Dean of Students

Department

Student Life

Status

Full-Time

Time Period

40 hours/12 months

Available

June 1, 2026

Description

The Dean of Students provides mission-driven, strategic leadership at Columbia International University, advancing a holistic approach that strengthens spiritual formation, discipleship, and student success. This role leads a comprehensive portfolio of student life functions, including spiritual formation, residential life, student engagement, health and wellness, and student conduct, ensuring advancement of CIU’s mission of preparing students to impact the nations with the message of Christ. As a key partner across campus, the Dean of Students champions a cohesive student experience from enrollment through graduation, with a particular emphasis on belonging, discipleship, and persistence within a mission-fit community.

Responsibilities

Cultivate the spiritual formation of the student body by:

Providing vision and leadership for campus-wide spiritual formation initiatives.
Advancing a culture of discipleship that integrates spiritual growth into all aspects of the student experience.
Developing and implementing intentional discipleship pathways and leadership development opportunities for students.
Encouraging evangelical unity and fostering a campus environment marked by biblical community and shared mission.
Engage directly with students through mentoring, discipleship, and teaching in classroom and chapel settings as appropriate.
Promoting character development and spiritual maturity in alignment with CIU’s mission and community standards.

Create a vibrant campus community aligned with biblical values by:

Championing a student experience that reflects CIU’s commitment to mission fit, aligning student expectations, institutional values, and community life.
Ensuring a safe, supportive, and Christ-centered campus environment conducive to learning, belonging, and personal growth.
Overseeing student conduct processes that reflect a restorative approach, using sound judgment and discernment in addressing behavioral concerns.
Overseeing health services and mental health support, ensuring students are cared for holistically.
Strengthening residential life to foster environments that support academic success, community engagement, and biblical discipleship.
Promoting meaningful student engagement through programs and initiatives that build community and connection.
Identifying and addressing barriers to student success across social, spiritual, and personal dimensions in collaboration with campus partners.

Provide strategic leadership for the Student Life department by:

Leading the ongoing development and refinement of a cohesive student life model that supports institutional growth and student success.
Partnering across campus to strengthen student persistence and retention through data-informed, student-centered strategies.
Building systems, processes, and team structures that ensure the sustainability and scalability of student life programs.
Providing leadership and direction to Student Life staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Overseeing the Student Life budget, ensuring responsible stewardship and alignment with institutional priorities.
Ensuring compliance with Title IX, legal, and accreditation requirements.
Leading systematic assessment and planning efforts to evaluate and improve student life programs and outcomes.
Regularly reviewing and developing Student Life policies to ensure alignment with institutional mission, legal standards, and best practices.

Qualifications

Demonstrated commitment to CIU’s biblical, doctrinal, and community life standards, as well as its mission and educational philosophy.
Proven leadership of a comprehensive student life program within higher education.
Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence across organizational lines and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and senior leadership.
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into clear priorities, plans, and measurable outcomes.
Experience leading teams through growth, change, or organizational development.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills with diverse constituencies, including students, families, faculty, and administrators.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, staff, and budgets effectively.
Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
Experience providing student care, counseling, and discipleship from a biblical perspective.
Knowledge of and experience with Title IX compliance and student conduct processes.
Demonstrated effectiveness in public speaking, teaching, and group facilitation.
Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in student development or a related field
Master’s degree in a relevant field required; additional post-secondary training or advanced degree in student development or higher education preferred.

Benefits

CIU provides a benefits package that includes:

Health Plan;
401(k) plan with match opportunity;
Employer provided group life insurance;
Long term disability insurance;
Vacation days, holidays, sick leave, family leave;
Educational benefits: tuition reduction for PreK3-Graduate.