Dean of Students
Location: Independence, KS 67301
Type: Full-time Salaried-Exempt
Compensation: $70,000.00 to $84,000.00 per year
Reports to: President; serves as member of the Executive Cabinet
Start date: Ideal start date is January 2027, but negotiable
SUMMARY
Independence Community College, a small rural college in southeast Kansas, seeks a Dean of Students to lead the student experience on campus. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the Executive Cabinet, the Dean provides leadership and administrative direction for Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services, and partners with faculty and staff to support student retention, academic success, wellness, and belonging. The Dean contributes significantly to strategic planning, facility and budget management, and staff supervision, and helps build a safe, healthy learning environment for the campus community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Provide administrative and programmatic oversight and coordination for Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services, including coordination with housing partners.
2. Supervise, evaluate, and support the professional development of Student Life, Housing and Residential Life, and Dining Services staff.
3. Partner with faculty and staff to develop experiential learning opportunities, oversee student engagement in those experiences, and facilitate student reflection and learning.
4. Collaborate with colleagues to implement the strategic plan for student retention, academic success, development, wellness, and the overall experience on campus.
5. Plan and implement New Student Orientation in collaboration with campus partners.
6. Support the College’s drug and alcohol prevention efforts.
7. Oversee the student conduct process, including investigations, hearings, and sanctions, in accordance with College policy and applicable law.
8. Serve as the College’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
9. Engage regularly in Student Life collaborative learning outcome assessment planning, strategy, and implementation.
10. Lead the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and programs that provide efficient and effective services in support of the College mission.
11. Represent the interests and resources of Student Life with students and, as appropriate, parents, and in areas such as enrollment management, budget, and risk management.
12. Respond to emergency and crisis situations as needed, including coordination of communication with healthcare providers, local law enforcement, first responders, and families.
13. Confer with, counsel, and advise students, faculty, staff, and parents regarding the activities, programs, and services available to students.
14. Provide consultation and support to departments with Student Life or program related issues and ensure strong collaboration between leadership and staff.
15. Secure appropriate representation of Student Life interests in College planning, including enrollment management, student systems development, and the strategic plan.
16. Represent the College on Student Life matters in a variety of forums, including alumni, parent groups, community organizations, and College committees, and through leadership in national and regional organizations.
17. Serve on College and Student Life committees as appointed.
18. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• Master’s degree.
• Three to five years of progressive responsibility in Student Life, or relevant experience in a related department or discipline.
• Administrative experience that includes oversight of budgets, personnel, and programs, as well as leadership of broad initiatives.
• Proven ability to provide effective vision, management, and leadership in a changing educational environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for working with students, parents, faculty, and administrators.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
• Ability to supervise, lead, and motivate staff and support their ongoing professional development.
• Demonstrated skill in team building, engaging the full talents of staff and students, and inspiring the trust and confidence of the College community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Student Life best practices and the capacity to implement them.
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and projects.
• Ability to build strategic alliances and a passion for higher education.
• Exceptional leadership, diplomacy, presentation, and listening skills.
• Working knowledge of information systems, with the ability to evaluate system needs and use them in program analysis and evaluation.
• Self-motivation, good judgment, emotional maturity, self-confidence, fairness, creativity, and discretion.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires extended periods of sitting and repetitive hand and wrist motion while using a computer keyboard and phone. Occasional standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, and reaching. Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT, WORK WEEK, AND TRAVEL
Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment during standard business hours. Additional hours may be required to meet business needs and deadlines. Travel is expected to other campus sites, conferences, and other off campus meetings. A valid driver’s license is required. The incumbent must be able to meet the College’s fleet rules and be eligible to drive for business. The College and its insurance carrier reserve the right to exclude applicants based on their driving record.
HOW TO APPLY
Open until filled. Apply online at www.indycc.edu. Application materials include a signed ICC application (available at www.indycc.edu/hr), a cover letter, a résumé, transcripts from a regionally accredited institution (unofficial copies are acceptable initially), and three professional references with contact information.
ICC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. The College does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristic including, but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status.
Independence Community College (ICC) is a two-year educational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It was established in 1925 as grades 13 and 14 of the Independence public school system. In 1967, Independence Community College legally separated from the school district. Construction of the new community college on a 68 acre campus, formerly the Independence Country Club, began in 1969. Classes at the new site began in September 1970. ICC campus is now home to the Academic Building, Fine Arts Building, Student Union, Cessna Learning Center, Field House, Administration Building, William Inge Center for the Arts, fitness center, athletic practice fields, disc golf course, 96-bed multi-structure living complex, and a 200 bed residence hall.
By renovating a donated building, in 2010, we expanded our college to include ICC West (2615 West Main Street). This campus is located on the west side of Independence and is home to our technical programs: Allied Health, Cosmetology, and GED/ABE. Additional renovations were completed in 2012 to accomodate our newest program, Veterinary Technology. This state-of-the-art facility includes animal wards, a classroom, lab, surgery, pharmacy, prep room, small animal treatment, food prep, grooming, and radiology.
ICC also maintains presence downtown through the ICC Foundation office and by partnering with the Independence Business Resource Center.
Currently, our educational and support programming includes 35 programs of study for Associates of Arts and/or Science degrees, 11 programs of study for Certificate completion, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, men's and women's athletic programs, and a variety of campus organizations and activities.
Mission Statement
Independence Community College serves the best interests of students and the community by providing academic excellence while promoting cultural enrichment and economic development.
Vision Statement
To be a community college that provides an exceptional educational experience by cultivating intellect, encouraging creativity, and enhancing character in a student and community centered environment.
Core Values
- Integrity: ICC holds its employees and students accountable to be honest, ethical, and transparent.
- Excellence: ICC demonstrates continuous quality improvement in academics and services offered to students and other stakeholders.
- Responsiveness: ICC looks to the future by responding to the emerging needs of its stakeholders.
- Diversity/Enrichment: ICC provides an environment that values uniqueness while promoting personal growth through creativity and innovation.
- Commitment: ICC commits to making decisions that best serve its students and community.
