Assistant Dean of Students

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Assistant Dean of Students

Department / Location : Student Life, Elsah IL

Position Type : Full-time, 12 month position

Summary

The Assistant Dean of Students supports the Dean in advancing the mission of Student Life by leading assessment, program review, and continuous improvement processes, developing innovative programs that advance student success, character education, and well-being. This position provides oversight for Student Life communications and well-being services, including the College Counseling Office and the Foundations of Character & Community Seminar. The Assistant Dean contributes to strategic planning, and integrates best practices from the field of Student Affairs. As deputy to the Dean of Students, the Assistant Dean advises on strategy and communication; represents the office on committees and task forces; coordinates with academic services, institutional research, and athletics; and fosters strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, families, and external partners. This position manages the Director of Residential Services, the Director of Counseling, and the Communications and Student Services Manager.

Who We Are

At our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.

At Principia College, our globally-focused curriculum honors diverse perspectives and develops creative changemakers who use their academic skills for good in service to themselves, their communities, and the world. In-depth study meets real-world experience through study abroad programs, internships, capstone projects, and a robust slate of student activities, including a world-renowned mediation team, top-ranked solar car team, and the nation’s oldest student-run public affairs conference.

Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develops and implements assessment and continuous improvement processes for Student Life programs and services
• Coordinates and leads Student Life program review by managing review cycles, guiding documentation collection and analysis, and overseeing the preparation of written reports, ensuring that findings directly inform strategic planning, continuous improvement, and innovation
• Identifies areas for growth and proactively develops innovative programs and solutions to emerging student needs, with an emphasis on student success, character education, and holistic well-being; ensure programs and services are accessible, culturally responsive, and rooted in evidence-based practices; collaborates with external offices and stakeholders where appropriate
• Oversees Student Life communications, residential services, and well-being services—including Foundations of Character & Community Seminar and supervises the Director of Residential Life, Communications and Student Services Manager, and the Director of College Counseling Services
• Maintains expertise in the field of Student Affairs, staying abreast of Student Affairs literature and submitting notable materials to the Dean; attends relevant conferences, participates in professional associations, and pursue ongoing professional development
• Serves as a member of the Dean of Students’ leadership team, advising on strategic approaches, communications, and high-level decision-making; assist in developing, reviewing, and / or updating department programs or policies
• Represents the Dean of Students on committees, task forces, and at campus events as assigned; serve as Acting Dean of Students when necessary
• Builds and maintains trusted, collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, parents / families, and external stakeholders

Core Competencies

Minimum Qualifications :

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of Principia.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive starting salary range for this position : $90,463- $101,771 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

In addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes :

Equal Opportunity

Principia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran status.

In hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.