Dean Of Student Affairs

Our School

We’re a liberal arts college located in sunny Sarasota, FL!

Responsibilities – Academic Administration

The Dean of Student Affairs is responsible for the overall vision and effectiveness of our college’s student services and residential education. Managing a team of more than 30 staff, the Dean of Student Affairs is responsible for developing and overseeing programs that enable students to realize their highest intellectual and personal potential, and for integrating student life experiences with the college’s educational mission.

By working with and representing the interests of a diverse student body, the Dean ensures a mutually reinforcing relationship between the academic and non-academic areas of the college. The Dean plays a central role in defining the strong sense of community that unites students, faculty, and staff across differences of racial, and ethnic background, gender, class, and educational background.

Responsibilities – General Administration

The Dean of Student Affairs reports directly to the President and is a key member of the President’s senior staff, which also includes the VP for Academic Affairs and Provost, the VP for Finance & Administration, the VP for Advancement and Executive Director of our college Foundation, the Dean of Enrollment Services & IT, the Director of Communications & Marketing, the General Counsel and Special Assistant to the President. The Dean of Student Affairs is centrally involved in formulating college policy, including budget allocation and long-range planning, and is a campus liaison with the Board of Trustees for student affairs.

The Dean of Student Affairs directs all student services, including residential life, student activities, multicultural, intercultural and gender initiatives, health, wellness and psychological services; and religious and spiritual life.

Responsibilities – Policy-Making

You’re centrally involved in formulating college policy, including budget allocation and long-range planning, and is a campus liaison with the Board of Trustees for student affairs. The Dean is responsible for disseminating and interpreting policies related to student life. Also a member of the Crisis Management Team, the Dean also oversees the student disciplinary system, student alliance activities and supports Title IX initiatives.

Program Direction & Development

The Office of Student Affairs is organized into 4 general areas: Residential Life and Judicial Affairs, including Food Service, Facilities & Operations, under a Sr Associate Dean of Student Affairs; First Year Programming, Health & Wellness, and Student Government.

Supervision Exercised

Direct supervision of 5 employees, those listed above plus the Office Manager for Student Affairs, is exercised by the Dean of Student Affairs.

Responsibilities – Monetary

Careful budgeting and monitoring of expenses is an important component of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

- Commitment to the values/goals of our college’s public, residential and liberal arts education

- A history of organizational leadership

- Ability to foster a campus climate that values community, civility and mutual respect

- Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization (higher education administration, counseling and student development)

- 8 years of increasing experience

Preferred Qualifications

- Candidates with a doctoral degree and deep understanding of life, policies and procedures at academically intense colleges

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

- Experience in college administration, residential student life, counseling and leadership

- Proven ability to manage and lead skilled professionals effectively

- Commitment to diversity of all forms

- Superb communications skills

- A consultative, collegial leadership style and ability to inspire trust

- High degree of accessibility and openness to students