Dean of Student Engagement and Leadership

Function:

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, the Dean of Student Engagement and Leadership creates a culture of learning and engagement by applying student development theories and learning outcomes that promotes a campus climate of opportunity, strong diverse partnerships, leadership development, and integrated student learning experiences for a student body that is increasingly diverse and global. This is a 12 month, live-on position that provides leadership for the holistic formation of students, preparing students to serve the global church and the world in the 21stcentury. This position manages a comprehensive program intended to enrich the co-curricular experience of undergraduate and graduate students, to create an inclusive environment for a diverse student body, and to encourage broad based participation in student life. The Dean is responsible for the areas of leadership development, student activities, club and organizational advising, student government, broad-based diversity and inclusion education, and engagement that complements the academic curriculum. This is accomplished through educational, cultural, and social programs that foster student learning and development as well as assessment, supervision, and development of both professional and student staff.

 

Description of Duties and Tasks:     1. Work with the VP of Student Life to set vision, develop, and implement strategies of holistic formation (recruiting through graduation) of students through the integration of high-impact programs and co-curricular experiences that advance student learning, development, and success. 2. Supervise the Student Engagement Team, consisting of the Directors and Coordinators of the following offices: Multicultural Initiatives Office, International Student Organization, Office of Experiential Education and Community Engagement, and Student Leadership Development (including Student Government, Campus Activities and Orientation). 3. Provide continuous leadership and improvement within these departments to the development of student learning outcomes, planning, and departmental goals and objectives. Facilitate regular meetings with these respective areas. 4. Develops, manages, monitors, and forecasts operational budgets and fiscal reports. Performs periodic fiscal analysis of revenue and expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness for each of the supervisory areas. 5. In partnership with the Multicultural Initiatives Office, the International Student Organization, and the Vice President for Student Life, develop strategies and initiatives to give full expression to the Shalom Statement, related to diversity and intercultural competence including serving on the Multicultural Affairs Committee. 6. Oversee, set vision, and work with the Student Activities director to implement leadership development of student government, club leaders, as well as faculty/staff club advisors. Engage the leadership and activities of the Student Government by supporting them in their leadership, learning, and campus advocacy as a secondary advisor. 7. Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the annual Student Leadership Development Conference in partnership with cabinet, student life staff, and students, as well as the development of other leadership opportunities. 8. Use data to assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives to develop a comprehensive multi-year plan that articulates goals, objectives, and assessment strategy to measure success. 9. Consult with appropriate university offices on issues related to bias incidents and serves as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. 10. Develop and implement policies, programming and educational opportunities that support community involvement and service to strengthen local and global connections, enhance student retention, and sense of belonging. 11. Counsel students upon request or by referral to facilitate their formation. 12. Participate in regular monthly staff meetings with Student Life staff and the Student Life Leadership Team. 13. Maintain a professional image and manner consistent with Gordon’s mission and goals and maintain, as well as relevant professional affiliations and memberships for both personal, professional, and programmatic development. 14. Perform other duties as assigned, such as representing Student Life on campus-wide committees and participating in campus-wide events.   Required Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Training: To fully perform the above functions, the incumbent must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities, or demonstrate that the major responsibilities of the job can be accomplished, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities. 1. Must profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord; must accept Gordon’s Statement of Faith; must practice Christian values in daily interactions with students, faculty, staff, and the public as outlined by Gordon’s Statement of Life and Conduct; Sexual Ethics Statement; and Shalom Statement and must work to advance Gordon’s mission through this position. 2. Master’s degree higher education, counseling, student development or related field required; doctorate or doctoral study a plus. 3. At least 5years of progressive related experience in higher education, especially student development. Experience in international higher education a plus. 4. Demonstrated experience in effectively supervising professional staff. 5. Exhibit an understanding of the current evidence-based practices in student affairs and an awareness of emerging issues in higher education, including cultural competency, retention and persistence, community building, and student learning. 6. Possess the ability to utilize technology for communications and engagement with students. 7. Willingness to engage in critical cultural conversations with students. 8. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, and demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, and the community. 9. Demonstrated expertise and knowledge in student activities programs and leadership development, event planning and management. 10. Knowledge of appropriate methods and strategies to promote and sustain effective working relationships within a diverse and multicultural environment. 11. Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.