Dean of Student Work & Experiential Learning

Paul Smith's College; Paul Smiths (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Paul Smith's College seeks a Dean of Work to lead a newly expanded Work Experience Program, aligning campus employment with hands-on curricula across disciplines. The role oversees student placements, program strategy, and assessment to foster work ethic, professional competence, and financial self-reliance within a 13,000-acre Adirondack campus.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in a relevant field with 7–10 years of leadership experience in higher education or experiential learning,

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Management, Student Affairs, or related field (Doctorate preferred).
• Experience: 7–10 years of progressive leadership in higher education, experiential education, or operational management (federally recognized Work College preferred).
• Skills: Strong understanding of student development theory, labor management, budget oversight, and small-campus operations.
• Attributes: Deep appreciation for hands-on, place-based education within a rural, residential forest setting.
• Equal opportunity employer statement included in posting.

Responsibilities

• Design and scale a unified student work program blending campus needs with intentional learning outcomes.
• Oversee placement, tracking, and evaluation of student workers.
• Monitor student labor performance and retention; develop a Student Work Transcript.
• Manage student employment budgets and compliance with federal/state labor standards.
• Cultivate internal and external partnerships to expand micro-credentialing and hands-on skill acquisition.
• Develop external-facing student enterprises in collaboration with college initiatives.

Skills

Labor management

Budget oversight

Small-campus operations

Student development theory

Place-based education

Education

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Management, Student Affairs, or related field

Job description

Paul Smith's College seeks a Dean of Work to lead a newly expanded Work Experience Program, aligning campus employment with hands-on curricula across disciplines. The role oversees student placements, program strategy, and assessment to foster work ethic, professional competence, and financial self-reliance within a 13,000-acre Adirondack campus.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s in a relevant field with 7–10 years of leadership experience in higher education or experiential learning,