Dean of Students

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process. The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more! POSITION SUMMARY This senior leadership position provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the residential living-learning experience, housing operations, and Campus Life at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) New York campus. The position is responsible for advancing an integrated, student-centered campus experience that supports student success, retention, belonging, well-being, personal development, and engagement both within and beyond the classroom. This position serves as a senior leader in the Division of Student Life, providing expert oversight and leadership in the management and resolution of complex student concerns, critical incidents, and emerging campus issues. The individual works collaboratively with campus partners to promote student safety, institutional effectiveness, and a supportive campus environment. Through data-informed assessment, benchmarking, and continuous improvement, the position evaluates and advances the quality, effectiveness, and strategic alignment of residential life, housing operations, and Campus Life programs and services. The position provides strategic oversight of residential communities and housing operations, ensuring that campus housing is safe, inclusive, well-maintained, operationally effective, and responsive to the evolving needs of students and the institution. The role leads the Campus Life experience by fostering meaningful student engagement, leadership development, community building, and opportunities that support students’ personal and professional growth and prepare them for success at CIA and beyond. This role will lead the development and implementation of the division’s engagement assessment framework in collaboration with all departments. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure that housing and Campus Life operations are aligned with institutional priorities, financial expectations, and the CIA’s commitment to a high-quality student experience. Develop housing strategies based on 13 New York campus residential facilities (1816 beds) designed to maximize student demand for on-campus housing. Facilitate opportunities to generate additional housing revenue. Direct the annual housing budget, including budget development and submission, management of budget results and adjustments, and strategic planning for achievement of all budget goals. Maximize occupancy through the housing selection process and deployment of strategic plans. Evaluate and analyze important data and benchmarks including, but not limited to, housing occupancy, retention, and projection trends for each campus location. Make recommendations to improve results and/or resolve issues. Responsible for the overall upkeep of the residence halls in collaboration with the Facilities department. Oversee the strategic management of residential facilities to include space utilization, construction, and renovation to maintain a safe, secure, and enjoyable living environment. Manage the operations team responsible for calendar creation and dissemination, facilities management and routine maintenance, move-in and move-out, special events, intersession housing opportunities, and facility renovations/new construction. Ensure a compliant environment in support of the CIA’s mission, adopting practices in support of the Clery Act, Title IX, and all other applicable laws. Work closely with the Manager – Environmental Health and Safety and the Campus Safety department to ensure a safe residential housing environment. Work in collaboration with branch campus partners to share best practices and include branch campus residential housing in all strategic plans. Identify and develop assessment tools, coordinating data collection, evaluating outcomes, and developing actionable implementation plans to strengthen engagement and support continuous improvement. Provide leadership in the composition, coordination, and data analysis of assessment reports across various Student Life departments, including Residence Life, Student Health, and Campus Recreation. Supervise and guide the ongoing development, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive residential curriculum focused on student learning and engagement. Support the resolution of complex student concerns and critical incidents as needed, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and best practices. Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive Student Life strategy that integrates residential education, campus engagement, student leadership, well-being, and belonging in support of institutional goals for student success and retention. Serve as the divisional point person in the absence of the Vice President – Student Life. Provide executive leadership, strategic direction and performance oversight to the Directors of Campus Life and Residential Life and Housing Operations, and related functional areas, including Campus Recreation, Leadership Development, Student Clubs, Student Council, and Orientation/Weeks of Welcome, ensuring cohesive programs and measurable outcomes across the student experience. Coach, develop, and hold Student Life leaders accountable for advancing institutional retention, student belonging and leadership development through high-impact orientation programs, Weeks of Welcome events, campus traditions, and vibrant co-curricular activities. Oversee high-level budget allocation, resource management, and risk mitigation strategies across recreational facilities, campus-wide traditions, and student organization funding. Any and all other duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Education : Master’s Degree required. Experience : Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in student affairs, residence life, or in an appropriate higher educational setting. Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience required. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Degree specialization in Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or other student affairs-related discipline. Prior responsibility for a revenue budget in excess of $10M. REQUIRED SKILLS Experience managing multiple departments or high-level initiatives concurrently. Strong ability to learn, utilize, and improve software applications and databases. Experience working with diverse populations as well as sensitive and confidential information. Excellent communication (written and verbal), presentation and interpersonal skills required. Understanding of the philosophy of student development theory. Ability to plan, direct and evaluate a complex operation, using manpower, time, funds and other resources for the accomplishment of short- and long-term goals of the department and the Institution. Ability to provide administrative guidance with the area of responsibility, providing direct training and supervision as needed. Ability to apply budgetary and fiscal planning techniques with financial constraints. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives, and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public. Must be able to handle details, assume responsibility, and maintain confidentiality in all circumstances. Demonstrated ability to show a high level of service responsiveness to internal customers and effective partnership with student affairs and facilities colleagues, as well as the ability to determine when situations require escalation or may be handled independently. Must have a proven, consistent track record showing the ability to work with all levels within an organization. Must display a high level of energy and self-motivation. Ability to work in a team-oriented division at a small college environment. Strong computer experience, which must include abilities to work effectively with MS Office suite products, i.e. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. WORKING CONDITIONS Must be available to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as required due to business needs. Must be available to participate in a senior-level on-call rotation for emergency response. Regular work requires the use of a computer, sometimes in excess of eight (8) hours per day. Able to travel occasionally to other CIA locations due to business needs. Ability to tour all areas of assigned facilities for extended periods of time, including walking and climbing stairs. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr