Dean of Students

Dean of Students

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary duty of the Dean of Students is to organize, unite, and oversee the various programs and services under the purview of Student Affairs; to leverage resources, services, and programming to best meet student needs. Placing student success at the center of all strategies, the DOS creates an environment that values diversity and inclusion, fosters trust and respect for all, and enhances co-curricular engagement to develop students and student leaders prepared for the workforce and achievement beyond Nichols College.

The DOS provides leadership and management to the following student and community-focused areas: Residence Life, Community Standards, Health Services, Mental Health Services, Student Involvement, Title IX, and ADA/504 accommodations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure alignment with the College’s mission, goals, and objectives in fostering a culture of best practice, evidence-based support, and intervention.
• Advocate for the interests of students, and, as appropriate, the parent constituency in a variety of contexts (e.g. budget planning, risk management, campus initiatives, policy creation, and implementation).
• At the Executive level, support and assist the President and other Cabinet members on matters related to strategic planning, policy-making, organizational initiatives, and critical campus decisions.
• Report regularly to members of the Board of Trustees of Nichols College on matters related to the state of Student Affairs and the general welfare of the campus.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a fully qualified staff possessing the educational background, professional experience, and outlook to contribute and advance the mission of the College and the Division of Student Affairs.
• Serve as the College’s Chief Judicial Officer with final authority on student conduct issues; oversight responsibility for the Student Handbook, the Student Code of Conduct, and the Annual Security Report.
• Resolve student crises and facilitate assistance in any large-scale campus emergencies.
• Coordinate Crisis Manual review and crisis protocol assessments.
• Supervise the College’s Title IX Coordinator and maintain oversight responsibility for the implementation of campus compliance efforts as well as the enforcement of the Sexual Misconduct Policy and procedures within.
• Implement and facilitate a robust student orientation program.
• Stay apprised of legal issues and compliance requirements in higher education, especially regarding the administration of student affairs functions and programs.
• Effectively develop and administer the budget for the Division of Student Affairs.
• Serve as the authority on issues related to student life and student well-being for faculty, administration, and staff, as well as for parents and family members, as appropriate.
• Act as a liaison representing Nichols College in appropriate local, regional, and professional organizations.

PREPARATION, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Master's Degree required, preferably in the field of College Student Personnel or related field.
• More than five years of leadership experience in Student Affairs.
• Knowledge of student development practices and procedures.
• Experience working with diverse student populations.
• Ability to manage budgets for multiple departments, while recognizing the institutional impact.
• Ability to relate effectively to students, parents, faculty, and administration.
• Demonstrate problem-solving and leadership skills.
• An understanding of the role of a private, residential college in this rapidly changing environment.