Dean of Students

Job Summary:

The Dean of Students serves as a senior leader within the SMC Experience (Student Development), providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for student engagement, wellness, safety, and community life. The Dean plays a critical role in advancing student success, retention, and well-being across the student lifecycle from enrollment through graduation while fostering a campus environment grounded in belonging, accountability, and care. Through collaborative leadership and a student-centered approach, the Dean of Students ensures that programs, policies, and services meaningfully support students' personal growth, learning, and persistence.

Areas of Responsibility:

Strategic & Divisional Leadership

• Provide vision, leadership, and administrative oversight in alignment with divisional and institutional priorities for student success, engagement, and well-being.
• Set and advance a strategic direction that promotes holistic student development from enrollment to employment.
• Engage staff in the development and implementation of goals, initiatives, and strategies that support persistence, belonging, and achievement.
• Ensure ongoing assessment of outcomes and key performance indicators to support data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Supervise and support staff across Student Engagement, Community (Residence) Life, Wellness, and Campus Safety.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture grounded in student-centered practice and continuous improvement.
• Provide professional development, mentorship, and performance management to support staff effectiveness and growth.
• Oversee divisional budgets, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness.
• Evaluate and improve systems, processes, and technologies to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with best practices, student-centered service, and institutional priorities.
• Lead the annual review and update of Student Handbook policies to ensure compliance, clarity, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Ensure accurate documentation, communication, and use of student information systems across the division.

Student Well-being, Safety, & Conduct

• Serve as a principal advocate for the welfare, well-being, safety, and success of all students.
• Oversee student conduct policies and procedures, ensuring a developmentally appropriate, learning-centered, and restorative approach that promotes accountability and student growth.
• Lead and coordinate the College's Behavioral Intervention Team and support the CARE Team to proactively address student needs and concerns.
• Collaborate with campus leadership as a member of the Emergency Operations Group to maintain and implement emergency preparedness, crisis response, and risk management protocols affecting students.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, including the Clery Act.
• Participate in and manage a shared on-call rotation to support student needs, including occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.
• Remain responsive to campus situations requiring leadership involvement, including emergencies and critical incidents.

Student Engagement, Belonging & Campus Life

• Lead the development of a welcoming, inclusive campus community that fosters connection, engagement, and a sense of belonging.
• Oversee Student Engagement and Community Life to ensure robust co-curricular programming, student involvement opportunities, and vibrant campus life experiences.
• Support the growth and development of student organizations and clubs, ensuring a wide range of opportunities for student participation and leadership.
• Support a vibrant student leadership development program, including serving as the primary advisor to the Student Government Association.
• Maintain an engaged and visible presence on campus, building strong relationships with students and contributing to a connected campus environment.
• Contribute to the creation and continuation of campus traditions intended to deepen students' connection to SMC, especially focused on the recent history as a bachelor's granting institution.

Collaboration & Campus Partnership

• Build strong partnerships across the College, including academics, admissions, facilities, and other areas, to support student success and retention.
• Collaborate as a key member of the SMC Experience to ensure alignment of programs, services, and initiatives that enhance the student journey.
• Contribute to major campus events, including Orientation, Open House, Enrollment Days, and Commencement.

Requirements

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of student behavioral intervention strategies and restorative practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage crises, think critically, and solve complex problems.
• Working knowledge of relevant federal regulations, including the Clery Act, Title II, and Title IX.
• Ability to design, evaluate, and improve processes, systems, and programs to support student success.
• Strong judgment in managing sensitive information, documenting interactions, and communicating effectively with appropriate stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and persuasively.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and use student information systems effectively.
• Ability to anticipate challenges, respond proactively, and make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative teams and navigate conflict with professionalism and skill.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive relationships with a diverse student population.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with campus partners and the broader community.

Working Conditions:

This work is generally performed in an office setting and will require significant contact with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Additional evening and weekend responsibilities required for campus events and as a member of the On-Call rotation.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move around the campus and frequently climb a flight of stairs in the residence halls
• Manual and physical dexterity and visual acuity are needed to operate a computer keyboard and handle paper documents.
• Sufficient near vision acuity to read information appearing on a computer monitor, in handwritten form, and printed on paper.
• Adequate hearing and verbal abilities to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in student personnel, higher education, education leadership or a similar field is required.
• Relevant student affairs experience, including progressive management responsibilities, and demonstrated experience in residence life, student conduct administration, or related work.
• Previous supervisory experience in Student Development.