Dean of Students

Independence Community College•Independence, KS

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Independence Community College seeks a Dean of Students to lead the student experience on campus. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the Executive Cabinet, the Dean provides leadership and administrative direction for Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services, and partners with faculty and staff to support student retention, academic success, wellness, and belonging. The position contributes to strategic planning, facility and budget management, and staff supervision, and helps build a safe, healthy learning environment for the campus community. The Dean oversees student programs and services, staff development, student conduct, orientation, and experiential learning. The role includes serving as the College’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator, supporting drug and alcohol prevention, responding to emergencies and crises, and representing Student Life in College planning and community forums. Work is primarily in a standard office environment during standard business hours, with additional hours as needed and travel to campus sites, conferences, and off-campus meetings. The ideal start date is January 2027, but it is negotiable.

Requirements

Master’s degree.
Three to five years of progressive responsibility in Student Life, or relevant experience in a related department or discipline.
Administrative experience that includes oversight of budgets, personnel, and programs, as well as leadership of broad initiatives.
Proven ability to provide effective vision, management, and leadership in a changing educational environment.
Excellent written and oral communication skills for working with students, parents, faculty, and administrators.
Ability to supervise, lead, and motivate staff and support their ongoing professional development.
Demonstrated skill in team building, engaging the full talents of staff and students, and inspiring the trust and confidence of the College community.
Demonstrated knowledge of Student Life best practices and the capacity to implement them.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and projects.
Ability to build strategic alliances and a passion for higher education.
Exceptional leadership, diplomacy, presentation, and listening skills.
Working knowledge of information systems, with the ability to evaluate system needs and use them in program analysis and evaluation.
Self-motivation, good judgment, emotional maturity, self-confidence, fairness, creativity, and discretion.
Valid driver’s license; must meet the College’s fleet rules and be eligible to drive for business.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative and programmatic oversight and coordination for Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services, including coordination with housing partners.
Supervise, evaluate, and support the professional development of Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services staff.
Partner with faculty and staff to develop experiential learning opportunities, oversee student engagement, and facilitate student reflection and learning.
Collaborate with colleagues to implement the strategic plan for student retention, academic success, development, wellness, and the overall campus experience.
Plan and implement New Student Orientation with campus partners.
Support the College’s drug and alcohol prevention efforts.
Oversee the student conduct process, including investigations, hearings, and sanctions, in accordance with College policy and applicable law.
Serve as the College’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
Engage regularly in Student Life collaborative learning outcome assessment planning, strategy, and implementation.
Lead the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and programs that provide efficient and effective services in support of the College mission.
Represent Student Life’s interests and resources with students and, as appropriate, parents, including in enrollment management, budget, and risk management matters.
Respond to emergency and crisis situations as needed, coordinating communication with healthcare providers, local law enforcement, first responders, and families.
Confer with, counsel, and advise students, faculty, staff, and parents regarding student activities, programs, and services.
Provide consultation and support to departments on Student Life or program-related issues and ensure collaboration between leadership and staff.
Secure appropriate representation of Student Life interests in College planning, including enrollment management, student systems development, and the strategic plan.
Represent the College on Student Life matters in forums involving alumni, parent groups, community organizations, College committees, and national and regional organizations.
Serve on College and Student Life committees as appointed.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.