Assistant Dean of Students

Location

Hickory, North Carolina

The Assistant Dean of Students serves as a key leader within the Student Experience Leadership Team and plays a central role in advancing student engagement, belonging, and campus involvement. Reporting to the Vice President of Student Experience and Dean of Students, the Assistant Dean provides strategic leadership and direct supervision for the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and the Office of Residence Life.

This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive student experience strategy that fosters a welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive campus environment. Through intentional programming, leadership development, and collaborative partnerships, the Assistant Dean enhances the overall student experience and strengthens opportunities for connection and community.

In close partnership with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and the Vice President for Student Experience, this role will also co-design and advance data-informed retention initiatives that promote persistence, belonging, and student success from matriculation through graduation. The Assistant Dean also manages the student conduct process and contributes to policy development through the Code of Student Conduct. In this capacity, the role ensures that policies and procedures promote student learning, accountability, and a safe, respectful campus climate.

• Office of Student Involvement and Office of Residence Life

• Provide strategic leadership and supervision for the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and the Office of Residence Life.
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive student engagement strategy in alignment with the University’s strategic plan designed to strengthen retention and leadership pathways for all students.
• Partner with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Vice President for Student Experience to co-design data-informed retention initiatives.
• Manage the student conduct process, ensuring timely, fair, and educational responses to alleged violations. Support policy development and ongoing review of the Code of Student Conduct to promote community standards, student accountability, and institutional compliance.
• Manage and assess engagement and residential initiatives and leadership programs to promote a vibrant campus environment.
• Serve in the senior leader on-call rotation to respond to student emergencies, provide leadership in critical situations, and collaborate with campus partners to ensure student safety, well‑being, and coordinated crisis response.
• Oversee departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning to ensure effective stewardship of institutional resources and support for strategic priorities.
• Support the Vice President of Student Experience in collecting data for Clery reporting and the biannual Drug‑Free Schools and Campuses Act.
• Serve on university, divisional, and departmental committees, task forces, and strategic engagement groups to advance institutional goals, strengthen cross‑campus partnerships, and contribute to long‑range planning efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree preferred; bachelor's degree with 3‑5 years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs required.
• Experience supervising full‑time professional staff or graduate assistants.
• Student conduct and residence life experience preferred.
• Knowledge of current issues and trends in higher education regarding retention and engagement.
• Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to laws and policies governing student services.
• Dedication to student development and serving a variety of student populations.
• Proven ability to lead collaborative efforts among various constituencies.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Skilled in handling sensitive and confidential situations with professionalism and diplomacy.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to…