Associate Dean of Student Advocacy
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 5, 2024
About VCU
At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery. These are the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
About the Division of Student Affairs
Through our programs, services, and facilities, the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) champions holistic student development by fostering inclusive communities and providing dynamic, integrative learning experiences that prepare our students to be thoughtfully engaged contributors to the global community.
We believe all people are capable of great things. Complete alignment with all criteria is UNCOMMON, and we welcome interested candidates to apply and share their unique experiences and perspectives with us.
The selected candidate will find opportunities for professional growth and will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Division of Student Affairs(DSA), addressing the diverse needs of Virginia Commonwealth University's students. DSA is dedicated to fostering the growth and potential of its employees and is committed to building work environments that are equitable and representative. Studies indicate that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply only to roles where they meet all listed qualifications. However, job descriptions are aspirational; no applicant fulfills every requirement. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. DSA strongly encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply, including but not limited to people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and those from low-income or working-class backgrounds.
Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities
The Associate Dean of Student Advocacy serves in a leadership role within the Dean of Student Advocacy Office, serving as a key figure responsible for helping shape the vision, providing leadership, and establishing a structured framework to cultivate a supportive and inclusive campus community. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy, this position holds a pivotal role in assistance with strategic planning, assessment, and policy formation within the Dean of Student Advocacy Office. The Associate Dean of Student Advocacy has significant influence in shaping campus culture, implementing policies, overseeing prevention efforts, and spearheading educational initiatives that prioritize student welfare and are rooted in data-driven insights. This pivotal position is charged with the task of making evidence-based decisions aimed at driving continuous enhancement within the Dean of Student Advocacy Office and larger campus community.
The Associate Dean of Student Advocacy is primarily responsible for spearheading the establishment of vision, direction, innovative support mechanisms, and administrative management for the Office of Student Advocacy. The Associate Dean of Student Advocacy is responsible for guiding the strategic vision of the office, offering clear direction for its initiatives, and providing comprehensive support to ensure the effective functioning of student advocates and the services provided by the office.
The role of the Associate Dean of Student Advocacy encompasses leading innovative and robust strategic planning initiatives, underpinned by a comprehensive assessment plan designed to facilitate data-driven and evidence-based decision-making. This strategic planning endeavor will culminate in the formulation of standard operating procedures for the Office of Student Advocacy, delineating the methodology by which we advocate for and support students, engage with various stakeholders, and foster interaction within the broader campus community.
Integral to this role is the regular reporting and communication of monthly data points directly to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy. Furthermore, the dissemination of these data points to key campus stakeholders will occur on a monthly basis. This proactive approach ensures transparency, facilitates informed decision-making, and fosters a collaborative environment among the university's leadership and community members.
The Associate Dean of Student Advocacy will supervise a dedicated team of advocates committed to actively listening to students, understanding their concerns, questions, or complaints, and delivering necessary information or resources for effective issue resolution. As a centralized hub, the office serves as a one-stop shop for students, faculty, staff at VCU, and external stakeholders aiming to be a guide and gateway to internal and external services and resources. The Associate Dean of Student Advocacy is responsible for ensuring the cultivation of appropriate partnerships and collaborative efforts to propel the office forward.
The Associate Dean of Student Advocacy will supervise an Assistant Dean of Student Advocacy, Associate Director of Student Advocacy, and an Assistant Director of Student Advocacy.
Each member of the Dean of Students Suite will undergo cross-training to fulfill all duties of case management, including handling student conduct matters in the event that there is a need.
General Information:
-The Associate Dean of Student Advocacy reports directly to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy
-Serves as a member of the Dean of Student Advocacy Leadership Team
-Serve as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team
-Participates in divisional committees with the purpose of driving the division forward
-Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy and
Vice President of Student Affairs
-Serves on the Dean of Students on-call rotation.
University Slotting 35334/Assoc Director, SS, State Role Code 29134
Minimum Hiring Standards
A master's degree in a relevant field such as higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, or a related discipline.
Experience in a leadership role within a student affairs or advocacy setting.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment within the office and across the campus community
Preferred Hiring Standards
A doctorate degree in a relevant field such as higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, or a related discipline.
Significant experience in a leadership role within a student affairs or advocacy setting.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and formulating standard operating procedures.
Previous experience in providing leadership and direction to a team.
Supervisory experience, especially in managing teams focused on student advocacy or related functions.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholders, including campus leadership and external partners.
Experience in advocating for students and providing support services.
Knowledge of effective mechanisms for issue resolution and a commitment to active listening.
Demonstrated ability to lead strategic planning initiatives and contribute to the vision and direction of an office or department.
Proficiency in utilizing data for decision-making.
Experience in compiling and presenting data points to inform leadership and stakeholders.
Ability to cultivate partnerships and collaborative efforts both internally and externally to enhance the effectiveness of the office.
Familiarity with family engagement efforts in a university setting.
Experience overseeing programs such as Family Weekend and virtual engagement initiatives.
Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience
Position Details:
Department: Division of Student Affairs/Dean of Student Advocacy Office
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Dr. Gabe Willis
Contact Email: willisg@vcu.edu
Contact Phone:
