Dean of Students

Indycc; Independence (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Community College is seeking a Dean of Students to lead the student experience on campus. The role reports to the President and serves on the Executive Cabinet, providing leadership for Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services.

The Dean partners with faculty and staff to support retention, academic success, wellness, and belonging. Strong focus on strategic planning, budget management, and staff supervision to foster a safe, healthy learning environment for

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• 3–5 years of progressive responsibility in Student Life or related field.
• Administrative experience with budgets, personnel, and programs.
• Proven ability to provide vision, management, and leadership in education.
• Excellent written and oral communication with students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Student Life, Housing and Dining Services, coordinating with housing partners.
• Supervise and develop staff across Student Life and related areas.
• Partner with faculty to develop student engagement and experiential learning.
• Lead strategic planning for student retention, academic success, wellness, and campus experience.
• Plan New Student Orientation with campus partners.
• Represent Student Life in enrollment management, budget discussions, and risk management.
• Respond to emergencies and coordinate with authorities as needed.
• Advise students, faculty, and parents on services available to students.

Skills

Staff leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Budget oversight

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

Dean of Students

Location: Independence, KS 67301

Type: Full-time Salaried-Exempt

Compensation: $70,000.00 to $84,000.00 per year

Reports to: President; serves as member of the Executive Cabinet

Start date: Ideal start date is January 2027, but negotiable

SUMMARY

Independence Community College, a small rural college in southeast Kansas, seeks a Dean of Students to lead the student experience on campus. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the Executive Cabinet, the Dean provides leadership and administrative direction for Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services, and partners with faculty and staff to support student retention, academic success, wellness, and belonging. The Dean contributes significantly to strategic planning, facility and budget management, and staff supervision, and helps build a safe, healthy learning environment for the campus community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide administrative and programmatic oversight and coordination for Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services, including coordination with housing partners.
2. Supervise, evaluate, and support the professional development of Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services staff.
3. Partner with faculty and staff to develop experiential learning opportunities, oversee student engagement in those experiences, and facilitate student reflection and learning.
4. Collaborate with colleagues to implement the strategic plan for student retention, academic success, development, wellness, and the overall experience on campus.
5. Plan and implement New Student Orientation in collaboration with campus partners.
6. Support the College’s drug and alcohol prevention efforts.
7. Oversee the student conduct process, including investigations, hearings, and sanctions, in accordance with College policy and applicable law.
8. Serve as the College’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
9. Engage regularly in Student Life collaborative learning outcome assessment planning, strategy, and implementation.
10. Lead the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and programs that provide efficient and effective services in support of the College mission.
11. Represent the interests and resources of Student Life with students and, as appropriate, parents, and in areas such as enrollment management, budget, and risk management.
12. Respond to emergency and crisis situations as needed, including coordination of communication with healthcare providers, local law enforcement, first responders, and families.
13. Confer with, counsel, and advise students, faculty, staff, and parents regarding the activities, programs, and services available to students.
14. Provide consultation and support to departments with Student Life or program related issues and ensure strong collaboration between leadership and staff.
15. Secure appropriate representation of Student Life interests in College planning, including enrollment management, student systems development, and the strategic plan.
16. Represent the College on Student Life matters in a variety of forums, including alumni, parent groups, community organizations, and College committees, and through leadership in national and regional organizations.
17. Serve on College and Student Life committees as appointed.
18. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Master’s degree.
• Three to five years of progressive responsibility in Student Life, or relevant experience in a related department or discipline.
• Administrative experience that includes oversight of budgets, personnel, and programs, as well as leadership of broad initiatives.
• Proven ability to provide effective vision, management, and leadership in a changing educational environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for working with students, parents, faculty, and administrators.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to supervise, lead, and motivate staff and support their ongoing professional development.
• Demonstrated skill in team building, engaging the full talents of staff and students, and inspiring the trust and confidence of the College community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Student Life best practices and the capacity to implement them.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and projects.
• Ability to build strategic alliances and a passion for higher education.
• Exceptional leadership, diplomacy, presentation, and listening skills.
• Working knowledge of information systems, with the ability to evaluate system needs and use them in program analysis and evaluation.
• Self-motivation, good judgment, emotional maturity, self-confidence, fairness, creativity, and discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires extended periods of sitting and repetitive hand and wrist motion while using a computer keyboard and phone. Occasional standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, and reaching. Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT, WORK WEEK, AND TRAVEL

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment during standard business hours. Additional hours may be required to meet business needs and deadlines. Travel is expected to other campus sites, conferences, and other off campus meetings. A valid driver’s license is required. The incumbent must be able to meet the College’s fleet rules and be eligible to drive for business. The College and its insurance carrier reserve the right to exclude applicants based on their driving record.

ICC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. The College does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristic including, but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status.