What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Dean of Students position at Bushnell University?
Position: Assistant Dean of Students (Full-Time, 12 months)
Department: Student Life
Supervisor: Jocelyn Hubbs, Vice-President for Student Development, Title IX Coordinator
Bushnell University Overview:
Founded in 1895, Bushnell University provides a holistic Christian education, fostering wisdom, faith, and service in its students. In joining the staff here, you will be part of an academic community that seeks to cultivate your faith while you make a difference in the lives of our students. Bushnell is the largest private university in Eugene’s vibrant university district, which also includes the University of Oregon. Eugene is a college town small enough to know your neighbors and large enough to offer fantastic arts, entertainment, dining, healthcare, and educational opportunities. It is also an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest, being just one hour from the Oregon Coast, one hour from the Cascade Mountains, and less than two hours from Portland and the Columbia River Gorge.
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Vice President for Student Development, the Assistant Dean of Students is a student development educator serving as the institution’s chief student life, housing, and judicial officer. Responsibilities include providing direct administration of the student conduct system including restorative practices, supporting high-level cases of student care and success, managing oversight of the student handbook including policy review and revision, and supporting the overall efforts of the Student Life office. The Assistant Dean of Students also provides direct leadership to comprehensive student development programming and services.
Position Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plan, organize, and provide direct leadership to comprehensive student development programs including but not limited to, Residence Life & Housing, Student Conduct, Campus Dining, Beacon Beanery, and Security.
- Provide supervision, evaluation, development, and support for assigned staff, student groups, and organizations.
- Design and facilitate developmental programs and holistic training for student leaders in collaboration with other faculty and staff.
- Foster a welcoming space and culture for students to share and resolve a variety of concerns related to their student experience.
- Serves in an On-Call capacity, overseeing the responses of Resident Directors/RAs and follows up as appropriate.
- Establish close working relationships and partnerships with colleagues in the areas of Student Development and in other administrative and academic departments to provide holistic programming and services to students.
- Provide technical expertise, information, and assistance to the Vice President for Student Development regarding assigned functions; assist as needed in the formulation and development of procedures and programs.
- Communicate with vendors, contractors, and other off-campus agents to coordinate programs, exchange information, and resolve issues or concerns.
- Assists in establishing and implementing goals, budgets, and operating procedures for the Office of Student Life.
- Serves as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator under the supervision of the University’s Title IX Coordinator.
- Actively participate in and/or chair various committees and task forces.
- Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, assessment plans, exchange information, and fulfill Clery Act reporting requirements.
- Develop and prepare the assigned budgets and housing statistics; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations.
- Maintain outstanding residential facilities by building strong working relationships with maintenance and custodial staff, strategizing and planning for annual maintenance and residential projects, reviewing work orders and addressing issues on a regular basis, and overseeing Health and Safety Inspections.
- Interpret and implement the university housing requirement and collaborate with the Housing Committee and/or campus dining services regarding exemption requests.
- Collaborate with designated administrators regarding campus decisions related to inclement weather and other emergency situations and serve as an administrator in the on-campus duty rotation for crisis intervention and emergency coverage.
- Participates in and/or coordinates crisis response at the institutional and divisional level.
- Serve as Student Life liaison on the Retention Committee and coordinate appropriate support and response for residential students.
- Develop an environment of meaningful connections for students which promotes high student satisfaction, engagement, academic success, and retention.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Experience and Qualification Requirements:
Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel or related field and five to seven years of increasingly responsible experience in student development.
The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in developing leaders and supervising teams within a higher education setting, demonstrating a strong ability to inspire and guide others effectively. Candidates should resonate deeply with the mission of Bushnell University and be dedicated to fostering life-changing programming and services. This commitment should reflect a holistic approach to education and lifelong learning that nurtures not only the learner’s mind but also their body, spirit, and heart.
Working Conditions/Special Requirements:
Knowledge of:
- Planning, organization, and direction of assigned comprehensive student development programs including residence life, leadership development, advisement, judicial affairs and housing selection;
- College policies, procedures and trends related to student development;
- Training, management, and coordination of development programs;
- Operation of a computer and applicable software;
- University mission, goals and objectives;
- Budget preparation and control;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training;
- Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures;
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; and
- Conflict management and resolution techniques.
Special Requirements:
- Bushnell University employees must have a maturing Christian Faith and be supporting of Bushnell’s mission to foster wisdom, faith, and service through excellent academic programs within a Christ-centered community.
- The position requires a strong commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
- The position requires working in a non-smoking, drug free environment.
- The employee must adhere to FERPA guidelines and student confidentiality at all times.
- The employee must have high personal motivation, with great attention to detail and accuracy, project a positive and vibrant attitude in assisting people, and have high ethics of honesty and confidentiality with a genuine and gracious presence pertaining to the students, faculty, staff and business of the department and the University.
- The position may require lifting up to 25lbs, as well as bending, stooping, kneeling.
- The position is subject to evening, weekend, and variable working hours including holidays.
Application Instructions:
Bushnell University employees are expected to abide by the Theological Context for Bushnell Community Life. Please read this document before continuing: https://www.bushnell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/theological-context-bushnell-community-life.pdf
For consideration, please submit the employment application along with the following materials through Bushnell's Online Recruiting Site (link below):
- Cover letter addressing your skills, experience, knowledge.
- Resume.
- Personal ‘Statement of Faith’ that addresses how a maturing Christian faith finds expression in the candidate’s personal life, family life, community life, and current church membership.
Please note: Incomplete application packets may result in disqualification. Final candidate will be required to undergo a criminal background investigation.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Wendy Yamada at 541-684-7204 or wyamada@bushnell.edu.
In compliance with the Clery Act, Bushnell University provides our Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report online at https://www.bushnell.edu/student-life/campus-safety/. You may request a paper copy from the Office of Student Life by calling 541-684-7345. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the university.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Wendy Yamada at 541-684-7204 or wyamada@bushnell.edu.
In compliance with the Clery Act, Bushnell University provides our Annual Security Report & Fire Safety Report online at https://www.bushnell.edu/student-life/campus-safety/. You may request a paper copy from the Office of Student Life by calling 541-684-7345. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the university.
