Dean of Student Affairs

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

The Dean of Student Affairs provides operational leadership and administrative oversight for student affairs functions that support student engagement, well-being, belonging, persistence, and holistic development at Clarke University. Reporting to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, the Dean collaborates closely with colleagues across Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Athletics, and institutional support areas to create an integrated and mission-centered student experience aligned with the values of Clarke University and the BVM tradition.

The Dean serves as a key student-centered leader responsible for fostering an inclusive, supportive, and developmentally focused campus environment that promotes student learning, personal growth, wellness, engagement, and successful transition through the collegiate experience.

Leadership Scope and Functional Oversight

Residence Life
• Residential education and community standards
• Housing operations and student staff supervision
• Residential programming aligned with student development and belonging

Wellness and Care
• Counseling and health services coordination
• Campus ministry and spiritual life collaboration
• Behavioral intervention and care coordination
• Student well-being education and prevention initiatives

Student Engagement
• Campus activities and student organizations
• Leadership development opportunities
• Orientation and welcome programs
• Intercultural and student belonging initiatives
• International student support services

Student Basic Needs Support
• Campus food pantry and basic needs initiatives
• Referral networks and emergency support resources
• Coordination of support for students experiencing food, housing, or financial insecurity

Student Success and First-Year Support
• Coordination of first-year student support initiatives
• Collaboration with faculty advisors and academic support services
• Participation in retention and persistence initiatives
• Student outreach and referral processes for students requiring additional support

Student Conduct and Student Support Processes
• Oversight of student conduct processes and student behavioral response procedures
• Coordination of student grievance and student support processes
• Oversight of Title IX compliance processes and service as Clarke's Title IX Coordinator (Clarke will fund training, if required.)

Essential Responsibilities

Operational Leadership
1. Provide day-to-day leadership and oversight for assigned student affairs functions and personnel.
2. Supervise, support, and evaluate professional staff within assigned areas of responsibility.
3. Foster a collaborative, student-centered, and service-oriented culture within Student Affairs.
4. Coordinate staff development and training initiatives that support effective student services and student engagement.
5. Develop and manage budgets for assigned student affairs functions in alignment with institutional priorities and available resources.

Student Experience and Engagement
1. Support the development of a campus environment that promotes student belonging, engagement, wellness, and success.
2. Coordinate student engagement initiatives, campus traditions, orientation programs, and leadership development opportunities.
3. Collaborate with campus partners to support student retention, persistence, and holistic student development.
4. Assist with assessment efforts related to student affairs programs and services and use assessment data to support continuous improvement.
5. Support initiatives designed to assist students experiencing academic, personal, or social challenges.

Collaboration and Communication
1. Collaborate closely with colleagues in Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management to support student success initiatives and student transition efforts.
2. Serve as a member of Academic and Student Affairs leadership meetings and committees as assigned.
3. Maintain consistent and timely communication with students, families, faculty, and staff regarding student support processes and student affairs initiatives.
4. Participate in university events and activities in support of student engagement and institutional community.

Education and Experience

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, Counseling, or a related field required. Experience in progressively responsible student affairs leadership roles in higher education preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, families, and external partners and collaborators.
2. Demonstrated commitment to student development, student support, and inclusive student engagement.
3. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a collaborative and student-centered environment.
4. Knowledge of student affairs best practices, student conduct processes, and student support systems.
5. Demonstrated organizational, problem-solving, and operational leadership skills.
6. Ability to use assessment data and student information to support continuous improvement and student success initiatives.