Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience, the Dean of Students/Director of Housing and Student Life (Dean) is a key member of the senior leadership team for the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Experience.  The Dean provides primary leadership for the College’s co-curricular learning program. Specifically, this position will partner with the Vice President EMSE to create a comprehensive and cohesive programming model that provides targeted opportunities for student involvement in extracurricular activities and residential education which complement in-class learning, foster interpersonal growth and development, and encourage greater commitment to the College.

The Dean supervises the Office of Housing and Student Life, and Campus Security. In the Office of Housing and Student Life, the Dean will provide supervision for two professional staff, graduate assistants and the unit’s student employee program. With the support of Housing and Student Life staff, the Dean maintains primary leadership or supervisory responsibility for the following areas of the co-curricular learning program: (a) Fraternity and Sorority Life, (b) Orientation and First Week programming, (c) student organizations, (d) community service, (e) leadership development, (f) commuter student programming, (g) multicultural programming, (h) student conduct, and (i) residential education and housing.

The Dean is also responsible for the supervision of the Director of Campus Safety. The college employs the Director and Campus Security officers through Synergy

Job Duties

• Provide supervision for the Office of Housing and Student Life and Campus Safety.
• Provide oversight for the Assistant Director of Housing in managing the residential living community.
• Provide oversight for the Assistant Director of Student Life in providing student life programming.
• Inspire and provide guidance to staff to create programming that provides targeted opportunities for student involvement in extracurricular activities which complement in-class learning, foster interpersonal development, and encourage greater commitment to the College.
• Responsible for developing a comprehensive plan to deliver residential and student life programming that promotes personal and social growth, creates community, and promotes affinity and connections among students. 
• Attend regular meetings with the Enrollment Management and Student Experience leadership team to plan and execute strategic imperatives. 
• Plans, administers, and monitors departmental budgets to ensure responsible stewardship and maximum impact to the student experience.
• Provides regular meetings with direct reports to promote communication and professional development among professional and student staff.
• Coordinates with appropriate campus partners to provide student support and intervention when needed and makes appropriate referrals.
• Provides a visible and accessible presence to students at campus events and in the residence halls.
• Serve on various College committees and/or task forces as requested.
• Oversee the assessment and evaluation of programs within the areas of responsibility.
• Attend and participate in local, state, regional, and national meetings relevant to the field of student engagement, student success, retention, residential life and student affairs.
• Represents the Division and/or the College at events as needed.
• Serves in the on-call rotation for Housing and Residence Life.
• Other duties assigned by the VP for Enrollment Management and Student Experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Counseling or Higher Education, or a related field, doctorate preferred.
• Five years of professional experience in a college environment, with at least three years in one of the areas of direct supervision.
• Significant experience with student leadership development and large-scale event planning.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including late night and weekends.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to articulate the values and outcomes of a faith-based, liberal arts institution and demonstrate a commitment to private liberal arts and sciences education.
• Excellent professionalism and commitment to provide superior customer service.
• Ability to effectively communicate both within and outside the College including, but not limited to, students, parents, staff, faculty, alumni, civic and business leaders.
• The executive skills, leadership qualities, expertise, and academic standing to manage the portfolio of responsibilities with intellectual vitality and strategic vision.
• Established reputation for integrity, honesty, discretion, collegial and collaborative leadership style and ability to project a positive image of the college through interaction with all constituencies conducting business with the college.
• Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of varied cultures and  backgrounds.
• Familiarity with best practices pertaining to increasing student retention and success.
• A record of achieving institutional goals and directing major projects from inception to completion.
• The ability to foster a value-added educational experience for students that transcends the classroom.
• Demonstrated record of fiscal management.
• Knowledge of the legal obligations confronting student services in higher education and demonstrated commitment to student success.
• A record of compliance with state and federal education mandates and guidelines related to student privacy and student records.

LaGrange College is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.