Dean of Students

The Dean of Students serves as the senior student affairs leader responsible for fostering a safe, inclusive, engaging, and student-centered campus environment that promotes holistic student development, retention, wellness, and success. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, the Dean of Students provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for student support services, residence life, student conduct, crisis response, student engagement, and campus well-being initiatives. 

The Dean of Students collaborates closely with academic affairs, athletics, enrollment management, faculty, staff, parents, and community partners to enhance the overall student experience consistent with Pfeiffer University's mission and culture of mentorship. The role requires a visible campus presence and active engagement with students across residential and co-curricular settings. 

Mission Alignment

The Dean of Students supports Pfeiffer University's commitment to academic excellence, servant leadership, community engagement, and student mentorship by creating an environment where students thrive intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

A. Student Advocacy and Support

•    Serve as the primary advocate for student well-being, engagement, and success.
•    Promote a student-centered campus culture emphasizing belonging, leadership development, and personal accountability.
•    Assist students in navigating academic, personal, behavioral, emotional, and social challenges.
•    Coordinate intervention strategies and referrals for students experiencing crisis or hardship.
•    Maintain strong partnerships with parents and families white upholding FERPA guidelines.

B. Student Conduct and Community Standards

•    Oversee the administration of the student conduct process and ensure equitable enforcement of university policies.
•    Lead investigations and adjudication processes involving behavioral concerns and community standards violations.
•    Maintain and update the Student Handbook and related policies.

•    Coordinate behavioral intervention and threat assessment efforts in collaboration with campus partners.
•    Promote restorative practices, conflict resolution, and student accountability.

C. Residence Life and Student Engagement

•    Provide leadership and oversight for residence life and housing operations.
•    Support the development of residential communities that foster inclusion, safety, and student engagement.
•    Supervise student activities, leadership development initiatives, orientation
programs, and campus traditions.
•    Encourage student participation in organizations, co-curricular experiences, and campus programming.
•    Maintain a visible and approachable presence within residence halls and campus events.

D. Crisis Response and Student Wellness

•    Coordinate institutional response to student crises, emergencies, and behavioral concerns.
•    Collaborate with counseling services, health providers, campus safety, retention coordinator and external agencies to support student wellness.
•    Implement proactive wellness and mental health initiatives.
•    Participate in on-call responsibilities for campus emergencies and student
incidents.

E. Leadership and Administration

•    Supervise professional staff within the Dean of Students division.
•    Develop departmental goals, assessment measures, budgets, and strategic
initiatives aligned with institutional priorities.
•    Utilize student data and assessment practices to improve programs and services.
•    Support institutional retention and student success initiatives.

Working Conditions

•    Evening and weekend responsibilities are required.
•    Participation in on-call rotation and emergency response protocols is expected.
•    Frequent interaction with students, families, faculty, staff, and community partners.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick and volunteer leave
• Paid Life and LTD Insurance
• Tuition Remission/Tuition Exchange
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan

Required Qualifications

•    Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Leadership, or a related field.
•    Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education or student affairs.
•    Demonstrated experience in student conduct, crisis management, residence life, student engagement, or case management.
•    Strong interpersonal, organizational, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
•    Knowledge of FERPA, Title IX, behavioral intervention protocols, and student development theory.
•    Ability to work collaboratively with diverse campus constituencies and maintain confidentiality.
•    Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus community.

Preferred Qualifications

•    Experience at a private, residential, faith-based, or liberal arts institution.
•    Experience with assessment, strategic planning, and staff development.
•    Demonstrated success leading student wellness and retention initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•    Strong understanding of college student development and holistic student support.
•    Ability to respond effectively in high-pressure or crisis situations.
•    Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities.
•    Strong judgment, professionalism, and ethical decision-making skills.
•    Ability to engage students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
•    Excellent presentation, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.

Commitment to maintaining a visible campus presence and supporting student life outside traditional business hours.