Job Description

The Opportunity:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is now seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as Dean of Students at the Daytona Beach Campus. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Success, and overseeing functional areas including Housing & Residential Life, Counseling Center, Health Services, Fitness Center, Center for Faith and Spirituality, Student Engagement, Organizations, and Student Union activities, the Dean of Students provides leadership and vision for the development, implementation, and coordination of a comprehensive student affairs program. The Dean of Students is responsible for fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment that enhances student learning, development, and engagement. This position plays an essential role in shaping Embry-Riddle’s student experience by providing leadership, strategic direction, and accountability for the administration, development, communication, assessment, and improvement of students’ services and experiences in alignment with the university and campus mission and strategic plans.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Administration:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Division of Student Affairs.

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and programs that support student success and well-being.

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of student affairs staff.

• Manage the budget and resources allocated to student affairs programs and services.

• Serve as a key member of the university’s leadership team, contributing to institutional planning and decision-making.

• Collaborate with Dean of Students at the Prescott and Worldwide campuses to ensure a seamless student affairs experience across the university.

Student Advocacy and Support:

• Advocate for student needs and interests within the university administration.

• Oversee student conduct processes and ensure fairness and consistency in disciplinary actions.

• Develop and maintain programs that promote student mental health and wellness.

• Responsible for conflict resolution and primary problem-solver for issues involving students. Works closely with Campus Safety, Title IX, faculty, department chairs, advisors, legal counsel, and others to resolve issues, including after hours and on weekends.

• Provide leadership and guidance when student-related crises occur and manage these crises at the campus- and individual level with discretion, and respect for students, families, and the institution.

Community Building:

• Foster an inclusive campus community that respects and values diversity.

• Develop programs and initiatives that promote student engagement and leadership.

• Collaborate with academic departments and other university offices to enhance the student experience.

• Oversee the development of residential life programs that support student learning and community development.

Compliance and Assessment:

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to student affairs.

• Conduct regular assessments of student services and programs to ensure they meet the needs of the student population.

• Use data to inform decision-making and improve student services.

Communication and Support

• Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, parents, and external stakeholders.

• Serve as a liaison between students and the university administration.

• Represent the university at various functions, conferences, and meetings.

About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University:  

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy up to 18 days of paid leave in your first year, including 3 days granted upon hire and 15 days accrued throughout the year. You'll also receive 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. 

• Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26. 

• Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period. 

• Personal Leave: Relax with 15 days of personal leave for non-exempt employees or 18 days for exempt full-time employees in your first year.  

Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum: Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field is required. A Doctorate is preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs or a related field, with significant leadership and supervisory experience.

• Demonstrated experience in crisis management, student conduct, and student support services.

• Demonstrated leadership ability and decision making to develop an effective team.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated ability in budget and resource allocation and strategic planning and a clear understanding of the academic process and its relationship to student issues.

• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously and to formulate and execute effective action plans.

• Ability to work well in an intense, fast-paced environment.

• Able to recognize and/or recruit talented staff.

• Expertise in diffusing and resolving conflict while remaining empathetic to all parties involved.

• Must have strong mediation skills.

• Demonstrated cultural awareness.

• Knowledge of student affairs/services programs and operations.

• Ability to effectively supervise and evaluate employees.

• Ability to analyze data that is relevant to the work of the Student Affairs Division and identify statistical trends.

• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, communication, and leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with students, faculty, staff, and senior administration. Networking skills are essential.

• Recent training in leadership competencies in student affairs, especially dispute resolution, social justice and inclusion, law and policy, student conduct, and judicial affairs.

• Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices in student affairs, including Title IX, FERPA, ADA, and Clery Act compliance.