Dean of Students

Dean of Students/Director of Student Leadership and Engagement
FLSA Classification
Exempt 
Salary Range/Grade    
Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000
Reports to
Associate Vice Chancellor 
 

Job Description 
Summary/objective
Founded in 1956, the fully accredited Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) was founded as a branch unit of Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College in Baton Rouge (SUBR). SUNO continues to grow, striving to become better each year. 

As a component of the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success, the Student Development Center (SDC) is the heart of student campus life, providing opportunities for cultural, social and recreational activities.  The SDC operates as a complement to the educational objectives of the University and provides a place for socialization and recreational activities between classes. It houses a bowling alley, pool tables, student organization offices, the Student Activities Office, the University Bookstore, a convenience store, International Affairs, Veteran Affairs, and Community Service Learning.

The SDC contributes and facilitates critical learning and development within healthy, inclusive and supportive communities so that all students may thrive at SUNO and beyond.

The Dean of Students/Director of Student Leadership and Engagement is responsible for fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment that enhances student learning, development, engagement, and success. This position will oversee student leadership programs, student organizations, student yearbook, BIT Team, aquatics, and student engagement initiatives while providing strategic vision, leadership and high-quality content and compliance with SUNO policies and procedures. 

Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
1.    Responsible for student code of conduct issues and works in collaboration with Office for Compliance, Title IX, and SUNO Police Department.
2.    Receives and reviews referrals and incident reports submitted to determine appropriate action, including both behavioral and academic conduct.
3.    Meets with students and student organizations who have allegedly violated the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity to ascertain their level of involvement and adjudicate accordingly.
4.    Manage student conduct processes, including investigating and resolving disciplinary issues. Maintains student conduct database and files on all disciplinary cases and informational incident reports.
5.    Respond to student crises and emergencies, providing appropriate support and intervention.
6.    Develop and implement student programs that promote student leadership, engagement, and personal development. Collaborate with various campus departments to enhance student engagement and retention.
7.    Maintain oversight of all student organizations, including advising, training, and development of student leaders.
8.    Develop and implement policies and procedures that promote student well-being and success (Bylaws Constitution).
9.    Direct the coordination of leadership training programs, workshops, and retreats for all students’ leaders within the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success (Knight Ambassadors, SGA, Royal Court, Residential Assistants.
10.    Provide support and advocacy for students in personal, academic, and social matters.
11.    Foster a sense of community and belonging among students through events, activities, and initiatives. Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the student body.
12.    Supervise and evaluate staff within the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement.
13.    Prepare reports and assessments related to student engagement and leadership activities
14.    Other duties as assigned.

Competencies 
•    Leadership and team management.
•    Conflict resolution and crisis management.
•    Program development and assessment. 
•    Budget management. 
•    Strong problem-solving abilities.
•    Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
•    Cultural competence and sensitivity.
•    Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
•    Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
•    Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs.
•    Ability to provide support for student development with a demonstrable concern for students.
•    Ability to engage students and to create and enhance their connection to the institution and each other.
•    Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
•    Ability to establish and maintain a good rapport with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
•    Ability to exercise professionalism and sound judgment in making decisions.
•    Ability to set priorities and complete projects on time.
•    Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.

Work environment
•    Full-time position with evening and weekend responsibilities especially during peak season (i.e., coronation, Homecoming, Spring Fest, etc.).
•    Office environment with frequent interaction with students, faculty, and staff. 

Required education and experience
•    Master’s degree in Student Development, Higher Education, Counseling or a related field from an accredited institution or a Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of full-time student services experience.
•    Exceptional organizational and time management with demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, prioritize, and effectively execute multiple initiatives, programs, and events, while meeting established deadlines. 
•    Strong interpersonal communication with a demonstrated ability to establish and develop productive and collegial relationships with college constituencies (e.g., students, staff, faculty, managers, etc.).
•    Strong customer service skills.
•    Ability to manage and resolve difficult and complex student situations, respond promptly to student needs and solicit student feedback to improve service.
•    Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information and records.
•    Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.
•    Ability to approach others in a tactful manner, react well under pressure, treat all others with respect and consideration and accept responsibility for one’s own actions.
•    Computer skills in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Outlook.
•    Ability to quickly learn new systems, such as student information systems and web-based portals.
•    Ability to work occasional long and irregular hours as necessary.
•    Ability to travel as necessary to carry out job duties.

Preferred education and experience
•    Doctoral degree in Higher Education, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field.
•    Executive leadership experience at an institution of higher education is preferred.
•    Five to seven years of executive leadership experience within a large organization preferred. 
•    Previous experience student code of conduct experience highly desirable.

Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Non-Discrimination Statement
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws.

This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Office of Human Resources.