, and Retention Oversight (20%)

• Develop and implement annual strategic plans for recruitment and scholarships in collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring collegiate enrollment goals are met.
• Collaborate with collegiate and University leadership to set sustainable enrollment targets.
• Analyze retention trends, leveraging data to refine and inform student success initiatives.

Student Success and Engagement (20%)

• Foster a dynamic environment for student organizations, leadership development, and mentorship.
• Promote a culture of access, inclusion, and equity across all programmatic content and student support services.
• Establish policies and procedures sensitive to student concerns and institutional fairness.
• Work with the Office of Student Affairs to manage and coordinate responses to student crisis situations.

The employer reserves the right to change or assign duties to this position.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree plus at least 8 years of professional experience in higher education and/or relevant industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 or more years of leadership experience in an educational setting, including oversight and accountability for administrative and operational activities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage engaged teams to achieve outcomes in higher education (e.g., setting and measuring goals, employee accountability, fostering professional development, organizational culture and effectiveness).
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with multiple groups and diverse constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to listen effectively and strategically, translating and prioritizing strategic goals and initiatives into action.
• Ability to inspire a shared vision and relate to employees, influencing and aligning efforts of others to advance current and future priorities.
• Knowledge of and appreciation for biological sciences education.

About the Department

College and Unit Overview

At the College of Biological Sciences (CBS), we help our undergraduates turn curiosity into impact. With eight majors, thirteen minors, and a world of complex biological puzzles to solve, our students learn biology by doing biology in classrooms and labs across the University's East Bank and St. Paul campuses. CBS Student Services is there every step of that journey. Our team of 20 advisors, career coaches, and engagement specialists are dedicated to guiding undergrads from their first week on campus to graduation day and beyond.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $125,000-$140,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.