Dean of Students

The College of Wooster

$100K — $120K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Graduate degree (MA or equivalent) required, field open.
  • 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education administration.
  • Strong understanding of Student Affairs and commitment to student development.
  • Familiarity with human development and holistic support models.
  • Proven crisis management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement a student-centered experience promoting engagement and success.
  • Oversee various student life programs and initiatives.
  • Champion student well-being and mental health support.
  • Lead fair and restorative student conduct processes.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships within the campus community.
  • Lead and mentor a dedicated Student Affairs team.
  • Manage departmental budgets and operations.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that impact student life.
  • Engage with a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
  • Collaborate with a supportive leadership team.
  • Contribute to strategic planning and development of Student Affairs.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Summary:

The Dean of Students is a transformational leader at the heart of the student experience, championing belonging, well-being, and success for every learner. Reporting to the Provost and a member of the President's cabinet, this role leads the Student Affairs to blend strategy and empathy, data and human connection, structure and creativity to build a vibrant, inclusive campus culture where students thrive.

The Dean serves as a trusted advocate and collaborative partner, and leads initiatives that shape student life, engagement, and success from orientation through graduation.

Essential Departmental Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Experience & Engagement
  • Design and lead a holistic, student-centered experience that fosters belonging, engagement, and success.
  • Oversee student life programs, campus activities, Residence Life, New Student Orientation, the Center for Engagement, Belonging and Intercultural Dialogue, and Campus Safety.
  • Manage the Wellness Center's relationship with outside vendor
  • Cultivate a campus climate where every student feels seen, valued, engaged and empowered.
  • Encourage student involvement in campus life through clubs, organizations, student government, co-curricular learning, club sports, and other extracurricular activities.

Student Support & Advocacy
  • Champion student well-being, including mental health, crisis response, and supportive interventions.
  • Lead student conduct and bias processes with a focus on fairness, learning, and restorative practices.
  • Serve as a primary advocate for students, ensuring access to resources and support systems.

Strategic Leadership
  • Lead the Division of Student Affairs to include the following Direct Reports: Senior Director of Student and Residence Life, Directors of Equity and Inclusion, Director of International Student Services, Director of Student Engagement, the Chaplain, Asst. Director of Campus Safety, Asst. Director of Campus Access, Student Support and Outreach Manager and Executive Asst. & Budget Analyst to the Dean of Students.
  • Develop and implement a forward-thinking vision for Student Affairs aligned with institutional goals.
  • Use data and insights to partner with Academic Affairs to improve retention, engagement, and student satisfaction.

Campus Culture & Community
  • Build strong relationships with students, faculty, and staff to foster a connected campus community.
  • Promote a campus culture that supports holistic personal development; an inclusive, participatory community; academic achievement; and success in our broader society.
  • Serve as a visible, approachable leader actively engaged in campus life.

Team Leadership & Operations
  • Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing Student Affairs team.
  • Oversee departmental budgets, operations, and compliance.
  • Partner cross-functionally to ensure seamless student services.
  • Participate in campus committees and contribute to institutional planning efforts.

Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements:

Education and/or Experience:
  • Graduate degree, MA or equivalent, or above. Field open.
  • Strong evidence of knowledge and commitment to higher education administration and Student Affairs.
  • 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in working with students to support their development at the collegiate level.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
  • Familiarity with human development, restorative practices, holistic student support models, and community-based programming.
  • Ability to develop and assess student learning outcomes and program effectiveness.

Knowledge:
  • Demonstrated experience supporting student development.
  • Strong crisis management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Abilities:
  • Ability to uphold and adhere to the College's handbooks, policies, and mission.

Additional Information:

Application Instructions:

For highest consideration please submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of 3 professional references which includes name, telephone number and email address.

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