Overview

Presbyterian College seeks its next Dean of Students to serve as a compassionate advocate and collaborative leader committed to the holistic development of every student. This leader will guide comprehensive strategies that foster student development, engagement, and success, while cultivating a vibrant campus community aligned with the College’s mission and values.

Position Summary

The Dean of Students reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet. This senior leadership position maintains primary responsibility for student engagement, co-curricular involvement, campus life programming, and the day-to-day student experience outside the classroom. The Dean of Students works collaboratively with Cabinet members and campus partners to develop best practices and support holistic student development. As Deputy Title IX Coordinator, this position also plays a critical role in maintaining campus safety and compliance with federal regulations while fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Oversight

• Serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet, contributing to institutional strategic planning and decision-making.
• Provide comprehensive leadership for all student engagement and operational student affairs programming and functions.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance student engagement, retention, and success.
• Collaborate with academic leadership to ensure seamless integration of curricular and co-curricular experiences.
• Collaborate with Justice and Community Wellbeing to foster a fair and just campus environment, strengthen students’ sense of belonging, and align student efforts with the College’s broader wellbeing and institutional culture initiatives.

Direct Supervision and Management

• Supervise direct reports, including Administrative Assistant for Student Affairs, Senior Director of Residence Life, and Director of Student Involvement.
• Provide indirect supervision and guidance for programs including Campus Events, Greek Life, Orientation, Residence Life, Student Conduct, Student Government, Student Involvement, Intramural /Recreational Sports; and Springs Fitness Center.
• Conduct performance evaluations, professional development planning, and staff recruitment for all supervised positions.
• Foster a collaborative leadership approach that promotes innovation and excellence.

Budget and Financial Management

• Oversee annual revenue and expense budget with responsibility for fiscal stewardship and strategic resource allocation.
• Provide oversight and feedback on strategic planning initiatives and special projects, including facility renovations and construction.
• Develop budget proposals and justify resource needs to support student engagement and operational student affairs programming and functions.
• Ensure cost-effective delivery of services while maintaining high-quality standards and student satisfaction.

Student Conduct and Judicial Affairs

• Maintain and administer the College’s Student Conduct System following processes outlined in the Garnet Book.
• Ensure annual updates and publication of the Garnet Book with appropriate campus notifications.
• Promote positive student behavior through proactive programming and educational initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for student concerns, requests, and grievances related to student engagement, operational student affairs, and the student experience.  
• Implement restorative justice practices and educational sanctions that support student learning and development.

Residence Life and Housing

• Provide strategic oversight for residence life programming and community development initiatives.
• Lead strategic planning for residential facilities and housing operations.
• Ensure effective implementation and enforcement of the Student Code of Responsibility.
• Support residential education programs that enhance student learning and personal development.
• Coordinate with facilities management on residential facility maintenance and improvements.

Student Involvement and Leadership Development

• Oversee Springs Student Center management and programming.
• Guide student activities, entertainment programming, and leadership development initiatives.
• Support and expand Fraternity and Sorority Life, including the Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), National Panhellenic Council (NPC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC).
• Advise the Student Government Association, including weekly meetings with SGA President.
• Develop comprehensive student leadership programming that prepares students for post-graduation success.

Student Success and Retention

• Serve as a member of the Student Retention Advisory Board, assisting in leading cross-divisional collaboration to develop, implement, and assess retention strategies aligned with institutional enrollment goals. Assist in the coordination of Navigate 360.
• Chair the PC CARES team, coordinating timely and appropriate institutional response to students of concern through proactive case management and care team collaboration.
• Partner with Academic Affairs, Financial Aid, Institutional Research, Student Accounts, Justice and Community Wellbeing, and Spiritual Life, to identify and intervene with at-risk students through the early alert system, ensuring students receive timely support and resources.
• Oversee and continuously improve transition programs to strengthen ongoing belonging, campus involvement, and holistic student success throughout the collegiate experience for new, transfer, and returning students.
• Develop and sustain parent and family engagement initiatives that support student success and build lasting relationships between families and the College.
• Utilize data obtained from Institutional Research to identify students’ needs, inform program development, allocate resources, measure success, and target improvements.
• Prepare and present regular reports to Cabinet and the Board of Trustees on student well-being trends and division-wide program effectiveness.

Title IX and Compliance

• Serve as Deputy Title IX Coordinator, ensuring institutional compliance with federal regulations.
• Report to and support the Title IX Coordinator in investigations, training, and policy implementation.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal policies, including FERPA, Clery Act, and other relevant regulations.

Collaboration and External Relations

• Work closely with Cabinet-level Colleagues and other campus partners to enhance the day-to-day student experience outside the classroom, promote retention and wellbeing, as well as address students’ needs and concerns as they arise.
• Represent Student Affairs on committees and ad hoc task forces for the College and Board of Trustees as assigned.
• Build partnerships with community organizations and external agencies that support student development.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or related field required; terminal degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in student affairs with progressively higher levels of responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in budget management, staff supervision, and strategic planning.
• Experience with Title IX compliance and student conduct administration preferred.

Professional Competencies

• Excellent communication and decision-making skills with ability to handle complex and sensitive situations confidentially.
• Financial operations expertise to develop and manage operating budgets within established institutional parameters.
• Familiarity with current trends in higher education, student development theory, and leadership development.
• Knowledge of relevant federal policies, including FERPA, Clery Act, Title IX, and ADA compliance requirements.
• Experience with crisis management, emergency response, and risk assessment protocols.

Leadership and Personal Attributes

• Ability to support and effectively articulate the benefits of Presbyterian College as a residential, church-related liberal arts institution.
• Genuine passion for developing the whole student and engaging with faculty and staff to promote healthy living and learning environment.
• Ability to understand and promote an inclusive campus learning environment, especially in co-curricular programming.
• Strong commitment to student-centered approach and holistic student development philosophy.
• Demonstrated behaviors that align with the College’s Mission and Identity, and History and Values Statements.  

Communication and Relationship Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across institutional divisions and with external partners.
• Experience in conflict resolution, mediation, and restorative justice practices.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills for various campus and community audiences.

Institutional Commitment

• Commitment to Presbyterian College’s mission, values, and traditions.
• Availability for evening and weekend responsibilities related to student programming and emergency response.
• Dedication to continuous professional development and staying current with best practices in student affairs.

Working Conditions and Schedule

This position requires significant flexibility, including evening and weekend commitments for student programming, crisis response, and institutional events. The role includes participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation for student emergencies and safety concerns. Regular travel may be required for professional conferences, off-campus student activities, and institutional representation. The position demands physical presence on campus and active engagement in campus life while maintaining professional boundaries and appropriate work-life balance.

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This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

To Apply

Please submit application materials—CV/Resume, cover letter, and list of three references to hr@presby.edu.