Assistant Dean of Students - Student Success and Engagement

The Division of Student Affairs at the University of Virginia is guided by a three-pronged mission: to help students build community, pursue wellness, and grow as citizen-leaders. The Division of Student Affairs consists of over 200 employees including: Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer; Student Health and Wellness; the University Career Center; Housing and Residence Life; Office of African American Affairs; and several units within the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) - all working together, for and alongside students, to create the distinctive student experience for which UVA is known.

The Assistant Dean of Students, within the ODOS Division of Student Success and Engagement, provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and programmatic oversight for Multicultural Student Services, fostering a community of belonging and success for all students. This role and unit will support extraordinary students, from all backgrounds, who have the potential to live lives of purpose, impact, and service in whatever fields they enter. In alignment with the University’s 2030 strategic plan commitments to be one of the very best universities for first-generation and underrepresented students, this unit delivers resources, programs, and developmental opportunities that foster personal and professional growth. The Assistant Dean oversees a wide portfolio of programs, supervises a team, and manages multiple cultural centers, leadership initiatives, and student support services. This work enhances students’ academic success, well-being, personal development, and sense of belonging while advancing alignment with UVA’s 2030 Strategic Plan.

Key Functions

• Provide strategic leadership for Multicultural Student Services (MSS), overseeing cultural centers and initiatives focused on leadership development, mentorship, advocacy, and academic success.
• Manage unit operations, including strategic planning, budget oversight, and resource allocation.
• Supervise and mentor professional staff, providing direction, fostering a collaborative team environment, and supporting professional growth.
• Design and implement student success initiatives, including academic coaching, career exploration, and personal development programs.
• Advocate for student well-being and success by providing direct support and advocacy for students, offering mentorship and guidance on academic, personal, and well-being challenges, including issues related to discrimination, harassment, and campus climate.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and community partners to expand support networks and engagement opportunities to enhance student engagement, academic achievement, and personal growth.
• Assess program / organization effectiveness, using data-driven insights to refine strategies and ensure alignment with institutional goals.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in student affairs, counseling, higher education, or other discipline, or a terminal degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of six years of progressive relevant experience.

Candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strategic Thinking and Planning: Ability to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for student support aligned with organizational goals. Skilled in making strategic recommendations and initiating new initiatives.
• Student Development: Student-centered approach with expertise in advising and supporting students, and ability to work alongside students in a highly student self -governed environment. Deep understanding of student, identity, and intercultural development. Knowledge of university support services and emerging trends affecting student success and belonging.
• Assessment, Data Analysis and Reporting: Proficient in assessing initiatives, using data analytics to measure effectiveness, and generating reports and metrics that inform decision-making.
• Leadership and Influence: Proven ability to inspire, motivate, lead, and manage a cross-functional, collaborative team.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Effective in working with cross-functional teams, senior leadership, and key stakeholders. Excellent at building relationships.
• Communication Skills: Strong oral, digital, written, and interpersonal skills. Capable of working effectively in a multicultural environment with a wide array of backgrounds, identities, life experiences and communication styles.

Details and Application Process

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $75,000.00 to $90,000.00 and is commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is an exempt-level position with UVa benefits . Employees’ benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off
• Parental and Community Service Leave
• Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs available immediately
• Competitive retirement benefits
• Tuition and professional development benefits after six months
• Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year.

The position is open until filled, but to assure full consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit materials by April 30, 2025. Please apply through through the UVA job board and complete an application online. Requested application materials include a letter of interest or cover letter; resume or curriculum vitae; and the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references. All applications, nominations, and inquiries will remain confidential. Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the "Resume" box. Applications that do not contain all the required documents will not receive full consideration. The selected candidate will pass a background check. This position will not sponsor cases for immigration. References will be completed via UVA’s standardized process SkillSurvey. For information regarding the position or the application process, please contact Michele Jarman , Academic Recruiter.

Located in central Virginia, the University of Virginia is a highly selective public research institution with a major commitment to undergraduate education. The student experience is grounded in the institutional core values of academic rigor, diversity and inclusion, health and wellness, honor, public service, and student self-governance. For more information about the University of Virginia and the Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer,

click here .

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.