The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs works in collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Associate Dean for Strategic Enrollment, Senior Associate Dean for Academics, and Dean at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN). This role is responsible for a comprehensive student affairs program that supports the school's mission, meets the needs of a diverse population, and fosters student engagement. This position is the primary student advocate and referral source for all non-academic student matters. This role requires knowledge of University resources and familiarity with state and federal regulations pertaining to management of student records, privacy, and safety (e.g., FERPA, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title IX, Campus Safety & Security Act). This position is responsible for providing vision, leadership and strategic planning for student affairs programming that delivers support services, student life, career services, and community engagement.

The Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (VUSN) values excellence and innovation in preserving and advancing the art and science of nursing in the scholarly domains of education, practice, research, and informatics. These values are pursued through personal interactions and the integration of technology, while embracing cultural and academic diversity. The School of Nursing is the largest professional school at Vanderbilt University. The academic function within the school of nursing is expansive with the mission of educating lifelong learners who have knowledge and skills relevant to rapidly changing environments and complex health needs of individuals and populations by offering leading-edge curricula built upon a foundation of multi-disciplinary research and scholarly practice.

Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate and oversee policies, programs, and services that support non-academic student success.

• Establish student relationships that facilitate meaningful dialogue and interaction regarding student life matters.
• Function as an advocate for student concerns and needs with faculty, staff, and administration.
• Serve as a student liaison to university offices, services, and resources.
• Partner with University student affairs peer group to inform programming and student success.
• Participate in VUSN leadership meetings to enhance communication and promote activities related to student affairs.
• Propose ideas for program development for student affairs based on local, national, and global trends in health care and nursing education.
• Collaborate with the members of the Executive Committee to develop and maintain a timely and effective response to concerns raised by students and to maintain a process of continuous quality improvement.

Coordinate and oversee annual New Student Orientation.

• Incorporate key stakeholders in the planning and execution of orientation for incoming students.
• Create a schedule of events that optimizes the new student experience.
• Delegate tasks as appropriate.

Facilitate a web presence for current and prospective students.

• Manage pertinent information on the VUSN website for newly admitted students.
• Participate in recruitment events as needed to highlight services offered through VUSN to potential and incoming students.
• Assist in maintaining webpages for student nursing organizations.
• Collaborate with webmaster for content design and display.

Coordinate and oversee admitted student processes for effective onboarding.

• Development of communications and experiences to promote student matriculation.
• Engage admitted students to foster brand awareness and insight into the student life experience.
• Inform and connect admitted students to campus resources that support physical and mental wellness.

Provide guidance for student nursing organizations.

• Develop and implement cultural, social, and community offerings to support student life at VUSN.
• Provide guidance for fund raising efforts.
• Create networking and community outreach opportunities.
• Serve as the faculty advisor to the Graduate Nursing Councils.
• Disseminate career opportunities for students.
• Serve as a conduit to University and community resources.
• Create synergy among diverse student groups.
• Ensure annual compliance with University regulations and leadership continuity.
• Encourage and coordinate student leadership on committees.

Provide oversight of the Student Affairs and Graduate Student Council budget (overseen by the University Dean of Students Office).

• Manage fiscal year budget.
• Maintain expenses within established budget.
• Make recommendations and implement programming based on allocated funds.

Coordinate and oversee Pinning Ceremonies, University Commencement Exercises, and the School of Nursing Investiture Ceremony, composite photos, and other recurring student activities.

• Communicate with VU and SON stakeholders to ensure smooth events.
• Provide leadership for allocation of responsibilities as needed.
• Work with Alumni Affairs to assist in creating intentional transition from students to alumni prior to graduation.

Develop protocols that foster and support student scholarly activities.

• Provide guidance and mentorship for students that have been accepted to present at professional conferences.
• Extend financial support for dissemination of exceptional student scholarly work; pending availability of funding.
• Assist in administrative tasks associated with student travel and expense reporting.

Develop and manage protocols to ensure student compliance with VUSN safety mandates, (e.g., student exposure to bloodborne pathogens, needlestick injuries, and University required training modules.

• Plan and promote student activities that foster University and community engagement.
• Oversee student managed activities that enhance VUSN visibility and collaboration with other professional schools.
• Coordinate and manage community advocacy and outreach efforts.
• Work in collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Diversity & Inclusion to develop initiatives that support an inclusive environment.

Supervisory Relationships:

The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs has supervisory responsibilities for the Associate Program Manager for Student Affairs. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Dean of Strategic Enrollment.

Qualifications

• A Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• A Doctoral degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
• At least three years of experience in student services is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of diverse employees (faculty and staff) and students is necessary.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects is necessary.
• Experience using the Microsoft Office Suite is necessary.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills and professionalism including conflict resolution is necessary.
• Skill in process improvement is necessary.
• Ability to provide clear guidance and direction is necessary.
• Ability to identify and implement improvement in workflow is preferred.
• Skill in making compelling business cases for identified needs is preferred.
• Experience managing a budget is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.