Dean of Students (Institutional)

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary is seeking a Dean of Students to foster and sustain a safe, healthy, and supportive environment that holistically nurtures students’ intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. This role provides leadership for the Student Life Department, serving all Gordon-Conwell students across various campuses and online programs. The Dean of Students develops, implements, and assesses strategies and programs aligned with the Seminary’s student service philosophy, focusing on student engagement, events, and community life. The department also oversees housing and residence life, campus safety, and co-curricular opportunities for formation. This position ensures robust student life throughout the institution and serves as an appointed member of the President’s Cabinet.

Requirements

A master’s degree is required.
A minimum of five years working in student affairs/higher education or in an area that is demonstrably relatable to seminary education is required.
Prior experience in developing, coordinating, and directing adult-learner development, preferably at the graduate education level, but at a minimum within contexts clearly relatable to seminary education.
A solid understanding of and proactive approach to student development and student life services is required.
Strong empathy skills with an intuitive grasp of how to interpret human behavior.
Ease communicating and building rapport in a range of settings, with both individuals and groups.
Demonstrated skill and effectiveness in leadership and human relations with sensitivity to and knowledge of multicultural issues and diverse student population needs.
Demonstrated ability to work collegially and respectfully within a matrixed organization, and across all levels.
Agreement and commitment to GCTS’s Statement of Faith and The Mission of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Community Life Statement.

Nice To Haves

A PhD or DMin is preferred.
Experience at a Christian organization aligned with Gordon-Conwell's mission, values and community life statement is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and supervision of the Student Life Team, including strategic planning, program assessment, and evaluation.
Develop and manage annual budgets for the Student Life Office and oversee budgets for departments within Student Life.
Collaborate with a team to make key decisions on policies, procedures, and responses related to academics, student well-being, and safety.
Coordinate with the VP, Academic Dean, Registration, Student Success, Communications, and others.
Serve on the President’s Cabinet, advocating for the needs of all students.
Develop, implement, and evaluate policies and regulations pertaining to students and their formation.
Oversee annual updates to the Student Handbook and provide counsel in the revision of other publications like the campus housing manual and International Student Handbook.
Contribute to the development of academic policies and updates in coordination with Registration and other offices.
Oversee the administration of instruments that collect data on the student experience (Entering Student Questionnaire, Current Student Satisfaction Survey, Graduating Student Questionnaire).
Convene regular cross-departmental meetings to review data and report to relevant stakeholders.
Manage, advise, and counsel the all-GCTS Student Council.
Oversee operations at the Charlotte Campus and various regional hub sites, ensuring a student-centric approach for Networked Ed students.
Establish and develop a culture that encourages spiritual and character formation, and where diversity is encouraged.
Serve as a role model, cultivating an atmosphere where students learn to respect differences, take responsibility for their actions, and exercise leadership.
Design, direct, and coordinate programs and interventions to provide service to all students and their families, promoting quality of student life.
Ensure compliance and oversight to all Seminary Student Life personnel on various student services and initiatives.
Work with stakeholders to ensure campus safety in all locations.
Serve as part of the response for any crisis on the Charlotte campus.
Provide leadership to the Conduct Review Committee, which counsels and supports students and conducts formal hearings.
Administer academic extensions for Networked Education students, in coordination with Student Success and Registration departments.
Provide counsel for students on personal, spiritual, and formation matters at the Charlotte Campus/Networked Education, referring as necessary.
Ensure appropriate and mission-oriented programming throughout the institution.
Oversee and develop “hubs” for current students to engage in communities of learning for support and encouragement based on geography.
Oversee the welcome experience for all students at Gordon-Conwell.
Develop streamlined communication avenues for Networked Education students to connect with each other and with resources, programs, and events.
Serve on the Networked Education Admissions Review Committee and various ad hoc committees.
Serve as Title IX Investigator.
Responsible for ADA compliance, including handling student inquiries, recommended accommodations, and equitable resolution of complaints.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.