Dean of Students

Botany and Plant Pathology Department at Purdue University; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,720,000 - 1,893,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading metropolitan university in South Africa is seeking a Dean of Students to provide leadership and advocate for student welfare and development. The role involves collaboration across various campus departments to enhance student success and retention. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in higher education and a strong commitment to student advocacy.

Benefits

Full benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision

22 days’ vacation plus rollover

10% university contribution to retirement

Paid parental leave after one year of service

Tuition remission for employees and dependents

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience working with students in a higher education setting.
• 5+ years of supervision of professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with multiple campus departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to support holistic student development.
• Oversee and administer the student conduct process.
• Utilize data to evaluate program effectiveness.

Skills

Communication skills

Budget management skills

Conflict resolution skills

Understanding of student life

Ability to work with diverse populations

Education

Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration

Doctorate in higher education or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Overview of Dean of Students

The Dean of Students provides leadership to the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS). The Dean of Students is the primary advocate for student welfare and development while ensuring regulations and university policies are upheld. ODOS connects students to campus and community resources and works with campus offices and academic departments to address student needs, provides programming to support students, addresses student conduct issues and coordinates campus efforts to address student concerns. The Dean of Students plays a pivotal role in advancing Purdue University Northwest’s strategic priorities by fostering a student-centered environment that promotes academic persistence, personal development, and holistic well-being. Through proactive student advocacy, cross-campus collaboration, and data-informed decision-making, the Dean supports initiatives that directly impact student retention, engagement, and graduation rates. By leading efforts in crisis response, student conduct, and co-curricular programming, the Dean ensures that students are equipped with the resources, support systems, and inclusive campus culture necessary to thrive and succeed. This role is integral to aligning student affairs practices with institutional goals related to access and student achievement.

Interview Timeline

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications in early August 2025, virtual interviews with top qualified candidates will take place mid-late August, with 2nd interviews taking place on-campus in mid-late September/early October.

Budgeted Salary: $100,000 - $110,000

For more information about the Dean of Students Office and about joining the Pride of PNW, refer to Purdue University Northwest communications.

Duties And Responsibilities Of Dean Of Students

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to support holistic student development.
• Collaborate with offices such as counseling, accessibility, advising, housing, and veterans’ services.
• Chair the Student Behavioral Intervention Team (SBIT), ensure Respect Boundaries course availability, and participate in the Faculty Senate Student Affairs Committee.
• Review, develop, and implement student-related policies aligned with institutional mission and legal requirements (e.g., FERPA, Title IX, Clery, etc.).
• Liaise with Purdue West Lafayette on policy matters.
• Ensure accurate reporting and risk management practices.
• Perform bi-annual review of Student Code of Conduct.
• Recommend student-centered policies and programs that align with institutional priorities and student success goals.
• Oversee and administer the student conduct process and ensure fair, consistent application of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Oversee ODOS operations, including budget management and Maxient conduct software.
• Lead goal-setting and service improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data and assessment tools to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
• Supervise staff through performance management and mentoring while fostering a collaborative team culture.
• Support ongoing development by encouraging participation in training, leadership opportunities, and professional organizations to remain current on trends and best practices in student affairs.

Benefits Of Dean Of Students

• Full benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Retirement, Life Insurance and more
• Accrue 22 days’ vacation plus roll over
• University contribution of 10% to retirement immediately
• University contributions to Health Savings Account
• Plus a chance to earn more through participating in University Wellness Initiatives
• 10 paid holidays
• Employee Wellness Programs
• Paid Parental Leave after one year of service
• Tuition remission for you, your spouse and dependent children at any Purdue campus

For more information on our excellent benefit package, please visit: https://www.pnw.edu/human-resources/benefits/

About Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. We offer two campuses serving approximately 8,800 undergraduate and graduate students. At PNW, we value academic excellence, support growth, and celebrate diversity.

PNW sits between Chicago’s skyscrapers and Lake Michigan’s sandy shores. You can have all the perks of a world-class city just a short drive away or enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan just 15 miles away.

Education Of Dean Of Students

• Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or related field.
• Doctorate in higher education or related discipline preferred.

Experience Of Dean Of Students

• 10+ years of experience working with students in a higher education setting.
• 5+ years of supervision of professional staff.
• Experience managing student support services.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with multiple campus departments, crisis management experience and ability to make difficult decisions.
• Experience working at a regional public institution preferred.

Core Competencies of Dean of Students

• Demonstrate understanding of running a complex student-focused office.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse student populations.
• Excellent communication skills
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and explain University, Federal and State Policies and Guidelines
• Knowledge of student life, organizations, and programming
• Budget management skills
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills

Additional Information

Professional references will be verified prior to any offer of employment. Employment is contingent upon completion of successful background check along with a motor vehicle records check if applicable.

Purdue University Northwest is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

FLSA Status

Exempt