The Office of the Dean of Students serves a central role in student learning and development at Vanderbilt, advancing the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service by fostering academic and social networks through which students develop as intentional learners and global citizens. The Office of the Dean of Students creates opportunities to involve students, faculty and staff in diverse learning communities and provides a critical support structure for enriching the overall student experience. We achieve these ends through strategic alignment, both internally and in concert with other university departments. We care deeply. We educate completely. We lead with excellence. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and mental health are top priorities for the institution and by extension the offices of the Dean of Students. Our staff are committed to continued growth in knowledge, awareness, skills, and experience engaging with these priorities in a higher education environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as a senior leader in the Office of the Dean of Students with primary responsibility for the co-curricular student experience and, in particular, oversight of student organizations and student leaders.
Sustain a high level of direct involvement with students and student organizations.
Advance the missions, values, and strategic priorities of the University and the Office of the Dean of Students through student engagement and leadership initiatives with emphasis on support for and connections to immersion, collaborations with faculty, Residential Colleges, equity, diversity and inclusion, and mental health and wellbeing.
Develop, implement, and collaborate with key campus partners (Student Care Network, Housing and Residential Experience, Residential Colleges, Inclusive Excellence, identity centers, Public Safety, etc.) on high-level events, programs, and initiatives focused on community building and fostering a sense of belonging for all students.
Oversee the personnel, budgets, and operations of the Student Engagement and Leadership offices, including Arts and Campus Events, Greek Life, Student Center for Social Justice and Identity, Student Organizations, Leadership, and Service, and Student Centers.
Implement a strategic plan developed by the Student Engagement and Leadership offices focused on enhanced and comprehensive processes, training, and support for student organizations, student leaders, and coaches.
Oversee the development and implementation of a new training model for student organizations, student leaders, and coaches.
Serve as a primary contact and resource for student organization coaches and faculty consultants, particularly in the event that issues arise.
Serve as a primary member of a coaching team for Vanderbilt Student Government.
Review, revise, and enhance all policies and procedures applicable to student organization and student leader opportunities for effective and efficient administration.
Advocate for students by guiding the collaboration of DOS staff across SEL and across campus to plan, develop, sustain, and improve co-curricular programs supporting student organizations and student leaders.
Manage and decide appeals for student organization request denial and Student Services Fee allocation decisions.
Manage the application of the Protection of Minors policy or other relevant University policies to students and student organizations, including by serving as a primary contact for Risk and Insurance Management and other associate offices.
Integrate Student Centers fully into the operations and functions of the Student Engagement and Leadership area and strengthen event planning, event management, space utilization, etc. with a focus on efficiency, innovation, and equity.
Advise the Dean of Students and other campus partners on matters concerning students, student organizations, student services and programs, policy development, priorities and resource allocation, and design of a safe, secure, accessible, and inclusive environment promoting students’ academic success, wellbeing, and personal and professional development.
Work collaboratively with academic offices and faculty to promote the academic mission of the University.
Communicate effectively with students, families, alumni, the general public, and others to address concerns and resolve issues while maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
Foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making in support of assessment efforts to guide continuous programmatic improvements.
Effectively supervise and motivate staff with varying assignments and ensure their compliance with university policies and procedures.
Represent the Dean of Students on university-wide committees and working groups and at a variety of campus activities.
Maintain an understanding of institutional and departmental financial policies related to areas such as travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting to ensure compliance and proper stewardship of university resources.
Serve on divisional committees and working groups to enrich the experience and resources available to staff across the division.
Participate in division wide events as needed to support colleagues and ensure these events run smoothly.
Demonstrate a willingness to support colleagues across the division in order to encourage the implementation or fulfillment of divisional goals and strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Relationships
This position supervises the Senior Director for Student Engagement and Leadership, Director of Arts and Campus Events, Director of Greek Life, Director of the Student Center for Social Justice and Identity, and Director of Student Organizations, Leadership, and Service. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Provost and Dean of Students.
Qualifications
A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
A Terminal degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
At least five years of programmatic experience in a higher education setting with demonstrated competence in leadership and administration, Student Affairs theory and practice, policy development and budget management are necessary.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.
Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!
At Vanderbilt University , our work – regardless of title or role – is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:
Working and growing together as a community of communities… we are One Vanderbilt .
Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self , while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
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