The Assistant/Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students (AVP/DOS) is the second highest ranking member of the Vice President for Student Life’s (VPSL) leadership team and in this capacity serves on behalf of the Vice President in his/her absence. The AVP/DOS has broad administrative, leadership, and student support responsibilities which require the ability to create and maintain positive and productive working relationships with departments within/across the Division of Student Life and with various departments external to the Division. Specific to their duties within the Division, the AVP/DOS provides overall vision and planning, strategic direction, and management (personnel and budget) to areas related to student engagement and learning, residential living, student union and activities, campus traditions, new student orientation, first year experiences, student leadership development, community standards, and University auditorium operations. In addition, the position takes a lead role in policy review and formation, interacting with parents and university guests, collaborating with student success and enrollment management colleagues and initiatives across campus.
Structurally, the AVP/DOS has six direct reports: the Director of Student Activities, Senior Director of New Student Programs, the Senior Director of Campus Living & Learning, the Associate Dean for Student Conduct, the Director of Leadership Development and a doctoral graduate student in the Higher Education Studies and Leadership (HESL). The AVP/DOS strives to be aware of and understand all aspects of the student experience and works closely with colleagues within and outside the Division of Student Life to help shape living and learning, faith-formative, and leadership and service environments that impact the holistic development of students. The AVP/DOS also functions as the VPSL designee to hear student conduct appeal cases, serves as a Division liaison to Athletics, assists the VPSL in leading Division-wide initiatives and projects, and serves on a number of committees/task forces.
A master’s degree in higher education, college student personnel, international education or a related field, 12 years of related full-time work experience including progressively responsible positions involving leading teams toward goal attainment, student learning and development, human resource management, finance, administration, intercultural maturity, assessment, and faith formation in a higher education environment are required as well as the person must have an active Christian Faith. An earned doctorate in higher education, college student personnel, or a related degree and 15 or more years of full-time relevant experience is preferred.
Demonstrated experience in leading and managing multiple units with an emphasis on vision-casing, teamwork, collaboration, belonging and inclusion, assessment, and continuous improvement is highly preferred.
The selected candidate must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, staff, and parents of many social, economic, cultural, ideological, racial, ethnic and faith backgrounds.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis.
What You Will Do
- Work closely with the Vice President to lead the Senior Leadership Team and Division Leadership Team in developing and implementing division strategy, priorities, and evaluation
- Provide support in problem solving complex issues received within the VPSL office and be prepared to serve in the role of acting vice president should the situation arise
- Supervise and coach staff, develop and manage budgets, and oversee programming and training aligned with the AVP/DOS area to include Student Activities, Student Conduct, Campus Living & Learning, New Student Programs, and Student Leadership Development
- Serve as the Division’s primary point of contact with Student Success, Enrollment Management, Intercollegiate Athletics, Public Safety, Risk Management, Compliance, and Facilities Construction and Management
- Oversee the organizational review process for Departments within the Division
- Represent the Division at professional association, campus, and community events
- Stay abreast of trends, laws, regulations, and theological understandings impacting student engagement and success
- Analyze results of student learning and engagement initiatives to measure progress and incorporate improvements
- Update and advise Senior Leadership Team on matters related to student learning, success, and world readiness
- Communicate frequently with a broad range of constituents to understand and incorporate strategies for meeting the needs of our students and staff
- Mentor and advise students and student organization leaders
- Comply with and support University policies
- Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission