Coe College seeks qualified candidates for the position of Dean of Student Life and Inclusion. This position serves as the leader of the division of student life and as the chief diversity officer at the College. The Dean – along with the dedicated team of staff members in the various related departments – creates an engaged, vibrant, and inclusive campus community. This position oversees the offices of Residence Life, Campus Life, Health & Wellness, Title IX, Student Conduct, and Inclusion. The Dean will forge close collaborative relationships with the office of Student Success and Persistence, the Learning Commons, and Academic Affairs to support students and increase retention and graduation rates at the College. Together with the Provost’s office and Human Resources, the Dean will design and implement strategic initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion for all constituencies at the College. Collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and community members, the Dean will develop culturally relevant programs, initiatives, and activities that foster a diverse and inclusive campus and workplace environment. Further, the Dean will collaborate with Physical Plant, Campus Safety and Security, Dining Services, and other campus services to secure a safe and healthy living environment for students.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
- Serve on the senior staff team with the President and other college leaders. Participate in Board of Trustee meetings and the Committee on Diversity and Academic/Student Affairs subcommittees of the board. Contribute to college governance and any strategic planning or participation that arises.
- Select, train, supervise, and evaluate seven direct reports and indirectly supervise approximately twenty staff in the division. Lead and develop a highly effective team of people who make successful and lasting contributions to the college’s mission and strategic plan.
- Manage all programs, initiatives, and budgets in Student Life and Inclusion.
- Oversee a comprehensive residential program for approximately 1100 students during the academic year, and collaborate with Auxiliary Services on a summer program.
- Oversee all diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives including programming, the Chaplaincy, the Randall Intercultural Center, and the Queer Resource Center, and chair the presidentially-appointed Committee on Diversity.
- Partner and collaborate with campus leaders, faculty, students, staff, and internal and external stakeholders to address incidents of bias or unfair treatment throughout our community and that support compliance, advocacy, and continued education.
- Provide DEI development initiatives on cultural competency, differences, systemic oppression, privilege, and opportunities for honest dialogues.
- Attend student events regularly, fostering and building relationships between the college and students, helping to develop a positive campus community for all Coe students from enrollment to graduation.
- Meet regularly with the President and Vice President of the elected Student Senate, and provide informal advising and support for all aspects of student government.
- Collaborate with Student Success and Persistence staff on individual student case management and overall retention initiatives.
- Strengthen effective systems and student-centered approaches through review and improvement with assistance from Institutional Effectiveness.
- Serve on the secondary (back-up) on call rotation approximately one week a month.
- Along with the Director of Residence Life, oversee all protocols and procedures for the primary on-call staff rotation.
- Together with the Director of Campus Safety and Security, ensure up-to-date emergency protocols for the campus, residence halls, and on-call staff, and provide leadership for crisis management.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant state and federal policies and reporting guidelines in the division, including but not limited to Title IX, The Clery Act/VAWA, and FERPA.
- Maintain and update the Student Handbook and departmental websites.
- Represent the College as needed, chair and serve on various campus committees, and other duties as assigned.
- As the College further assesses student needs, there is the opportunity for supervision of other campus departments in the near-term future, including but not limited to Campus Safety & Security.
Qualifications:
- Master’s or professional degree required
- 7 years student affairs experience or equivalent field desired with progressively responsible leadership preferred.
- Must be currently authorized to work in the United States as visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
- Successful completion of a driver and background and driver checks in accordance with Coe College policy.
- Ability to attend weekend and evening commitments regularly.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:
- Record of success in implementing student life programming and other elements of the student experience to provide a seamless, student-centered learning experience.
- Experience contributing to and/or leading initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging on a college campus.
- Excellent communication skills; the ability to collaborate with colleagues on campus and a diverse array of stakeholders off campus; exemplary interpersonal skills; a sound understanding of liberal arts colleges, particularly residential.
- A growth mindset that seeks to improve and embrace accountability for the purposes of bettering the students' unique experiences during their time at the college.
- Ability to engage and foster development in a community that is strongly committed to diversity in all forms.
- Demonstrated strengths and experience in leadership, mentoring and supporting staff to create a thriving student-centered and work environment.
- A belief that the mission of the college living experience is to create good citizens that will contribute in large and small ways toward the betterment of society
- Technological proficiency that will allow development and enhancement of database and systems that will integrate with campus to improve efficiency and support of enrollment efforts.
- Experience with and understanding of database systems like Slate or other student/CRM databases
- Quantitative and logical reasoning skills
Coe Competencies:
- Dedication to the educational mission of a private, residential liberal arts college.
- Ability to maintain positive relationships in a collaborative and diverse team atmosphere.
- Commitment to excellent customer and/or student service.
- Demonstrated ethical and responsible decision making.
- Consistent attendance and accountability necessary to meet position objectives.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- Standard working and office environment.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Coe is committed to fostering a multicultural environment and encourages applications from
individuals who will help fulfill that goal. We value the input of multiple viewpoints and diverse
perspectives and aim to create an academic community that is rich with cultural, social and
intellectual diversity. Coe College is an equal opportunity employer.