Dean of Students

Location : Hickory, North Carolina

Lenoir-Rhyne University welcomes nominations and applications for an innovative and strategic leader to serve as Dean of Students beginning on or before August 1, 2023. Reporting to the Vice President for Mission, Engagement and Innovation (MEI), the Dean of Students provides inspiring and effective leadership for a team of student affairs professionals to optimize and effectively assess productivity within student affairs, strengthen student engagement and satisfaction across the university and ensure compliance with codes of conduct, institutional policies and values and accreditation standards. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop and implement new plans, policies and programs that will ensure best practice and provide innovative and strategic opportunities to enhance student retention, success and engagement at LR.

The Dean of Students is responsible for multiple departments, including residence life and housing, judicial affairs and student conduct, student involvement, fraternity and sorority life, student government and clubs, emergency response, intramural and club sports and regular assessment of the Office of Student Life and staff. The person in this role represents the department to interested members of the community and provides oversight for the student code of conduct and judicial appeals. In this position, you are expected to serve as an on-call manager, actively responding to student crises as necessary.

This position requires participating in and coordinating college programs and student events, counseling individuals and groups on personal matters, and developing and managing departmental budgets. As Dean of Students, you will develop and implement department goals, coordinate emergency response procedures, prepare progress reports and meet with department directors on a weekly basis for review. The Dean of Students coordinates the production of the annual student handbook and serves on university-wide committees, working closely with colleagues across the institution. The Dean of Students is a crucial member of university leadership and works closely with the vice president for mission, engagement and innovation and other members of the MEI and university leadership team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in process or in hand.
• 5-7 years of experience in student services at a 2-year or 4-year college or university (at least 1-3 in a supervisory position).
• Knowledgeable on current issues and trends in student services in higher education.
• Demonstrated interest in student development, whether traditional or non-traditional undergraduates or graduate students.
• Strong management, budgetary and organizational skills.
• Deep commitment to confidentiality and adherence to required laws and policies governing student services, especially in a university setting.
• Ability to form and maintain strong relationships with faculty, staff, students and the community.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in service to a diverse student body.
• Demonstrated background in leading collaborative efforts among multiple constituencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism and diplomacy and work with individuals at all levels of the university.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with heightened attention to detail.
• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving/conflict resolutions skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software in student affairs.

Preferred Qualifications

• A doctorate or equivalent degree in a related field.
• An appreciation of the history and mission of Lenoir-Rhyne University.
• Experience with offices that are often closely related or connected to student affairs, such as admissions, financial aid, disability services, career services, student leadership development, multicultural affairs or service learning.
• Experience with program assessment and accreditation.
• Evidence of a collaborative leadership style that develops a culture of trust among employees and colleagues across the university.
• CPR and First Aid certification is a plus.
• Experience with multiple campuses is a plus.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to attend and preside over lectures and meetings.
• Ability to travel with students, faculty and staff throughout campus.
• Must be able to traverse various athletic grounds and facilities.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

Work Schedule

• Standard office hours M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend work required to suit the needs of a residential college campus. This position will be included in the on-call schedule for emergencies.
• Subject to change based on university needs.

Behavioral Expectations

• Maintain high integrity, confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment.
• Maintain and contribute to a professional, respectful, courteous, diverse, equitable and inclusive environment
• Treat other individuals with dignity, respect and kindness.
• Adhere to all university policies, procedures, standards and values, and comply with all federal, state and local laws.

Application Steps

To complete the online application, candidates are directed to www.lr.edu/employment . While completing the application, candidates will be prompted to submit (1) a cover letter addressing the position description, qualifications and leadership; (2) a curriculum vitae; and (3) a list of three professional references including name, current position, email, address and phone number. Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Any questions regarding the position or the search process should be submitted electronically to Laura Crawley at laura.crawley@lr.edu .

About Lenoir-Rhyne University

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a co-educational, private comprehensive liberal arts institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a town of more than 40,000. The university has additional campus centers in Asheville, NC, and Columbia, SC, which include the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS). Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir-Rhyne is less than an hour drive from Charlotte. The University now offers more than 50 undergraduate and 30 graduate degree programs to approximately 2500 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build a sense of community and promote responsible leadership for service in the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne promotes diverse campuses open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds. Please visit www.lr.edu/about to learn more about the University.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment

Lenoir-Rhyne University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, political affiliation, age, marital status, sex/gender, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy or veteran status in any educational programs and activities, including admissions. Lenoir-Rhyne’s policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity extends to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, reassignment, demotion, discipline, discharge, performance evaluation, compensation and benefits. Lenoir-Rhyne is committed to providing an environment that promotes nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and inclusion for faculty, staff, students, contractors, volunteers and visitors.