Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?  

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

Clemson University is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students for the Division of Student Affairs.

This pivotal role will play a key part in shaping the student experience, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, and driving meaningful impact across the university community. This role requires an individual who can provide strategic leadership, oversee crisis management, and lead initiatives related to student care, advocacy, and overall success. You will be responsible for supervising a diverse team of experienced professionals from several key offices, ensuring that student support services are aligned with Clemson's mission to enhance student life and academic achievement.

Clemson Elevate is the University's strategic plan aimed at enhancing the university's academic and institutional excellence. One of the key pillars is providing the #1 student experience, which focuses on three initiatives: excel in experiential learning, amplify academic success, and promote the Clemson Experience. Through this pillar, Clemson seeks to offer an unparalleled experience that prepares students for success both during and after their time at the university. To learn more, please visit our website.

The Division of Student Affairs is guided by its mission to promote holistic development in inclusive, supportive environments that empower students to thrive. Student Affairs serves as a strategic partner and ensures every student has the best opportunity to excel, graduate with a world-class education and feels empowered and positioned for success beyond their time at Clemson.

The Student Affairs portfolio includes but is not limited to, the VPSA Office, Dean of Students Office, Center for Student Leadership and Engagement, Fraternity/Sorority Life, Office of Community and Ethical Standards, Campus Recreation, Office of Advocacy and Success, Student Health and Wellness Services, Campus Reservations and Events, Student Affairs Business Operations, Military and Veteran Engagement, Residential Living and Resident Learning. For more information on the Division of Student Affairs, visit our website.
 

The Associate Vice President and Dean of Students,

• Serves as a member of the Student Affairs Senior Leadership team. Provides strategic leadership, support, and direction to division-wide efforts to help all undergraduate and graduate students be engaged, satisfied, and successful; both academically and personally, at Clemson and beyond. 
   
• Contributes expertise and advocacy to sustain and advance student success; supports a safe, healthy, inclusive, and accessible campus; nurtures student leadership development and volunteerism; and ensures exceptional graduate outcomes. 
   
• Collaborates closely with faculty, staff, students, administration, and other constituents to gain a global view of enrollment and student support as well as a deep appreciation for and commitment to diversity of thought, access, and belonging.
   
• Coordinates, develops, and evaluates student support services and programs using a data-driven and value-based approach. Advocates for student needs across the institution, contributing to overall academic success and an exceptional student experience. Oversees efforts to nurture relationships and a culture of civility and respect between students and the rest of the campus community.  Anticipates and addresses the evolving needs of students.
   
• Manages and leads various aspects of the crisis response. Engages in crisis pre-planning and management working with the Behavioral Intervention Team, the Threat Assessment Team, and the Emergency Operations Committee while maintaining a high degree of public confidence and communication. Provides direction in threat assessment and/or behavioral intervention, especially related to students.
   
• Provides leadership, oversight and accountability for staff across assigned departments within the division. Develops and continuously improves strategies, objectives, tactics, and team capability to provide best practices and high-quality support to the evolving needs of students campus wide.
   
• Ensures continuity, accuracy, and compliance with relevant policies and regulations. Guides the ongoing assessment of student outcomes and continuous quality improvement efforts, using data to inform strategic direction for programs and services supporting student advocacy, crisis management, and overall student success.
   
• Serves as a subject matter expert and institutional advisor on matters related to student advocacy and success, crisis management, student well-being, care and support services, relevant regulatory issues, and the overall student experience.
   
• Serves as Chief Student Affairs liaison to the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Office of Admission, the Academic Success Center, academic advisors, and college deans and faculty.  
   

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or a related field. Doctoral Degree in relevant field is preferred.
• Significant experience (minimum 5 years, 10+ years preferred) in higher education, student affairs, crisis management and student advocacy.
• Progressive leadership experience over several years, with a track record of increasing responsibilities in student affairs or related fields. This should include experience in leading diverse teams, overseeing complex initiatives, and contributing to strategic decision-making at a senior level. 
• Ability to manage change, navigate crises, and implement programs that foster student success, inclusion, and engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Essential Level 2 employee
Required to maintain/resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

This position is based full-time and in person on the main campus in Clemson, SC.

Application Instructions:

Applications and nominations will be accepted until a new Dean of Students is selected. Interested parties must apply electronically via Interfolio and submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for five references by December 1st, 2024, to ensure full consideration.

For nominations or questions regarding this position, please email Brennan Ledford, Executive Talent Partner at bnhaski@clemson.edu.

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.      

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.         

Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information.