Assistant Dean of Student Life

Mississippi College; Clinton (MS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Dean of Student Life to lead residence life and student conduct processes. This pivotal role involves fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and Christ-centered community that promotes student success and personal growth. The Assistant Dean will provide strategic leadership, oversee housing assignments, and manage crisis interventions while collaborating with campus partners to enhance student well-being. If you are passionate about creating a supportive residential environment and have a commitment to student development, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students.

Qualifications

• 5+ years supervisory experience in Residence Life required.
• Strong knowledge of student development and crisis management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee residence life for 1,900 students, ensuring a safe environment.
• Lead recruitment, training, and development of residence life staff.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Crisis Management

Conflict Resolution

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration

Master’s degree in Student Affairs

Master’s degree in a related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Assistant Dean of Student Life serves as a key leader within the Division of Student Experience, overseeing residence life and the student conduct process. This individual is responsible for fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and Christ-centered residential community that promotes student success and personal growth. Reporting to the Vice President for the Student Experience, the Assistant Dean provides strategic leadership for residence life operations, staff development, and the administration of student conduct policies. The Assistant Dean is expected to enhance and uphold the Christian mission of the college.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Oversee all aspects of residence life, ensuring a safe and supportive living environment for approximately 1,900 students.
2. Lead the recruitment, hiring, training, and development of residence life staff, including the Assistant Directors, Area Coordinators (ACs), Lead Resident Assistants, and Resident Assistants (RAs).
3. Manage housing assignments, room changes, and maintain accurate residential data.
4. Oversee the student conduct process, adjudicating hall-level cases and ensuring fair and consistent enforcement of policies.
5. Provide crisis intervention and support for students dealing with issues such as homesickness, roommate conflicts, mental health concerns, and substance use.
6. Supervise the Assistant Director of Residential Living and Assistant Director of Residential Operations, ensuring effective staff scheduling and operational efficiency.
7. Allocate and oversee the Residence Life budget, including residence hall programming funds.
8. Develop and implement staff training and professional development opportunities for ACs, Leads RAs, and RAs.
9. Coordinate and enhance residential programming to support student engagement, learning communities, and leadership development.
10. Ensure timely and appropriate responses to emergencies, serving as on-call support for residence life staff.
11. Serve as a resource for students with specialized residential needs, including international students, transfers, and students with disabilities.
12. Provide regular assessment reports on residence life operations, student conduct trends, and program effectiveness.
13. Collaborate with campus partners to promote student well-being, retention, and success.
14. Serve on committees as assigned.
15. Responsible for other duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience in Residence Life.
3. Strong knowledge of student development, conflict resolution, and crisis management.
4. Demonstrated ability to foster a positive and engaged residential community.
5. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
6. Firm commitment to the Christian-based mission of Mississippi College.

REPORTS TO: Vice President for the Student Experience/Dean of Students EXEMPT: Full Time; exempt