Associate Dean of Students - The Catholic University of America

The Associate Dean serves as a leader and educator for essential university programs and services; serves as an institutional resource for staff and students; supports and promotes the mission and vision of CUA; and contributes positively to the CUA community of research, teaching, learning and service to the Church, the nation, and the world.

The Associate Dean provides oversight to one or more focus areas of the Office of the Dean of Students; additionally, in partnership with other Deans and Directors within the DOS organization, the Associate Dean:

• Provides expertise, leadership and coordination for departmental retention programs and interventions, focusing on a model of active engagement and mentoring of students in the educational experience.
• Provides individualized support to students in relation to academic, behavioral, personal and/or social issues and concerns; assistance in adjusting to university life; and in the event of a personal, medical or family emergency.
• Manages departmental critical incident response involving students and campus events.
• Develops strong and diverse short-term and long-range goals and objectives related to student retention, engagement, and connectedness utilizing best practices for student success and achievement.
• Supervises professional and paraprofessional staff.

The Associate Dean provides dynamic leadership in implementing, coordinating and supporting comprehensive, student-centered initiatives that reflect institutional thinking, foster student retention and promote the holistic development of students. The Associate Dean ensures that programs and services are implemented with attention to high standards, quality, collaboration and fiscal soundness. 

This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students and represents the department in a variety of public relations forums and university events.  The Associate Dean establishes relationships with faculty, academic leadership, enrollment services, campus life professionals and other integral staff throughout the campus community.

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: up to $87,000. 

• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate outstanding educational and developmental systems and processes which supplement global University and departmental objectives and provide individualized and holistic support services for students.
  • • Ensure fundamental policies and procedures are written, established, organized and communicated effectively to students, staff and the campus community and represent the best and emerging practices of the field consistent with the Catholic Identity of the University.
    • Ensure compliance with national, local and University laws, regulations, standards and codes. Implement appropriate compliance measures.  Maintain applicable staff employment records.
    • Establish useful methods to evaluate, maintain and continuously improve program efficiency, effectiveness and impact.  Develop initiatives to address student service satisfaction and continuous improvements through appropriate data collection, reports and assessments. 
    • Utilize information technology applications, including the implementation of data collection software.
    • Routinely seek opportunities to utilize financial resources more efficiently and to identify new and alternative sources to improve financial efficiency and effectiveness (e.g. grants, collaborations with local institutions, block booking for entertainment).
    • Develop formal, collaborative working relationships with associated departments, including Academic Affairs; Admission; Athletics; Campus Activities; Campus Ministry; Center for Academic and Career Success; Counseling Center; Dean of Students, Disability Support Services, Enrollment Services; General Counsel; Housing Services; Public Safety (DPS); and Student Health Services.
    • Remain actively engaged with appropriate and effective professional organizations.  Actively seek opportunities to receive regional and national recognition for departmental innovations and initiatives.
• Provide expertise, leadership and coordination for departmental retention programs and interventions, focusing on a model of active engagement and mentoring of students in the educational experience.
  • • Develop systems to monitor student transition, performance, and engagement with the campus community.  Informally counsel students in an effort to enhance sense of belonging to CUA.
    • Develop and coordinate curricular and co-curricular support programs and services to improve/support student academic success and extra-curricular involvement.
    • Coordinate programs and services designed to reinforce and create connections with/between individual students, student groups, and the university community.
    • Enhance the university experience for students by advising student groups.
    • Manage department efforts geared toward understanding the needs of first year students.
    • Collaborate with student organizations and university departments on programs that educate the campus community, in order to encourage the development of student citizens and foster an environment of civility, understanding and accountability.
    • Assist in the creation, development, and enhancement of publication and information educational materials that will support student retention.
• Provide individualized support to students in relation to academic, behavioral, personal and/or social issues and concerns; assistance in adjusting to university life; and in the event of a personal, medical or family emergency.

• Serve on the Student Affairs administrator on duty rotation. Coordinate departmental response to emergency, crisis, and unusual situations involving students and/or the campus community. 

• Collect data and disseminate reports and analyses reflecting progress, trends, and appropriate recommendations for future programs and initiatives. 
  • • Utilize database management tools to collect and track population data and measure departmental success. 
    • Conduct regular evaluation and assessment of programs and services, focusing on learning outcomes.  Analyze data in relation to student behavioral trends.

• Serve as a resource person for students, parent, faculty and administrators.
  • • Develop new and utilize existing communication tools (i.e. websites, list-serves, etc.) related to core and departmental functions.
    • Design and implement a system to educate and inform the campus community of departmental initiatives, including the development and publication of informational and educational materials.
    • Serve as the liaison with faculty and staff to foster an understanding of departmental initiatives.
    • Provide consultation to administrative staff and faculty regarding requirements and procedures.  Maintain regular communication with applicable staff in Academic Schools.
    • Present training workshops and seminars for students, faculty and staff. 
• Departmental Leadership (general)
  • • Acquire and maintain a strong working knowledge of related university departments, systems and processes.
    • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with professional colleagues on and off campus.
    • Maintain a strong working knowledge of the student development field. Apply and share knowledge to produce fundamentally sound and creative solutions to critical student needs.
    • Serve on departmental committees and task forces, such as case management and the critical incident response team, and assist with University-wide initiatives, including but not limited to, Orientation, Family Weekend, Commencement, Convocation etc.
    • Participate in and contribute to the strategic, operational and budget planning processes of the department. 
    • Maintain high visibility and accessibility, and initiate regular communications with the University community, including executive management, students, faculty and staff. 
    • Create goodwill for the University in service to families of students, visitors, patrons, government officials, community leaders and the general public.  Assist with the cultivation of positive community relations.
    • Contribute to the overall success of the Office of the Dean of Students and the University by performing all other essential duties as assigned.

• A Master's degree

• At least five years of professional experience in student life/higher education administration, management and/or educational support. 

• Experience with residence life, student conduct, student engagement, student retention, and student support beneficial.
• Ability to translate a mission and vision into successful programs and services.  Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, implement and evaluate programs and services.
• Strong service orientation and ability to relate effectively with diverse individuals and groups at all levels of an organization.
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively to develop effective student-oriented services. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and by using a wide variety of tools and mediums.
• Proven “hands on” and energetic team leader. 
• Proven analytical, technical and supervisory skills. 
• Ability to develop programs to enable employees to grow in their positions. 
• Must be able to generate the confidence and trust of individuals and the extended campus community.
• Demonstrated ability to be productive, deliver high quality work, take initiative, use good judgment and solve problems.
• Strong ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and handle heavy workloads under pressure and within deadlines.
• Ability to produce quality results with limited resources.
• Knowledge and skills with automated computer systems, new technologies, records management, database systems to support service and operational needs; skill with use of university systems within three months of appointment.