Job DescriptionDepartment:Dean of StudiesPay Rate Type:SalaryEmployee Type:Job Summary:Dean of the College Division
Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried, Administrative Staff Appointment

Colby is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of class dean for junior and senior students and programs. Working in the Dean of the College Division and reporting to the assistant dean of student success, the class deans are responsible for a comprehensive program of advising and class management in the context of a liberal arts setting. Class deans collaborate with faculty, staff, and community members to promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments. Class deans work closely with campus offices, including but not limited to: Counseling, Health Services, Wellness, Campus Life, Student Conduct, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the learning consultants, the Writers Center, Registrar, Student Financial Services, Off-Campus Study, and DavisConnects to both inform and enhance resources and services in support of student learning and engagement. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a class dean providing academic, personal, and administrative advice and counsel to junior and senior students
• In consultation with the assistant dean of student success, director for access and disability services, and learning consultants, provide advising to students academically at-risk or students with learning disabilities
• Serve as a point of contact for parents, faculty members, coaching staff, and other campus colleagues with academic and/or personal concerns about junior and senior students
• Develop programs and services to meet the holistic needs of junior and senior year students at both the individual and community levels, in accordance with the appropriate developmental markers
• Coordinate with campus partners to assist first generation to college students, transfer students, and other special populations; inform and enhance resources and services in support of student learning and engagement
• Promote academic, personal, and overall wellness of students
• Serve on the Dean-on-Call evening and weekend rotation
• Monitor student academic progress and provide appropriate interventions and referrals to campus resources
• Analyze information and build data-driven processes to improve procedures and protocols to encourage persistence, retention, and student success
• Consult regularly with Counseling and Health Services in support of individual students
• Collaborate with other deans, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Writers’ Center, research librarians, and learning consultants to enhance individual and programmatic opportunities to ensure student success
• Promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments
• Provide guidance to students in addressing personal issues that may be a barrier to academic success; refer students to appropriate campus and community resources
• Communicate relevant policies, procedures, and practices to students, faculty, and staff
• Consult with faculty on individual student concerns and academic progress
• Collaborate with class deans and the Center for Teaching and Learning to develop and implement academic assistance and success programs and initiatives
• Assist with the coordination events including Student Awards Program, December Graduation Ceremony, scholarship receptions, and other department workshops and programs
• Ensure appropriate advisement record keeping and maintenance of case notes; ensure implementation of student retention strategies
• Maintain case files and confidential student records in accordance with FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and College policy
• Keep current on trends and best practices in advising, retention, student development, and student success
• Represent the Dean of Studies Office on various campus and community committees
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; Master's degree preferred
• 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in teaching and/or advising in higher education, preferably working with students in a liberal arts setting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated problem-solving and dispute resolution; mediation skills a plus
• Strong organizational skills and expertise in planning, implementing, and evaluating student services with a high level of motivation and initiative
• Must have knowledge of student life issues that affect student success, such as, mental health, disabilities, sexual harassment and assault, alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders
• Prioritize and perform multiple projects, meet timelines, respond to others in a timely manner,
• Uphold the College’s strategic vision and the department’s goals
• Demonstrated commitment to student development; ability and willingness to work with a diverse, highly academic community
• Meticulous record keeping; attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong interpersonal skills, analytical ability, sound judgment, and the ability to handle difficult situations with sensitivity and objectivity; maintain confidentiality (if appropriate)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software and Google applications
• Talent to work collaboratively and effectively with multiple constituencies, including students, faculty, parents, alumni, and other campus colleagues
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

This position interacts with students, faculty, staff, families, and outside constituencies.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Evening and weekend hours are required.

TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest including salary requirements, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Class Dean for Junior and Senior Students and Programs - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855