Job Description
The Dean of Students is one of six senior leadership positions reporting directly to the Vice President of Student Affairs and provides strategic leadership for comprehensive student engagement and support services across the college. The position oversees key functional areas that promote student wellness, access, involvement, accountability, and success, including:
- Disability Resource Center
- Counseling Center and Student Mental Health Services
- Accessibility and ADA compliance
- Student Judicial Affairs and Compliance
- Student Activities, Programs, and Organizations
- Career, Veteran, and Transfer Programs
The Dean of Students collaborates extensively with Student Services, academic leadership, faculty, and staff to plan, implement, and assess co‑curricular programs and services that strengthen student engagement, leadership development, retention, academic success, and degree completion. The position provides oversight of student conduct processes, administration of student activities funding, and support for grant initiatives that advance student engagement and student success.
The Dean coordinates college‑wide student life initiatives, including student involvement, wellness programming, orientation, outreach, and services for targeted student populations at all campuses and instructional locations.
Essential Functions:
- Provide strategic leadership for a cohesive, college‑wide student engagement and involvement program serving all instructional locations.
- Assess student needs using data‑informed practices and design programs that support student development, retention, and completion.
- Develop initiatives that foster student engagement, belonging, and community.
- Serve as co‑chair of the Accessibility Committee and provide guidance on compliance and best practices related to accessibility and ADA requirements.
- Participate in institutional planning, budgeting, policy development, retention initiatives, problem‑solving, and emergency response efforts.
- Lead education and communication efforts related to the Student Code of Conduct, student rights and responsibilities, and judicial processes.
- Advise faculty, staff, and students on student rights, responsibilities, and conduct procedures.
- Provide informal conflict resolution and mediation for student concerns, as appropriate.
- Provide administrative oversight and supervision of disability services and counseling functions.
- Design and implement programs and events that promote meaningful student–faculty engagement beyond the classroom.
- Prepare, manage, and monitor budgets related to student services, student activities, student government, veterans programs, orientation, ADA services, student employment, assigned grants, and counseling.
- Coordinate campus and community volunteer and service‑learning initiatives.
- Provide oversight, collaboration, and evaluation of co‑curricular programs, including social, cultural, recreational, and intramural activities that support academic and career success.
- Ensure student activities and related web content are accurate, current, and accessible.
- Collaborate with campus partners to develop and implement innovative programming, including orientation, transfer support, and student success initiatives.
- Assist with outreach and retention efforts targeting non‑returning and at‑risk student populations.
- Identify and support implementation of technology solutions that enhance student engagement, communication, and service delivery.
- Establish, assess, and report measurable student learning outcomes, program goals, and engagement metrics.
- Prepare reports and maintain documentation related to program outcomes, assessments, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure a balanced student activities program that aligns with the college mission and enhances student learning across all campuses.
- Ensure fiscal operations and contracts comply with institutional policies and procedures.
- Review, negotiate, and recommend approval of performance, speaker, and service contracts.
- Analyze student engagement data and develop responsive action plans based on findings.
- Maintain a comprehensive, college‑wide calendar of student activities and events.
- Build and sustain partnerships with academic units, student service offices, and faculty to deliver coordinated programs and services.
- Foster a workplace environment that values collaboration, equity, professional development, and student‑centered service.
- Serve as a role model for ethical leadership, cultural competency, sound judgment, and effective communication.
- Collaborate with college departments to support pre‑college outreach and transition initiatives.
- Provide development, oversight of programs and services that result in enrollment, progression, retention and graduation growth for the service area.
Supplemental Functions
- Assist in the development, review, and implementation of student policies and procedures.
- Support publicity, marketing, and outreach efforts that inform and engage students.
- Assist with review and maintenance of the Student Handbook and related publications.
- Serve on standing and ad hoc committees as assigned.
- Supervise student employees and interns, as applicable.
Education, Training, and Experience
Required:
- Master’s degree in higher education administration, college student personnel, or a related discipline
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in student activities or a closely related student services area
- Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and student employees
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives concurrently
Preferred:
- Experience advising student organizations, including leadership development and financial management
- Experience negotiating contracts with vendors, speakers, and programming partners
- Grant writing and grant administration experience
- Experience with student conduct or judicial affairs
- Experience with disability services, accessibility, and ADA compliance
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of student development theory, accessibility and disability services, and student life best practices
- Awareness of emerging trends in student engagement and community college student success
- Demonstrated creativity, collaboration, and progressive leadership
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across departments
- Strong coaching and mentoring skills for student leaders and staff
- Demonstrated understanding of the diverse needs of community college students
Working Conditions
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
- Frequent computer use for extended durations
- Travel among multiple campuses for meetings, programs, and events
Titles Supervised:
- Director of Student Development and Leadership
- Director of Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Disability Resource Center Manager
- Career, Veteran, and Transfer Center Coordinator
- Director, Charger Pathways Program (grant‑funded)
Hiring Salary Range: $63,390- $79,240
This position is based at the Columbia, TN Campus.
About Columbia State Community College:
As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to student success both in and out of the classroom, as well as economic and community development in our nine-county service area. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Columbia State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:
- Vacation and Sick Leave
- 14 paid holidays
- Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
- Retirement plans
- Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
- Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents