Dean of Students

Lawrence University; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence University seeks a Dean of Students to prioritize the undergraduate experience while contributing to strategic and operational initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, the DOS leads key Student Life units and promotes an inclusive environment aligned with Lawrence’s Belonging, Integrity, Respect, and Sustainability.

The Dean will oversee student conduct, policies, advisory roles to the student government, crisis and care teams, and collaboration with Academic

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education or related field.
• At least 7 years of higher education experience in Student Life with increasing responsibilities.
• Proven supervisory experience with performance evaluations and staff development.
• Experience supporting a diverse student population and building collaborative relationships.
• Strong crisis management, budget oversight, and policy interpretation skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop key partnerships with campus and community leaders to advance strategic student-life initiatives.
• Serve on campus committees including CARE, Crisis Management, Behavioral Intervention, and Bias Response teams.
• Advise the Lawrence University Community Council (student government).
• Oversee Student Life Administrators-On-Call and related on-call coverage.
• Act as chief conduct officer, overseeing student grievance processes and Judicial Board training.
• Lead analysis and interpretation of student policies in the Student Handbook.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs on integrated student engagement and learning initiatives.
• Oversee First Year Dinner and Honors Reception events.
• Provide leadership for Senior Committee activities (Senior Week, Senior Banquet).
• Communicate with students and stakeholders to foster an inclusive campus community.
• Supervise SEAL/CCE Office, Residential Education, and the First Year Dean offices.
• Represent the division to parents, community partners, and professional associations.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of student services.

Skills

Student life administration

Crisis management

Budget management

Diversity & inclusion

Leadership & supervision

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master's degree in higher education or related field

Job description

Lawrence University seeks a new Dean of Students (DOS) to prioritize the undergraduate and student experience while contributing on a variety of strategic and operational initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, the Dean of Students is an organizational manager, responsible for leadership of key Student Life units while fostering an inclusive environment. The DOS promotes and exemplifies Lawrence’s shared values – Belonging, Integrity, Respect, and Sustainability which are the foundation of the University’s culture, and which guide and inform the university’s strategic framework to empower the student population. The DOS is highly influential in creating a student and staff culture of inclusion, belonging, and innovation.

Duties

• Develop key collaborative and effective partnerships with campus administrative areas, faculty, and campus and community leaders to enhance planning and implementing strategic initiatives, resolving issues, in support of the student experience.
• Serve as a member of campus committees including CARE team, Crisis Management Team, Behavioral Intervention Team, Bias Response committee.
• Serve as the advisor to the Lawrence University Community Council (student government).
• Oversee, participate in, and direct the Student Life Administrators-On-Call system.
• Serve as the chief conduct officer of the university, overseeing all aspects of the student grievance process as well as the selection, training and advising of the Judicial Board.
• Provide leadership and guidance in annual analysis, review, creation and interpretation of student policies and procedures which are outlined in the University’s Student Handbook.
• Develop and execute strategies for integrated student engagement and learning in collaboration with Academic affairs.
• Oversight of the implementation of the First Year Dinner and Honors Reception.
• Provide leadership and oversight of Senior Committee activities, including Senior Week and Senior Banquet.
• Communicate effectively with students and other stakeholders. Work closely with campus partners to foster an inclusive campus community and promote equity of experience for all students.
• Supervise the offices of the SEAL / CCE Office, Residential Education, and the First Year Dean.
• Represent the Student Life Division to internal and external constituencies, including parents, community partners and professional associations.
• Other duties as assigned in performance of this student-focused student service position.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess a master’s degree in higher education or a related field, as well as a minimum of 7 years of higher education experience in the area of Student Life with progressively increased responsibilities.
• A record of success as a supervisor, including but not limited to performance evaluations, professional development, setting individual goals, and assessment of performance effectiveness.
• Demonstrated professional effectiveness with broad experience interacting with and supporting the needs of a diverse student population.
• A high level of collegiality in working with other student affairs units as well as campus and community constituencies along with the ability to build collaborative relationships characterized by mutual respect, trust, and commitment to shared goals consistent with Lawrence’s stated mission.
• Integrity, creativity, energy, and decisiveness along with the capacity to engage and inspire others.
• Highly effective in all aspects of crisis management, including the ability to work collaboratively with others in managing crises.
• Experience in setting priorities and deadlines to ensure strategic planning goals and objectives are met.
• Strong skills in developing and managing budgets.
• Nuanced understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and antiracism including thoughtful ideas about how to meet the needs of Lawrence’s diverse student population.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a current CV, letter of interest and three professional references.