Assistant Dean for Student Affairs- School of Social Work

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Social Work seeks a dynamic and student-centered leader to serve as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. Reporting to the Dean, the Assistant Dean provides strategic and operational leadership in all aspects of the student experience and student engagement, with a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

This senior-level administrator will oversee and understand all aspects of student engagement, recruitment and admissions, academic advising, student retention, scholarship administration, student support services, and coordination with relevant university offices. The Assistant Dean also plays a critical role in upholding student conduct standards and serves as a mediator in student-faculty issues, helping to resolve conflicts and promote positive engagement. The Assistant Dean of Student Affairs will provide effective and supportive leadership to a team, which will include advisors, coordinators, recruitment specialists and admissions specialists. Also, the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs will work closely with the other programs and offices at the SSW, including the BSW program, MSW program, PhD program, and Office of Field Education, as well as with other faculty and staff .

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight for student recruitment and admissions processes for undergraduate and graduate programs
• Develop and implement initiatives to enhance student advising, academic support, and retention across all programs
• Administer student scholarship awards in collaboration with faculty and development offices
• Serve as the primary point of contact for coordination with relevant university offices such as Financial Aid, the Dean of Students Office, Counseling Services, and the Office of Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity
• Manage the student conduct process within the school including grade reviews, termination and readmission panels, and technical standard violations, ensuring fair and consistent enforcement of policies. Serves as the official conduct officer for the school
  
• Engage in mediation and conflict resolution related to student-faculty concerns, promoting equity and effective communication
  
• Serve as a resource and advocate for students, contributing to a school culture that values inclusion, integrity, and academic excellence
  
• Represent the School on relevant University committees and working groups related to student affairs
  
• Supervise and evaluate student support services to ensure they meet the needs of a diverse student body
  
• Coordinate and oversee data management and data analytics related to student recruitment, student success, and enrollment trends
  
• Monitor and advise the activities of student organizations, including supervising and administration of their budgets, fundraising activities, planning for special programs
  
• Plan, coordinate, and implement career-related services to students, alumni and employers
  
• Develop and maintain relationships with local and national organizations that are potential employers of students and alumni. Create a strategic plan for employer outreach efforts that is coordinated with student recruitment initiatives
  
• Engage with the VCU legal department, risk management, SAEO and other VCU services to ensure that students access resources and receive due process in all matters
  
• Teach effectively in the BSW and MSW programs at the SSW
  
• Understand all aspects of the job duties of direct reports, i.e., recruitment, admissions, advising, to provide support when and where appropriate, especially during times when positions are vacant or workloads are particularly intense
  
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the dean and/or senior associate dean for academic affairs

Salary: $78,000 -$88,000 commensurate with experience with a $20,000 Admin Supplement

Required Qualifications:

• MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
• At least five years of progressive administrative or leadership experience in higher education, preferably within a school of social work or similar academic environment
  
• Demonstrated experience in student services, advising, or student affairs administration
  
• Documented experience in using data analytics and presenting data driven recommendations to leadership teams
  
• Ability to deal sensitively with confidential information and to ensure that the office maintains a high degree of professionalism and discretion
  
• Demonstrated experience in designing and leading new initiatives or programs to advance the mission of an organization and/or academic unit or school
  
• Successful supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD, DSW, or EdD in social work, higher education, or related field
  
• Familiarity with VCU’s student systems, policies, and student support resources.
  
• Experience with recruitment and enrollment management
  
• Experience developing and implementing and supporting online programs
  
• Experience leading a student affairs unit within a school or college of social work
  
• Experience leading climate and culture initiatives within academic units/organizations