LAWRENCE UNIVERSITY

Position Description & Qualifications

Primary Objective:

The Second Year Dean will be responsible for working directly with second-year students and for developing programming that helps them strengthen their connections with the University and move successfully into their upper-class years and beyond. While situated within the division of Student Life, the Dean will work closely with faculty and staff across the institution to build systems and structures that support and augment student success.

The Second Year Dean will play a pivotal role in advancing and actively encouraging action and focused support for diverse students. Interacting closely with students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, will be an important part of the role. The Dean will oversee programs and initiatives to support and develop second year students and transfer students at Lawrence.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide holistic support to departments centered on the University-wide sophomore experience.
• Oversee the lifecycle of program development and design, in close coordination with key partners and subject matter experts, students, staff and faculty members.
• Develop class programming to foster and enhance class identity for second year students.
• Work closely with Student Life leadership to develop and implement new program elements or initiatives. Research similar programs at peer institutions, develop and implement project plans, and manage logistical operations as needed.
• Participate as a key member of the University-wide orientation committee. Provide Transfer student support, orientation and programming to assist the transition process.
• Serve as liaison and advisor to Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor society.
• In consultation with the Dean of Students, the Office of Accessibility, and the Center for Academic Success, provide advising to students academically at-risk.
• Serve as a point of contact for parents, faculty members, coaching staff, and other campus colleagues with academic and/or personal concerns about sophomore students
• Coordinate with campus partners to support first generation to college students, transfer students, and other special populations
• Work with the Center for Academic Success and the Director of Academic Advising
• Collaborate with other deans, the Center for Teaching Excellence, and reference librarians, to enhance individual and programmatic support to ensure student success
• Create assessment tools to measure effectiveness of programming and student life measures.
• Create outreach, support and development opportunities for students taking time away from Lawrence to increase retention and support structure.
• Participate in the Administrator On-Call rotation.
• Serve as the Co-Curricular coordinator for the Summer Institute.
• Serve on divisional and institutional committees to support the development of policies, practices and initiatives to assist the overall campus environment and university operation.
• Perform other such duties as may be required to support the overall mission of the University.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of related experience required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Student Life service and student programming experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred – but not required.
• Experience working with students from diverse and under-represented populations.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated problem-solving and dispute resolution; mediation skills a plus
• Strong organizational skills and expertise in planning, implementing, and evaluating student services
• Must have knowledge of student life issues that affect student success such as discrimination, mental health, disabilities, sexual harassment and assault, alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral), analytical ability, sound judgment, and the ability to handle difficult situations with sensitivity and objectivity
• Talent to work collaboratively and effectively with multiple constituencies, including students, faculty, parents, alumni, and other campus colleagues
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work as a contributing member for a diverse community.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to work independently, to track and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and to meet deadlines.