Dean of Undergraduate Students

Princeton University
Dean of Undergraduate Students

Princeton University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of dean of undergraduate students.

Princeton advances learning through scholarship, research, and teaching of unsurpassed quality, with an emphasis on undergraduate and doctoral education that is distinctive among the world's great universities, and with a pervasive commitment to serve the nation and the world. Princeton enrolls 8,895 students—5,540 undergraduates, 3,238 graduate students, and 117 special students—and 98 percent of undergraduates and 70 percent of graduate students live in university housing. One of the oldest and most beautiful campuses in the United States, the university is located midway between New York City and Philadelphia in the historic town of Princeton, New Jersey, a vibrant community known for its tree-lined streets, lively arts scene, specialty shops, world-class dining, and entertainment.

The Position
The dean of undergraduate students (dean) leads the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students (ODUS), a unit within Campus Life that provides resources, opportunities, and experiences for undergraduates and the larger Princeton community to develop personal, cultural, and social skills that complement and enrich their academic lives. Reporting to the vice president for campus life and serving as a member of the President's Council, the dean is a trusted voice in leadership deliberations, an advocate for students, and a builder of community who oversees areas of residential life, student-initiated activities and governance, crisis management, and student conduct. The dean supports co-curricular activities and large-scale events and programs that welcome students into the Princeton community, enrich their experience, and celebrate their accomplishments. The dean guides strategic planning, program development, assessment, and goal implementation for all aspects of ODUS in alignment with Campus Life's strategic plan and Princeton's strategic framework.

The dean chairs the Faculty-Student Committee on Discipline and works with a number of university committees and departments to shape policy affecting undergraduate life. The dean maintains an especially strong partnership with the dean of the college, particularly in support of Princeton's seven residential colleges. The dean also works closely with other Campus Life deans and directors (particularly the executive director of university health services, the director of counseling and psychological services, and the director of athletics) and with the assistant vice president for public safety to ensure the safety and well-being of Princeton students. The dean is responsible for a team of 37 staff members, a budget of $16.7 million, five campus buildings, and over 100 student organization and performance spaces.

Qualifications
Princeton seeks in its next dean of undergraduate students a talented, accomplished, and visionary leader who can build on the success and considerable strengths of ODUS and lead the department into a new era of innovation and excellence. Minimum requirements include an advanced degree (doctorate preferred) and at least ten years of leadership experience focused on the education and support of students.

The successful candidate will bring a deep knowledge of current and emerging thinking and best practices in student affairs and exceptional administrative, financial, and managerial acumen. The next dean will be a person who is known for partnering well in complex environments and advancing data-informed policies and practices that promote the holistic development of students. This leadership opportunity calls for a forward-thinking and inclusive administrator with experience operationalizing a shared vision and deploying resources; significant experience with student conduct, crisis management, and student care and well-being; exceptional listening, speaking, writing, and influencing skills; an ability to coach and mentor staff and promote a team culture of collaboration, accountability, and learning; a commitment to diversity in all its forms and a proven track record of promoting inclusive excellence; an understanding of the culture and values of residential colleges; and an affinity for Princeton's mission and aspirations.

Application and Nomination
Princeton has retained Spelman Johnson, a national executive search firm, to assist with this search. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, application materials should be received by September 15, 2023. A resume with a cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described in the online position specification may be submitted via the Spelman Johnson website at http://www.spelmanjohnson.com/open-positions.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Jim Norfleet, practice leader and senior consultant, at jmn@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Princeton University website at www.princeton.edu

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO IS THE LAW