Assistant Dean of Students, Case Manager

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Positional Summary

The Assistant Dean of Students plays a pivotal role in promoting a safe, supportive, and inclusive university environment by overseeing student care and welfare, managing student behavioral conduct, and providing care interventions. The role is responsible for addressing student well-being concerns, supporting those in crisis, and ensuring compliance with the university’s policies on student behavior. This position combines proactive care strategies with a firm understanding of conduct procedures, ensuring students have the support and accountability necessary for personal and academic success.

Key Duties

Student Care and/or Conduct (70%)

• Provide one-on-one support to students experiencing emotional, mental health, or personal difficulties, offering guidance and connecting them with appropriate university and community resources.
• Act as the first point of contact for students in crisis, providing immediate care and support while coordinating referrals to counseling services, medical professionals, or external agencies as needed.
• Collaborate with student support services, academic advisors, residence life staff, and faculty to ensure a coordinated approach to student care.
• Maintain regular follow-up with students receiving support, monitoring their progress and adjusting care plans as necessary.
• Oversee the student conduct process, including investigating allegations of misconduct and violations of the university’s policy and process.
• Meet with students involved in conduct cases to discuss incidents, gather information, and explain the disciplinary process.
• Collaborate with campus security, residence life, and faculty to resolve behavioral issues and implement disciplinary measures when required.
• Facilitate hearings and recommend sanctions in cases of misconduct, ensuring all procedures align with university policies and legal regulations.
• Support students in understanding the consequences of their actions and encourage personal growth and responsibility.

Training and Outreach (20%)

• Develop and deliver workshops and training for students, faculty, and staff on topics such as mental health awareness, conflict resolution, and the university’s conduct policies.
• Promote a positive campus climate by designing prevention and intervention programs that address student well-being and encourage respectful behavior.
• Work with student organizations, residence life staff, and other stakeholders to foster a culture of care, inclusion, and accountability on campus.
• Represent the Dean of Students Office and Division of Student Affairs on departmental, Divisional, and university-wide committees, including the university Emergency Management Steering Committee, and at national conferences and professional meetings.

Administrative Duties and Other (10%)

• Serve as a “dean on-call” in 24-hour emergency on-call rotation; respond to crises involving students.
• Assist in the creation and editing of office policies, processes, and publications.
• Other related duties as assigned as appropriate to the missions of the Dean of Students Office, the Division of Student Affairs, and the university.
• Perform related duties as assigned or required to meet departmental, Division and University goals and objectives, as assigned by their Supervisor, Director, or respective designees.

Specific Skills and Competencies:

• Compassionate and empathetic approach to student care, crisis, and behavior management.
• Conflict resolution and mediation abilities.
• Strong organizational and case management skills.
• Understanding of legal and ethical standards related to student conduct and mental health.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and individuals.
• Strong attention to accuracy and detail. 
• Skills relevant to establishing and maintaining successful partnerships with alumni, parents, faculty/staff, administration, members of the community, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to take initiative, balance multiple projects, set priorities, and work autonomously yet also as a member of a team.
• Ability to communicate difficult/sensitive information.
• Advanced knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to providing counseling and advising support, direction, feedback, critique, referral, and guidance to individuals and groups.
• Advanced knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to understand and apply ethical standards to one’s work.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $60,500 to USD $93.500.  Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your pay check.  Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/ or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires a Master's degree in higher education/student services, counseling, or related area.

Experience

Three (3) years (post-master's degree) of relevant experience in a higher education or related setting. Background in advising/counseling students and prior work administering judicial processes preferred. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.