Job Description
The Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students is a senior leader in the Division of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs responsible for fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment that enhances student success and well-being. This role provides vision, strategic direction, and leadership for key departments and programs within the division, including student conduct, advocacy, support services, and co-curricular initiatives. The position serves as a primary advocate for students, representing their voices in institutional decisions, and ensures alignment of divisional efforts with the university's mission and strategic priorities. The AVC / DOS reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and serves as a member of the Vice Chancellor's leadership team. The AVC / DOS provides supervision and strategic direction for multiple departments in the division.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Direction
- Executes supervisory responsibilities, including recruitment, transfers, performance management, and other personnel decisions for the following departments : Office of Dean of Students, Students and Family Engagement, Disabilities Resource Center, Veterans Affairs, and other student support programs
- Leads strategic planning initiatives and establishes goals and objectives to optimize the allocation of financial, administrative, and staffing resources, ensuring alignment with the unit and divisional strategic plans
- Develops and implements operating policies and procedures in compliance with institutional regulations and unit objectives
- Designs professional development opportunities to enhance leadership capacity and fosters collaboration and cross-unit partnerships to advance student affairs initiatives
Student Conduct, Crisis Management and Compliance
Serves as the chief student conduct officer, student ombuds and as one of the Deputy Title IX CoordinatorsDevelops, implements, and upholds policies and practices that foster a safe and supportive campus environment, including providing oversight and strategic response to student behavioral concernsServes as the authority and convener for the Behavior Intervention and Threat Assessment Teams to monitor, assess, and respond to student at risk mental and physical behaviorResponds and assists with emergencies and personal tragedies involving students, coordinating appropriate communication plans, providing support and resources to students in needServes as a resource for faculty and staff on student behavioral issues in the classroom and workplaceEnsures compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including federally mandated reporting and disclosure requirementsMinimizes institutional liability by systematically reviewing compliance protocols and practicesStudent Development & Retention
Develops and oversees programs and services that enhance the student experience, improve retention, and increase graduation ratesEnsures high-quality and consistent student development programming across all departmentsFosters co-curricular collaboration with other divisions and units to support student recruitment and successOversees the quality and consistency of student development programming, services, and resources across multiple departments with the specific purpose of increasing student retention and graduation ratesBudget and Resource Management
Coordinates with unit directors and the business team to develop and manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure responsible financial stewardshipIdentifies and implements organizational changes needed to adapt to market and technological demandsDivision Leadership & Campus Engagement
Participates in the division leadership team and contributes to strategic planning initiatives, retention efforts, and University-wide committeesActs as a liaison with community leaders and external stakeholders to advance student development and engagementThe ideal candidate will possess the following :
Strong knowledge of student development theory and best practicesExpertise in crisis management, student conduct, and risk assessmentKnowledge of compliance regulations including Title IX, ADA, FERPA, and the Clery ActStrong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skillsProven track record in developing and implementing policies, student development programs, and strategic initiativesDemonstrated experience in crisis management, student advocacy, policy implementation, and fostering an inclusive campus environmentReview of applications will begin October 6, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.
Qualifications
Minimum :
Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or a related field (Doctorate preferred)A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs or a related areaA minimum of 3-5 years of supervisory experience responsibilitiesProven track record in developing and implementing policies, student development programs, and strategic initiativesDemonstrated experience in crisis management, student advocacy, policy implementation, and fostering an inclusive campus environmentPreferred :
Eight (8) years of leadership experience in student affairs or related areaProven track record in developing and implementing policies, student development programs, and strategic initiativesDemonstrated experience in crisis management, student advocacy, policy implementation, and fostering an inclusive campus environmentThe University of Tennessee is an EEO / AA / Title VI / Title IX / Section 504 / ADA / ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
