Associate Dean , Restorative Justice

Staff Openings•South Royalton, VT

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Dean for Restorative Justice & Inclusive Excellence provides strategic, academic, and operational leadership that integrates the work of the Center for Justice Reform (CJR) with institution-wide efforts to cultivate a restorative, inclusive, and relationship-centered campus community. This combined role advances a holistic vision for an institution grounded in restorative principles—one that centers connection, accountability, repair, and shared responsibility for community well-being. This position oversees all curricular, co-curricular, and community-facing programming connected to the Center for Justice Reform including the Master of Arts in Restorative Justice (MARJ), the RJ Graduate Certificate, and restorative justice events and partnerships. More broadly the position guides institutional efforts to embed restorative practice within Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging strategy, policy, pedagogy, and culture, helping the school cultivate a more equitable, inclusive, and relational learning environment. This is a senior academic leadership staff role (not faculty) reporting to the Deans of the Law School and the Graduate School.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in restorative justice, criminology, sociology, law, education, public policy, or related field.
7-10 years of leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit, or other mission-driven organizations.
Demonstrated leadership experience in restorative justice, DEI work, or related institutional change efforts.
Training and facilitation skills in restorative practices.
Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship building abilities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Must be able to work legally within the United States without sponsorship.
Ability to perform all essential functions of the job with or without basic accommodations.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree or J.D.
Experience developing academic programs or leading complex educational initiatives.
Experience in higher education administration.
Demonstrated scholarship or practice in restorative justice and/or equity-centered organizational change.
Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and leading cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Provide vision, oversight, and continuous improvement for the MARJ program and Graduate Certificate.
Collaborate with faculty on curriculum development, assessment, and pedagogical innovation grounded in restorative principles.
Ensure alignment with institutional accreditation standards and strategic priorities.
Lead all CJR events, symposia, trainings, and partnerships with local, national, and international RJ organizations.
Promote the CJR as a thought leader and hub for restorative justice scholarship and practice.
Support faculty and student research, applied projects, and community-engaged learning.
Oversee the CJR budget, staffing, and resource planning.
Foster collaborative relationships with internal and external partners to expand the impact of CJR initiatives.
Shape and implement institution-wide DEIB priorities through a restorative lens, emphasizing relationship-centered processes and community-informed decision-making.
Co-develop and monitor DEIB metrics, reporting, and accountability structures.
Oversee the DEI budget, staffing, and resource planning.
Facilitate restorative conversations, circles, and processes that support community healing, conflict resolution, and inclusion across the institution.
Partner with HR, student services, academic affairs, and other units to embed restorative approaches into policies, practices, and professional development.
Provide leadership and oversight for campus wide cultural events such as the MLK Day events and the cultural celebration.
Provide training and guidance for faculty, staff, and students to increase cultural competence, reduce bias, and strengthen inclusive teaching and leadership practices.
Develop resources and programming that elevate diverse lived experiences and promote equity in both the academic and workplace environment.
Serve on institutional committees and working groups related to restorative justice, DEIB, and community well-being.
Serve as a member of VLGS’s Senior Leadership team.
Advise the Deans on restorative and DEIB matters affecting graduate programs, student experience, and organizational culture.
Build bridges between CJR’s academic mission and the institution’s broader equity commitments.
Oversee institutional discrimination policy.