Job Details

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title
Dean of Students

Position Type
Staff

Job Description

The Dean of Students & Campus Life provides visionary leadership and strategic direction for the University's student experience, ensuring that programs and services support McMurry's mission and values. This position champions a student-centered approach that promotes engagement, wellness, and academic success across all areas of campus life.

Reporting to the President, the Dean will lead a dynamic portfolio that includes student engagement, wellness, residence life and housing, student conduct, disability services, health and counseling services, new student orientation, residual testing, student organizations, social clubs, and campus security. The Dean also serves as a student ombudsperson and advisor to the McMurry Student Government.

The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative spirit and proven ability to partner across divisions, especially Academic Affairs, to align student life initiatives with institutional goals for persistence, retention, and student success. This role contributes significantly to strategic planning, budgeting, staff development, and the creation of a safe, and vibrant campus community.

Essential Duties Summary

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership, Staff Development, and Team Culture

• Provide visionary leadership to professional and paraprofessional staff across student engagement, wellness, residence life and housing, student conduct, disability services, health and counseling, orientation, testing, and campus security.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement that aligns with institutional goals for student retention, engagement, and success.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate staff using outcomes-based performance measures that support professional growth and service excellence.
• Lead regular team meetings focused on communication, innovation, and data-informed decision making to strengthen student life programs and outcomes.
• Design and facilitate leadership development programs for staff that enhance skills in coaching, student engagement, and crisis management.

Student Engagement and Program Innovation

• Develop and execute dynamic programs that foster student involvement, leadership development, and campus belonging.
• Support and attend student-sponsored activities, ensuring a vibrant and balanced co-curricular life.
• Partner with academic affairs and faculty to connect classroom learning with co-curricular experiences that promote student persistence and academic success.
• Use assessment tools, student feedback, and analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, events, and services, adapting strategies to improve engagement and retention.
• Maintain strong visibility and accessibility within the campus community to build authentic relationships and promote trust.

Student Conduct, Wellbeing, and Accountability

• Promote a culture of integrity, respect, and accountability through clear communication of community standards and university policies.
• Administer the student conduct process with fairness and consistency, focusing on restorative and educational outcomes that support student development.
• Oversee compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including Title IX, ADA, and Clery Act requirements; serve as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
• Maintain accurate, confidential conduct records and use data to identify trends and inform proactive education and prevention initiatives.

Residential Life and Housing Operations

• Provide strategic oversight for residence life and housing programs that promote safe and engaging living-learning communities.
• Ensure operational excellence in housing assignments, occupancy tracking, facilities coordination, and policy compliance.
• Collaborate with Facilities and Student Life staff to create innovative residential experiences that strengthen retention and student satisfaction.

Assessment, Research, and Strategic Planning

• Lead data-informed initiatives to evaluate and enhance the student experience, using metrics tied to retention, engagement, and wellbeing.
• Conduct and share research on emerging trends in student affairs to ensure McMurry remains at the forefront of best practices.
• Oversee development and revisions of departmental publications, including the McMurry Student Handbook.
• Represent McMurry at professional conferences, workshops, and regional/national associations; seek opportunities to present, publish, and share best practices.
• Contribute to the university's strategic and accreditation efforts, ensuring alignment with institutional mission and goals.

Administrative and Operational Leadership

• Provide strong fiscal oversight for the Student Affairs division, preparing and managing budgets strategically to advance student success initiatives.
• Develop, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to student engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Serve as an active member of University committees, crisis response teams, and strategic working groups.
• Advise the McMurry Student Government Association and other key student leadership organizations.
• Maintain strong communication and collaboration with the President, Cabinet, and campus partners regarding Student Affairs priorities and progress.
• Lead recognition programs and events that celebrate student and staff achievements, fostering a positive campus culture.

Institutional Collaboration and Community Building

• Build partnerships with academic departments, athletics, and external organizations to create holistic student support systems.
• Champion initiatives that enhance campus climate, safety, engagement for all students.
• Maintain relationships with parents, alumni, and community stakeholders to strengthen student engagement beyond the classroom.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in higher education, counseling or other related fields.

Minimum Required Education
Master's degree

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Demands

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Salary

EEO Statement

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action
McMurry University is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the university community and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status, in employment or the provision of services, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is also prohibited pursuant to University policy.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
AS1008P

Number of Vacancies
1

Desired Start Date
12/01/2025

Posting Open Date
10/27/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants