Job description

Elon, NC

Elon University, a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning, is a private institution in Elon, North Carolina, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its next dean of students. This is an on-site leadership role.

At Elon, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, emphasizing global experiences and career development. More than 70 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education, and health care. Elon is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

The Dean of Students provides visionary, strategic leadership for student learning, welfare, and well-being, which includes the supervision and success of the following departments and functions: Student Conduct, Student Care and Outreach, student success and retention, graduate student life, emergency response, medical withdrawals and leaves of absence, behavioral intervention and threat assessment, and community relationships regarding student issues. The dean also initiates and maintains collaborative relationships with faculty and staff from across the campus and with parents, community members, and other stakeholders to foster a learning environment that promotes student success. As an advocate for students and their interests, the dean serves as the advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA) executive board and works to actively promote and uphold student observance of the University Honor Code.

The dean supervises the Assistant Dean of Students, Assistant Dean for Student Success and Retention, Director of Student Care and Outreach, Director of Student Conduct, and the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Students and oversees a budget of $1.3 million.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will hold a master’s degree with a minimum of ten years of progressive post-master’s experience in one or more student affairs functional areas, at least five of which must be at the level of director of above. A terminal degree is strongly preferred.

Elon University invites candidates with non-traditional backgrounds in business, leadership and organization development, or other fields. The ability to translate experiences from those fields into a higher education context is essential.

The Dean will have a commitment to, knowledge of, and experience leading one or more student life functional areas; experience with staff supervision and development, strategic planning, assessment and evaluation, and data-driven decision making; experience working with diverse populations and commitment to equity and inclusion; and demonstrated experience building partnerships and relating effectively with a diverse range of constituents and stakeholders.

Further, the successful candidate must possess demonstrated transformational leadership skills; administrative writing, interpersonal communication, and presenting skills with exceptional organizational and project management skills; demonstrated skill with employee recruitment, supervision, and training; and proficiency in strategic planning and assessment.

The ability to articulate a vision and take steps necessary to actualize organizational goals; ability to utilize student development theory to design, implement, and evaluate effective programs, services, and interventions; and demonstrated ability to manage crisis response and support students, families, and colleagues in emergency/crisis situations are all required of the new Dean.

Candidates must have a flexible management style, process orientation, and ability to meet project objectives in a timely manner; demonstrated effectiveness in eliciting institution-wide buy-in, readiness for collaboration and consultation with colleagues, and the ability to execute strategic initiatives; and a commitment to divisional and University priorities for mentoring, leadership and skill development, inclusive excellence, multifaith engagement, wellness and well-being, vibrant residential campus experience, civic engagement, and continuous improvement and operational excellence.

How to apply

Elon University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin February 19, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via [email protected] for confidential inquiries and salary information.

Visit the Elon University website at www.elon.edu

Elon University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran’s status (collectively, “Protected Categories”) in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, or the operation of any of its programs.

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