Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Graduate and Professional Student Initiatives
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 18, 2024
About VCU
In a world of the common, we are the UNCOMMON. VCU is unlike any university you have ever seen. We bring curiosity, passion, and an unrelenting drive to discover the ideas others can't. We envision a future that is unbound by tradition, and that seeks to disrupt the way things have always been. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
About the Division of Student Affairs
Through our programs, services, and facilities, the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) champions holistic student development by fostering inclusive communities and providing dynamic, integrative learning experiences that prepare our students to be thoughtfully engaged contributors to the global community.
We believe all people are capable of great things. Complete alignment with all criteria is UNCOMMON, and we welcome interested candidates to apply and share their unique experiences and perspectives with us.
The selected candidate will find opportunities for professional growth and will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Division of Student Affairs(DSA), addressing the diverse needs of Virginia Commonwealth University's students. DSA is dedicated to fostering the growth and potential of its employees and is committed to building work environments that are equitable and representative. Studies indicate that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply only to roles where they meet all listed qualifications. However, job descriptions are aspirational; no applicant fulfills every requirement. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. DSA strongly encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply, including but not limited to people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and those from low-income or working-class backgrounds.
Position Primary Purpose and General Duties:
The Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Graduate and Professional Student Initiatives assumes a leadership role within the Dean of Student Advocacy Office, serving as a pivotal figure in providing vision, leadership, and structure to foster a supportive and inclusive campus community. Reporting directly to the Associate Dean of Students, this position is instrumental in strategic planning, assessment, and policy formation within the Dean of Student Advocacy Office.
Housed on the Medical Campus (MCV), the Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate and Professional Student Initiatives is tasked with being a highly visible member of the medical campus community. The incumbent has the responsibility of being a liaison between Student Affairs on the Monroe Park Campus and Student Affairs units on the MCV campus. The Assistant Dean of Students is responsible for orchestrating a high level of communication amongst a variety of campus partners on the MCV campus.
The Assistant Dean and Director of Graduate and Professional Student Initiatives is largely responsible for facilitating and chairing the associate dean council, overseeing the DSA MCV student leadership council, and coordinating various operational aspects to enhance the student experience. The role extends to shepherding the graduate student experience, working to connect graduate and professional students to divisional and university programming.
The Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Graduate and Professional Initiatives will collaborate with the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Advocacy to develop and enhance standard operating procedures for the Dean of Student Advocacy Office. This includes, but is not limited to, refining processes for Medical Leave of Absence, Parking Appeals, Death of a Student Protocol, non-clinical mental health support, Medical Amnesty.
University Slotting 35913Y/Administrator SS 3, State Role Code 29134
Minimum Hiring Standards:
-Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
-At least 3-5 years of experience working in a higher education setting, preferably in student affairs or related areas.
-Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively interact with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
-Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
-Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations with tact and discretion.
-Ability to work in a fast paced environment with critical priorities within student care.
-Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a diverse, multi-cultural and complex environment, fostering diverse faculty, staff, and students as a staff member at VCU.
Preferred Hiring Standards:
-Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
-5-7 years of progressive experience in student affairs or related areas, with increasing levels of responsibility and leadership.
-Experience with Maxient or similar case management software.
-Familiarity with best practices in case management, Title IX compliance, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
-Experience serving on committees or task forces related to student affairs.
-Demonstrated experience working with professional and graduate students.
-Knowledge of emergency response protocols and coordination with campus partners, such as campus police and residence life.
-Experiencing serving in an on-call crisis rotation.
Salary Range: 70,000-77,500
Position Details:
Department: Dean of Student Advocacy Office
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Shelley Wald
Contact Email: walds@vcu.edu
Contact Phone: 804-828-4041
