Dean of Students Position Available In Collier, Florida

Dean of Students 3.5 3.5 out of 5 stars 5050 Ave Maria Boulevard, Ave Maria, FL 34142

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Ave Maria University, an authentically Catholic institution dedicated to the formation of the whole person, seeks a mission-driven and student-centered Dean of Students to serve as the principal leader of student affairs. Reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer, the Dean will ensure the University’s Catholic mission shapes student affairs, residence life, and all related initiatives and programs. This role fosters a cohesive campus culture that integrates and unifies curricular and non-curricular experiences across all aspects of the University, promoting student development, retention, and engagement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide vision and strategic direction for all aspects of student affairs, including student conduct, health and wellness, counseling services, student engagement, and integration of non-curricular University programs. Work closely with campus safety and housing and residence life. Partner closely with Academic Affairs, Campus Ministry, Enrollment, Athletics, and Facilities and Operations to ensure a seamless and holistic student experience. Serve as a key institutional leader for student well-being, community life, and co-curricular development. Uphold and communicate community standards that reflect the University’s Catholic identity and mission. Lead and manage the Student Affairs team; recruit, mentor, and evaluate professional staff. Act as a key contact for student conduct, behavioral intervention, and crisis management. Develop and oversee student policies, including the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. Promote student community, leadership development, and formation through mission-aligned programming. Serve as an accessible and visible leader among students; maintain strong relationships with student leaders and organizations. Advance strategies to support student retention and success in alignment with institutional goals.

EDUCATION

Master’s degree; Doctorate preferred.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

Deep commitment to the Catholic Church’s teachings and enthusiasm for the mission of Ave Maria University. Demonstrated ability to respond to student needs with clarity, compassion, and integrity. Proven experience in crisis response, student conduct, and student life operations. Ability to think strategically, build effective teams, and work collaboratively across departments. Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Prior experience at a Catholic or mission-driven institution of higher education. Familiarity with regulatory and compliance matters (e.g., FERPA, Title IX). Competency in data-informed decision making and student success initiatives. Commitment to the Catholic identity and mission of Ave Maria University.

CERTIFICATION

N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Excellent written and verbal communication skills across diverse audiences. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities , especially with students, parents, faculty, and staff. Crisis management and conflict resolution skills , with the ability to respond calmly and effectively under pressure. Detail-oriented organizational and time-management skills , including prioritizing tasks and managing multiple responsibilities. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and student information systems (e.g., Canvas, etc.). Knowledge of FERPA, Title IX , and other relevant higher education compliance regulations. Competence in maintaining accurate records , documentation, and case tracking for student conduct and behavioral matters. Experience with event planning, student programming , and student organization advising. Ability to analyze and interpret student data to support retention and student success initiatives. Technological aptitude for learning and utilizing campus systems, survey tools, and reporting dashboards.

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10 – 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, type and perform data entry, visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information, ability to hear in order to answer telephones and to communicate verbally, and the ability to sit for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed indoors with minimal safety hazards, and requires seated, standing, and movement work.