Dean For Student Experience

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Student Experience (VPSE), the dean for student experience (DSE) will provide leadership and manage assigned units under Student Experience that have a significant impact on enrollment, and student satisfaction and retention to the institution. The dean will directly supervise staff and work collaboratively both within and outside the division of student experience to further retention initiatives at the University. The dean is a member of the Executive Council.

The DSE is a senior member of the Division for Student Experience (SE) and strategic partner to the vice president. The dean supports Alfred’s mission by overseeing the extra/co-curricular experiences at the University. The dean is responsible with the VPSE for the quality of student life and that experience outside the classroom, as well as for providing opportunities for students to build community and develop skills and interests beyond their academic programs of study. This community and skills and interests come in a variety of forums within SE including clubs/organizations, athletic teams, grant programs, LLCs, etc. The dean leads efforts to cultivate a holistic student experience that reflects AU’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and be engaged in all aspects of the student life cycle, attending University events, and serving as a visible resource for students and the larger community.
• Develop a comprehensive vision in collaboration with the VPSE and consultation of students, faculty, and staff which creates a co-curricular experience that complements and parallels the quality and richness of the academic program of the University.
• Assist in creating a student-centered atmosphere within the SE Team that fosters the sense of personal attention and community.
• Collaborate effectively with people at all levels including serving as the lead for Alfred Kickstart, Saxon Start, and the One-Stop-Shop initiative.
• Provide professional management for assigned units and staff on the student experience (SE) team.
• Increase student retention and persistence to graduation by participating as a key member of the University Retention Team identifying changes/new initiatives based on best practices
• Responsible for the operating budgets for assigned units and staff.
• Assist in developing a culture that is understanding and accepting of a diverse student population identify and implementing ways to close the success gaps.

Requirements

• Additional Knowledge/Skills: Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including giving presentations to a wide range of audiences as well as a strong student-focused orientation. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build alliances and to lead through a period of rapid change and growth. Impeccable ethics and ability to maintain confidentiality. Experience supervising and leading professional staff.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years experience in the administration of student service programs preferred, including several years at director level. Must have experience with programs that affect retention and experiences working with a diverse student population.
• Formal Education Master’s degree in Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration or related area.

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Protected veterans, minorities and women are encouraged to apply.