Job description
Brown University seeks a seasoned, strategic, and deeply student-centered leader to serve as its next Associate Vice President and Dean of Students (AVP/DOS).
ABOUT BROWN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading Ivy League research university, home to world-renowned faculty and also an innovative educational institution where the curiosity, creativity, and intellectual joy of students drive academic excellence. Distinctively known as a University College, Brown is a major research university where undergraduate education is based in the College, and students and faculty at all levels collaborate across the College, departments, and schools.
The spirit of the undergraduate Open Curriculum infuses every aspect of the University. Brown is a place where rigorous scholarship, complex problem-solving, and service to the public good are defined by intense collaboration, intellectual discovery, and working in ways that transcend traditional boundaries. As a private, nonprofit institution, the University advances its mission through support from a community invested in Brown’s commitment to advance knowledge and make a positive difference locally and globally.
THE ROLE OF DEAN
Reporting to the Vice President for Campus Life, Patricia Poitevien, the Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students and serves as a key member of the Division’s leadership team. The role also oversees approximately 50 staff through four direct reports leading Student Support Services, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Study Activities, and Accessibility Services. As a senior leader, the AVP/DOS engages deeply in strategic planning and drives initiatives that enhance the student experience across undergraduate, graduate, and medical populations. The role requires a highly visible, engaged presence with students and a capacity to translate student feedback into thoughtful, forward-looking strategy and action. The AVP/DOS provides leadership and oversight for complex, interdepartmental, and interdivisional efforts including crisis response, student development and support, and community-building initiatives. This includes particular emphasis on student organizations and co-curricular engagement as key drivers of community and belonging.
The full Position Profile can be downloaded here: https://www.dsgco.com/search/23064 -brown-university-associate-vice-president-and-dean-of-students/.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
- Extraordinary commitment to a deeply student-centered leadership approach, with the ability to translate student voice into strategy and action;
- Comfort engaging with highly motivated, vocal, and engaged students who expect transparency, responsiveness, and partnership;
- Demonstrated ability to lead through change, inspire innovation, and move teams beyond established practices;
- Strategic mindset paired with a willingness to be hands-on and operational when needed;
- Exceptional collaboration and relationship-building skills, with success navigating complex, matrixed organizations;
- Ability to inspire, develop, and bring staff along through periods of evolution and cultural shift;
- Strong critical thinking skills and the capacity to assess systems and reimagine approaches to better serve students;
- Experience with crisis management and serving as a trusted thought partner in high-stakes situations;
- Demonstrated commitment to supporting and advocating for students and colleagues from diverse identities and backgrounds;
- Experience supervising and developing staff, managing resources, and advancing organizational effectiveness;
- Experience engaging with graduate and/or professional student populations is highly desirable;
- A background in student affairs is helpful but not required; candidates who bring adjacent or complementary experiences and a willingness to challenge traditional models are encouraged;
- Minimum 10 years of administrative experience in higher education or a related complex organization, with progressively responsible leadership roles; and
- Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Rhode Island. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Brown offers a generous benefits package.
How to apply
DSG Storbeck has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Ruth Shoemaker Wood and Anne Koellhoffer. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected] All inquiries are strictly confidential.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AT BROWN UNIVERSITY
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities.
