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Dean Of Student Life Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sweet Briar College

Dean of Student Life

Sweet Briar, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Dean of Student Life Classification: Full-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position Reports to: The President of the College Job Summary/Objective: Sweet Briar College seeks a Dean of Student Life ...

Lawrence University

Dean of Students

Appleton, WI · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, the Dean of Students is an organizational manager, responsible for leadership of key Student Life units while fostering an inclusive environment. The ...

Lawrence University

Dean of Students

Appleton, WI · On-site

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, the Dean of Students is an organizational manager, responsible for leadership of key Student Life units while fostering an inclusive environment. The ...

Touro University

Advisory Dean

Valhalla, NY · On-site

$35K/yr

Overview The Advisory Dean Program ("ADP" or "Program") Of New York Medical College (NYMC), School of Medicine (SOM) is established as an integral component of student life in providing longitudinal ...

Touro University

Advisory Dean

Valhalla, NY · On-site

$35K/yr

Overview The Advisory Dean Program ("ADP" or "Program") Of New York Medical College (NYMC), School of Medicine (SOM) is established as an integral component of student life in providing longitudinal ...

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How much do dean of student life jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for dean of student life in the United States is $76,501.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the responsibilities of a dean of student life?

A Dean of Student Life is responsible for overseeing student affairs and ensuring a positive campus environment. They manage programs related to student engagement, wellness, discipline, and support services. The dean collaborates with faculty, staff, and student organizations to foster a vibrant campus culture and address student concerns. They also help develop policies that promote student development and success, often serving as a key liaison between students and administration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dean of student life?

To thrive as a Dean of Student Life, you need a strong background in student affairs, higher education administration, and counseling, typically supported by a master's degree in higher education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, campus conduct management software, and compliance regulations such as FERPA is essential. Exceptional leadership, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These competencies are critical for fostering a positive campus environment, supporting student well-being, and ensuring effective administration of student life programs.

What are the main challenges a dean of student life typically faces when supporting a diverse student body?

A Dean of Student Life often encounters the challenge of meeting the diverse needs and expectations of students from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities. Balancing individual student concerns with institutional policies requires sensitivity and strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, the role often involves mediating conflicts, fostering an inclusive campus environment, and ensuring students have access to appropriate resources and support services. Collaboration with academic departments, counseling services, and student organizations is key to addressing these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Dean Of Student Life vs Student Activities Coordinator?

AspectDean Of Student LifeStudent Activities Coordinator
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in education, student affairs, or related field; experience in student servicesBachelor's degree; experience in event planning or student engagement
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, leadership role within the university, overseeing student programsEvent planning, student engagement activities, often more hands-on
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities, student affairs departmentsStudent organizations, campus recreation, student life offices
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in student servicesPlanning student events and activities

The Dean Of Student Life typically holds a leadership role with advanced education and oversees broad student services, while the Student Activities Coordinator focuses on organizing specific student events and activities. Both roles are vital in student engagement but differ in scope, responsibilities, and required credentials.

Is dean of student life a good job?

The dean of student life is a leadership role responsible for overseeing student activities, welfare, and campus engagement. It typically requires strong interpersonal, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills, and may involve working long hours and managing budgets. The position can be rewarding for those interested in student development and higher education administration.

Is it hard to become a dean of student life?

Becoming a dean of student life typically requires extensive experience in student affairs, leadership skills, and a relevant master's or doctoral degree. The role often involves years of progressively responsible positions in higher education or student services before reaching this leadership level.

What does a dean of student life do?

A dean of student life oversees programs and services that support student well-being, engagement, and development on campus. They coordinate student activities, address behavioral issues, and collaborate with staff to create a positive campus environment, often requiring strong leadership and communication skills.

What cities are hiring for Dean Of Student Life jobs?

Cities with the most Dean Of Student Life job openings:

What states have the most Dean Of Student Life jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dean Of Student Life jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Dean Of Student Life jobs?

For Dean Of Student Life jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Dean of Student Life

Sweet Briar, VA • On-site

Sweet Briar College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Sweet Briar Collegeexternal

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Sweet Briar College is a women’s liberal arts institution, located in Central Virginia approximately 12 miles north of Lynchburg and 60 miles south of Charlottesville. Founded in 1901, the College’s curriculum encompasses a comprehensive baccalaureate program in the arts, sciences and humanities, as well as graduate programs in education. It is one of two women’s colleges in the United States offering an ABET-accredited engineering degree. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Sweet Briar College is committed to enhancing our community and encourages applications from qualified individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas who would increase the diversity of the College.

 

Job Title: Dean of Student Life 

 

Classification:  Full-year, full-time, benefits-eligible position

Reports to: The President of the College

Job Summary/Objective: Sweet Briar College seeks a Dean of Student Life to further our educational mission to develop women leaders.  We seek an energetic, student-focused individual with a strong commitment to supporting our increasingly diverse student body. In addition, this individual will support student development through administration of a substantive, innovative, and engaging co-curriculum which intersects with the Leadership Core, our innovative general education program.  This individual, together with a small full-time staff, resident coordinators and advisors, will model an atmosphere of respect, caring, collective engagement, accountability, and personal growth in a tight-knit residential community.  

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Guidance and supervision of residence life, student engagement, student conduct, student leadership, spiritual life and health and wellness.
  • Manage staff, and oversee the planning, implementation, and supervision of programs and services in the student life area.
  • Partner with stakeholders across campus to support student success and retention.
  • Collaborate across the college to continue supporting our efforts in diversity, community and civility.  
  • Collaborate with admissions to develop strategies to engage all students.
  • Collaborate with campus stakeholders to onboard new students to the college.
  • Oversee assessment of programs and student life area to ensure continuing quality, innovation, and engagement by students.
  • Oversee the student judicial system.
  • Monitor budgets and provide effective and responsible fiscal planning.
  • Coordinate services for students’ health challenges/needs.
  • Serve on college committees as requested.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Required qualifications

  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field with more than 7-10  years of relevant collegiate experience.
  • Trained in current best practices to support diversity, equity, and inclusivity initiatives in the college environment.
  • Demonstrated excellence in supporting a diverse student body.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to engage, provide support to, and motivate students.
  • Demonstrated skill in organization, leadership, and management.  
  • Demonstrated effective leadership skills.
  • Demonstrated effective problem-solving and strategic planning skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in various forms and strong presentation and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to manage budgets and maintain records/databases to track, compile and interpret data. 
  • Ability to maintain confidential information.
  • Ability to prioritize workload with multiple demands and frequent interruptions. 
  • Evening and weekend work inherent in the position.

Preferred qualifications

  • Ph.D. or Ed.D. in relevant field
  • 10+  years of professional experience in student affairs in a residential, liberal arts setting with progressively more responsibilities
  • Experience in student conduct systems
  • Experience working at a single sex education 

Work Environment:  Office setting, working with students and visitors, computers, files and other materials.

Physical Demands:  Standing, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds. 

 

Travel:  Occasional travel to consortium-related meetings and for professional development.

Work Hours:  Flexible hours with occasional night and weekend shifts. 

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The salary range for this position is $90,000.00- $110,000.00 per year. This is commensurate with education and experience and will be determined in accordance with institutional guidelines.

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