Assistant Dean of Students

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.

Be You.

At Duke, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive. We celebrate individuality, value diverse perspectives, and foster a community where students can bring their authentic selves to campus every day. As the Assistant Dean of Students, you will play a critical role in supporting student well-being, promoting personal growth, and helping create a campus environment rooted in care, accountability, and inclusion.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted resource for students navigating personal challenges, crises, and conduct concerns. Working collaboratively across the university, you will help ensure that students receive the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed academically, socially, and personally.

Be Bold.

The Assistant Dean of Students advances student success by providing leadership in student care, crisis response, behavioral intervention, and student conduct administration. This position combines a compassionate, student-centered approach with a commitment to fairness, accountability, and community standards.

What You'll Do

Support Student Care and Well-Being (70%)

• Provide individualized support and guidance to students experiencing emotional, mental health, academic, or personal challenges.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for students in crisis, coordinating interventions and connecting students with campus and community resources.
• Collaborate with counseling services, academic advisors, residence life staff, faculty, and other partners to ensure coordinated support strategies.
• Maintain ongoing communication and follow-up with students receiving assistance, monitoring progress and adjusting support plans as needed.
• Foster a supportive environment that encourages resilience, personal development, and student success.

Lead Student Conduct and Accountability Efforts

• Administer student conduct processes by investigating reports of misconduct and potential policy violations.
• Meet with students involved in conduct matters to gather information, explain procedures, and support educational outcomes.
• Partner with campus security, residence life, faculty, and university stakeholders to address behavioral concerns and implement appropriate interventions.
• Facilitate conduct hearings and recommend outcomes consistent with university policies and applicable regulations.
• Help students understand the impact of their actions while promoting accountability, reflection, and personal growth.

Develop Training, Outreach, and Prevention Programs (20%)

• Design and deliver educational programs and workshops focused on student well-being, mental health awareness, conflict resolution, and community standards.
• Develop prevention and intervention initiatives that promote a positive campus culture of respect, inclusion, and responsibility.
• Partner with student organizations, residence life staff, and campus stakeholders to advance student engagement and wellness initiatives.
• Represent the Dean of Students Office and Division of Student Affairs on university committees, including emergency management and other institutional initiatives.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and collaborative campus partnerships.

Provide Operational and Administrative Support (10%)

• Serve in the Dean-on-Call rotation and respond to student emergencies and critical incidents.
• Support the development, review, and continuous improvement of departmental policies, procedures, and publications.
• Contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives that advance the mission of the Dean of Students Office, Division of Student Affairs, and Duke University.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Student Services, or a related field.

Experience

• Three years of post-master's professional experience in higher education, student affairs, counseling, student support services, or a related environment.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Preferred 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.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll join a world-renowned institution committed to excellence in education, research, patient care, and community engagement. We invest in our employees by fostering an environment where innovation, collaboration, and belonging thrive.

As part of the Division of Student Affairs, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while working alongside dedicated professionals who are passionate about student success and well-being.

Why Duke?

• Meaningful work supporting student growth and success
• Collaborative and inclusive campus community
• Professional development and leadership opportunities
• Comprehensive employee benefits and wellness resources
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Opportunity to help shape the student experience at one of the nation's leading universities

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply today and help create a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment where every Duke student can thrive. Join us in fostering a community that promotes well-being, accountability, personal growth, and academic success.