Department

College The College

About the Department

One of the world’s leading institutions of liberal arts education, the University of Chicago College offers 53 major and 59 minor programs to its more than 7,000 undergraduate students. The College’s globally recognized Core curriculum, rigorous programs of study, vast opportunities for student research, comprehensive Career Advancement programming, and its steadfast commitments to equity, access and freedom of expression empower students to engage with the most compelling academic, civic and cultural challenges.

Job Summary

The Dean of Students is a senior leadership position within The College at the University of Chicago. Reporting to the Dean of the College, the Dean of Students is responsible for providing strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for all aspects of student life and support services within The College. This includes promoting student well-being, fostering a vibrant campus community, and ensuring a conducive learning environment for all students. The Dean of Students plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive and enriching experience that aligns with the University's mission of academic excellence and intellectual exploration.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for recruitment, onboarding, training, development, and daily supervision of staff.
• Oversees and administrates department budget.
• Serves on University-wide committees to create and revise policies and programs.
• Creates strategies for programs that improve the student experience.
• Develops and implements initiatives to promote student success, retention, and overall well-being.
• Oversees and responds to student concerns and grievances, providing guidance and support to resolve issues effectively.
• Oversees processes as related to academic performance and integrity, such as including academic-based leaves and disciplinary matters.
• Collaborates with various campus offices and resources to address student challenges and promote a positive campus climate.
• Monitors student performance, evaluates student academic records, and authorizes convocation eligibility.
• Works to coordinate among offices to provide consistent and high-level service to students and their families.
• Conducts regular assessments of student programs and services to evaluate their effectiveness and makes data-driven improvements.
• Monitors and analyzes student data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for enhancement in student support services.
• Collaborates with academic departments and faculty to enhance the overall student experience within the academic context.
• Provides faculty with resources and training to better support students' academic and personal growth.
• Works to support faculty and staff in their roles supporting students.
• Ensures compliance with relevant federal and state regulations related to student affairs and higher education.
• Stays abreast of changing laws and best practices to maintain a safe and inclusive campus environment.
• Manages employees through senior managers. Oversees the development of performance goals, establishes the structure for allocating resources and assessing division or University policies.
• Oversees and directs a Dean of Students office. Provides leadership and strategic direction for a broad range of services and programs to enrich the overall student experience and to assist and support students across the University with their academic, career, and personal development.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 10+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience working with a diverse student population and fostering inclusivity on a college campus.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state regulations impacting student affairs and compliance in higher education.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use complex databases and other record keeping systems.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential information related to students, staff, and faculty.

Preferred Competencies

• Leadership - demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a diverse team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Student Advocacy - passion for advocating on behalf of students and creating an inclusive environment that supports their personal and academic development.
• Management - oversee units that report to the position, including budget management.
• Interpersonal Skills - exceptional written and verbal communication, and listening, and conflict resolution skills to interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strategic Planning - strong strategic thinking and planning abilities to develop and implement programs that align with the institution's mission and values.
• Data-Driven Decision Making - proficiency in analyzing data to inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of student support services.
• Crisis Management - handle crises and emergency situations with composure, making timely and effective decisions in the best interest of students.
• Cultural Competence - understanding and appreciation for diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive community.
• Higher Education Trends - knowledge of current trends and best practices in higher education, student affairs, and student development.
• Organization - prioritize and manage concurrent tasks with interruptions; meet deadlines, and respond to many emails, in person, and phone requests in a timely fashion.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

People Manager

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.