Assistant Dean of Students

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

475 Alumni Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

200203 Office of the Dean of Students

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 113

Compensation Range:

$77,216.00 - $115,824.00

Responsibilities:

General Purpose
The Assistant Dean of Students is a key executive role responsible for the strategic oversight and advancement of the university’s co-curricular programs and student engagement initiatives. This position is integral to fostering a dynamic and inclusive campus environment that supports the holistic development of students. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President for University Student Life/Dean of Students, the Assistant DOS will be tasked with shaping policies, leading strategic initiatives, and ensuring the effective management of student leadership development, Rochester Traditions programs, and student involvement. This position vital to University Student Life and Advancement strategic priority.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership & Policy Development

• Provides strategic leadership, policy direction, and oversight for a comprehensive co-curricular experience that enhances student engagement across University Student Life.
• Champions the university’s commitment to student development by ensuring co-curricular programs align with institutional values and mission.
• Elevates and promotes student engagement initiatives by sharing impact stories and outcomes with key stakeholders to foster institutional support and visibility.
• Ensures co-curricular offerings are mission-aligned and designed to maximize student involvement, maintaining a consistently high participation rate (90% ).
• Oversees signature programs such as the Rochester Traditions and Leadership Education Initiatives, ensuring quality, consistency, and impact.
• Serves as a key delegate for the Associate Vice President for University Student Life/Dean of Students, providing leadership and operational support as needed.
• Participates as a senior leader within the Office of the Dean of Students and University Student Life, contributing to strategic planning and organizational direction.

Staff Supervision

• Oversees the recruitment, onboarding, training, development, supervision, and support for professional staff.

Risk Management, Crisis Response, & Compliance

• Develops and implements a comprehensive risk management strategy in collaboration with senior Student Life leaders, the Director of Student Life Risk Management, and the Vice President for University Student Life.
• Oversees the campus-wide event registration policy for all student organizations to ensure compliance with university protocols.
• Partners with the Director of Student Engagement to create and manage a streamlined, effective advising structure for student organizations.
• Provides guidance on FCC compliance and university policy adherence for WRUR, the campus radio station, ensuring responsible broadcasting practices.
• Ensures compliance with national organizations and university policies in managing student organization and fraternity/sorority partnerships.
• Reviews and serves as the authorized signatory for student life-related contracts tied to student events, ensuring alignment with institutional standards and risk guidelines.
• Serves as a member of the Emergency Duty On-Call team, responding to student crises and supporting university emergency response protocols.

Fiscal Management

• Manages the undergraduate student activity fee budget exceeding $2 million, ensuring transparent and effective allocation of funds.
• Oversees a comprehensive departmental budget of over $4.2 million, including student fees, endowed funds, and gift accounts supporting student activities and fraternity/sorority affairs.
• Serves as a responsible steward of University and Students’ Association funds, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and financial best practices.
• Collaboratse with University Advancement and the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement on student life crowdfunding initiatives and student organization fundraising campaigns.

Partnerships & Collaborations

• Collaborates with student life engagement partners across all University schools to strengthen and support comprehensive student engagement initiatives.
• Cultivates and maintain strong partnerships with students, faculty, staff, and departments to promote a vibrant, inclusive, and connected campus community.
• Fosters alumni engagement by building meaningful relationships that support student life programs and initiatives.
• Represents University Student Life in university-wide committees and advisory boards, including WRUR Advisory Board, UR Broadcasting Board, Greek Management Team, and the Transportation Advisory Council; serve as co-representative to WXXI.

Student Organization Advising

• Provides strategic guidance and advisement to the Students’ Association (SA) Government, supporting student leaders in governance, advocacy, and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Serves as advisor to the Campus Times , the University’s student-run newspaper, offering mentorship and operational support.
• Oversees and advises WRUR, the University’s student radio station, ensuring compliance with university policies and fostering a creative, student-centered broadcasting environment.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in higher education/student affairs, counseling, or related area required. Terminal Degree preferred.
• 7 years of related work experience, preferably in student life or higher education, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Outstanding communication skills, including direct interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of student organization advising and large-scale event planning required
• Knowledge and training in risk management required
• Demonstrated ability to manage departmental budgets
• Demonstrated ability to oversee risk management assessment
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and develop innovative programs and solutions to problems.
• Ability to work as a member of a team to accomplish objectives.
• Skills relevant to establishing and maintaining successful partnerships with alumni, parents, faculty/staff, administration, members of the community, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret data, distinguish nuances, and evaluate multiple courses of action.
• Ability to take initiative, balance multiple projects, set priorities, and work autonomously yet also as a member of a team.
• Ability to communicate difficult/sensitive information.
• Ability to effectively testify in court or other legal proceedings.
• Experience with computer technologies and sophisticated software applications.
• A personal belief in mission, goals and objectives of private higher education and a desire to change the world.
• Willingness to promote the impact of student life at the University.
• Evening and weekend work is required.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.