Dean of Students

Institution: Hampshire College

Department: Student Affairs (Academic Affairs)

Job Title: Dean of Students

Position Type: Full Time

Schedule: 35 Hours a week

Pay Range/ Status: $90,000-95,000 / Exempt

Location: Hampshire College Campus in Amherst, MA

Reports to: VPAA (Vice President of Academic Affairs)

Anticipated Start Date: December 15, 2025

Hampshire College, a leader in progressive liberal arts education, seeks an innovative, relational, and dynamic Dean of Students to lead Student Affairs efforts that empower students to thrive—academically, socially, personally, and interpersonally—within a diverse and inclusive learning community. The Dean will bring equal parts strategic vision and day-to-day presence: someone who can chart direction and roll up their sleeves to make things happen.

At Hampshire, we believe learning happens everywhere—in classrooms, residence halls, community spaces, and moments of collaboration. We’re looking for a leader who is deeply student-focused, who finds joy in working alongside students, and who understands that engagement, wellness, belonging, and equity are the foundation of student success.

This is an opportunity for a grounded, fun, and inspiring professional with both gravitas and warmth—someone who leads through curiosity, collaboration, and care.

Hampshire College, an independent, innovative liberal arts institution and member of the Five College consortium, is located on a beautiful rural campus in Amherst, Massachusetts. We provide residential undergraduate education to approximately 800 students.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Dean of Students provides visionary and hands-on leadership for Hampshire’s student experience with particular emphasis on fostering student development, inclusion, and belonging across campus. This includes direct oversight of functional areas of student success such as Student Engagement, Wellness, New and Transfer Student Orientation and Transition, Community Advocacy, and Domestic BIPOC and International Student Success.

Through this portfolio, the Dean advances a holistic, equity-minded approach to student learning, development, and persistence—ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, inspire, and support a professional team dedicated to student success and engagement, cultivating a collaborative, student-centered culture grounded in Hampshire’s mission and values.
• Design, assess, and refine programs that enhance student persistence and retention, using data and best practices to inform continuous improvement.
• Lead, coordinate, and participate in crisis management and on-call responsibilities, offering steady, restorative, and equitable leadership during times of challenge.
• Co-chair the Campus C.A.R.E. (Care, Assessment, Response, Evaluation) Team, ensuring compassionate and effective responses to student concerns and crises.
• Maintain a visible and active presence in student life—attending events, visiting residence halls, engaging informally with students, and modeling an ethos of approachability and collaboration.
• Partner with Academic Affairs, Admissions, Advising, and other divisions to align student success strategies with institutional priorities.
• Build partnerships across the Five College Consortium and with community organizations that enrich student experience and belonging.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Demonstrated leadership and collaboration in higher education student affairs or a related field.
• A passionate commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism, with a record of creating inclusive learning spaces and practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills; a leader who listens deeply and builds trust.
• Demonstrated success in developing and assessing student engagement, wellness, and retention initiatives.
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing complex, cross-functional projects.
• Proven ability to navigate crisis management with composure, compassion, and integrity.
• High degree of organizational agility and creativity in a fast-moving environment.
• Comfort working in both strategic and operational modes—able to inspire vision and attend to details.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree (MA, MS, EdD, PhD, or equivalent) in higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, or related field.
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in student affairs, including supervision of professional staff and direct student engagement.

Alternatives to formal education and paid work experience may be considered as equivalent qualifications, including military service, activism, volunteering, and other non-traditional pathways.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with restorative justice and/or intergroup dialogue.
• Knowledge of student development theory and trends in residential education.
• Familiarity with small liberal art college environments and the integration of academic and co-curricular learning.

BENEFITS:

Hampshire College offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement contributions, and flexible leave plans. For information about Hampshire’s culture and community, visit www.hampshire.edu.

WHO SHOULD APPLY:

Hampshire College is an equal opportunity employer deeply committed to a community of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from women, underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minority groups, veterans, and others who will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of our campus. We especially welcome applicants whose leadership philosophy is grounded in justice, empathy, and collaboration.

PLEASE SUBMIT:

• A 1–2 page cover letter including a statement addressing your approach to justice, equity and antiracism (JEA) in student success philosophy and practice.
• Resume/CV.
Names and contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin on immediately and will continue until the position is filled.