Assistant Vice President of Student Services & Dean of Students

Job Description

Position Summary

The Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students serves as a senior student affairs leader and member of the Presidents Cabinet responsible for fostering a vibrant, safe, Christ-centered campus community that supports student development, engagement, wellness, and success. This position provides strategic leadership, supervision, and oversight for the following areas: Residence Life, Safety and Security, Student Activities, Student Conduct, the Wellness Center, and Campus Ministries.

As a cabinet-level administrator, the AVP/Dean of Students participates in institutional leadership, strategic planning, policy development, and university decision-making processes while collaborating closely with university leadership, faculty, staff, and students to advance the mission and values of the university.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

Serve as a member of the Presidents Cabinet and provide leadership on university-wide initiatives and strategic priorities.

Advise senior leadership on matters related to student life, campus climate, student well-being, and student engagement.

Participate in institutional planning, policy development, crisis response, and assessment efforts.

Represent Student Services in campus and community partnerships, committees, and special initiatives.

Student Development & Leadership

Provide leadership for the overall student experience and co-curricular environment.

Promote student engagement, retention, leadership development, and holistic student growth.

Develop and implement programs and initiatives that enhance campus life and student success.

Serve as an advocate for students while balancing institutional policies and expectations.

Supervision & Departmental Oversight

Provide direct supervision and strategic oversight for:

o Residence Life

o Safety and Security

o Student Activities

o Student Conduct

o Wellness Center

o Campus Ministries

Lead, mentor, and evaluate departmental staff and student leaders.

Facilitate collaboration among departments to ensure integrated student support services.

Residence Life

Oversee residential education initiatives that promote community, accountability, and student development.

Ensure effective housing operations, occupancy management, and residential programming.

Support crisis response and student care efforts within the residential community.

Safety & Security

Collaborate with campus safety personnel to maintain a secure and welcoming campus environment.

Assist in emergency preparedness planning, behavioral intervention processes, and crisis management.

Support institutional compliance with applicable safety regulations and reporting requirements.

Student Conduct

Administer and oversee the student conduct process in accordance with the Student Handbook and university policies and procedures.

Promote educational and restorative approaches to student accountability.

Serve as a hearing officer or appellate officer as needed.

Student Activities & Engagement

Oversee student organizations, leadership programs, campus events, and student engagement initiatives.

Encourage opportunities for student involvement that foster community and belonging.

Support programming that reflects the mission and values of the university.

Wellness & Student Support

Provide oversight for wellness initiatives that support students emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental well-being.

Collaborate with campus partners to identify and respond to student needs and concerns.

Support prevention education and wellness programming.

Campus Ministries

Support spiritual formation opportunities and faith-based programming consistent with the universitys mission.

Collaborate with campus ministry staff to encourage student participation in worship, discipleship, missions, and service opportunities.

Orientation & Registration Services

Provide leadership and oversight for new student orientation and summer registration planning.

Coordinate orientation and registration programs in collaboration with Academic Affairs, Enrollment, and Student Services.

Oversee orientation staff and student leaders while ensuring programs support student transition, engagement, and success.

Develop and assess orientation and registration initiatives consistent with the mission and values of the university.

Qualifications

Masters degree required; doctorate preferred in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Leadership, or related field.

Minimum of 57 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs or higher education administration.

Demonstrated experience supervising multiple functional areas within student services.

Strong interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and crisis management skills.

Experience serving on senior leadership teams or participating in institutional strategic planning preferred.

Knowledge of student development theory, conduct processes, Title IX collaboration, and higher education best practices.

Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, and community partners.

Commitment to supporting the Christian mission and values of the university.

Preferred Characteristics

Collaborative and student-centered leadership style.

Ability to foster inclusive and engaging campus environments.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.

Passion for mentoring and developing students and staff.

Working Conditions

Evening and weekend work may be required to support campus events, emergencies, and student activities.

Participation in on-call and crisis response responsibilities may be expected.