Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, improve lives. The School's curriculum supports the mission and recognizes the uniqueness of the region served, including concerns for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families and communities. Classes provide rigorous and evidence-based content, and give students the opportunity to explore theory, learn intervention skills and engage in challenging dialogue with colleagues.

The School of Social Work ( SSW) at UNC Chapel Hill invites applications for a position as Assistant Dean for Student Affairs ( ADSA). Reporting directly to the Associate Dean of MSW Education, the ADSA works collaboratively as a member of the School's leadership team to promote student success, professional development and academic excellence, and well-being across all academic programs. The School of Social Work is ranked No. 2 among public universities and No. 4 overall by the U.S. News & World Report for best graduate school for social work in the nation, and continues to seek out opportunities to develop a pipeline of skilled social workers in the State of North Carolina. The School currently offers two degree pathways to a Master's in Social Work ( MSW), including on-the-ground and online degrees with a current enrollment of nearly 500 graduate students. The online MSW, launched in 2024, continues to scale growth enrollment and plans to reach full capacity in 2028 with an additional 300 students. In total, the ADSA will lead student affairs to support around 1,000 students at full capacity.

A leader in student services, the ADSA is responsible for providing student outreach and engagement, advising and counseling on academic and career choices, preventing and managing disputes and grievances that involve students, advising and supporting student organizations and leadership, upholding the student honor code, ensuring student safety, managing student-focused communications, and hosting school-wide student events, such as orientations and commencement. This position provides leadership and works collaboratively with the Assistant Dean for Recruitment, Admissions, and Student Affairs, the Associate Dean for MSW Education, the Associate Dean for Online Education, and other administrators, faculty, and staff. This position directly supervises two Registrar positions, a Student Affairs Administrative Coordinator, and three Student Success Coaches, with additional support positions planned as the School implements new academic programs to increase enrollment.

The ADSA implements and evaluates a comprehensive student affairs program, collaborates with university partners to oversee and manage dual degree program requirements in alignment with accreditation standards, coordinates policies and processes effectively, supports students' academic, career, and personal success and growth, and provides inclusive educational experiences. The ADSA and their team provide advice, training, coordination, and direction on University initiatives and student services issues to faculty, staff, and students. Other primary responsibilities include leading and supervising staff; overseeing and coordinating with colleagues on cases, issues and grievances related to student academic progress and conduct; planning and coordinating program messaging, dissemination of program information and engagement efforts to achieve programming goals; developing and leading initiatives focused on holistic student success and well-being; monitoring student advisement, progress, and program completion; leading continuous improvement efforts to streamline, improve efficiency, and adopt best current practices for student affairs; and collecting and analyzing data to inform data-driven decision-making related to student engagement, advising, retention, job placement, and additional student programming. The ADSA serves on several leadership committees within the School to advance our academic mission, including the Committee on Students, Curriculum Committee, Digital Learning and Instruction Committee, Admissions Committee, Research Sequence Committee and Global Engagement Committee.

This position may be eligible for a secondary appointment as a fixed-term faculty member. Depending on the finalist's experience and qualifications, the position comes with the option of a secondary appointment as a Clinical fixed-term faculty at the appropriate rank.

An earned terminal degree, record of exceptional leadership success, and evidence of scholarly, professional, or creative achievement is required.

The successful candidate will bring extensive knowledge of, and experience with, student affairs in higher education. They will demonstrate capacity to inspire trust and confidence in the functions of the position on the part of all with whom they interact, as well as possess abilities and skills in team building, leadership, negotiation, and organizational planning. The successful candidate will have a minimum of three years of experience in student affairs, including in management and/or leadership capacities.

This position requires the capacity for:
- Planning, enacting, evaluating, and continuously improving a coherent vision and strategy for student affairs to ensure student success and wellbeing.
-Pursuing, adopting, and implementing innovative practices in student affairs.
-Leading a complex organizational unit, with a focus on efficient and streamlined workflows and systems.
-Using cutting-edge technological platforms to support student affairs operations.
-Developing and maintaining operations that are service-oriented, responsive, and efficient.
-Performing independently, prioritizing and meeting deadlines, and problem-solving, all while exhibiting good judgment and professionalism.
-Demonstrating robust people and human relations skills, involving working collegially with a wide range of constituents, including students, parents, staff, faculty, and administrators.
-Delivering on tasks/projects in a timely manner.
-Demonstrating exceptional oral and written communications skills.

Preference for a creative and visionary student affairs leader who successfully fosters student develop and learning, with a demonstrated track record of engaging, retaining, and mentoring a variety of students (including in online and on-the-ground academic programs). Preference given to candidates who have worked in Social Work or other related field or professional Schools; experience with legal and conduct issues that arise in student affairs; experience with UNC Chapel Hill; and an educational background ( MSW, DSW, or PhD) in social work or a related field.

Candidates should electronically upload a CV, a cover letter outlining interest and prior experience, and a list of 3-5 references.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.