Dean of Students

Franklin Pierce University invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of Students. 

Since 1962, Franklin Pierce University has empowered thousands of undergraduate and graduate students to achieve academic excellence and lead meaningful, successful lives. Drawing from our strong foundation in liberal education, we offer programs and educational experiences that develop essential intellectual and professional skills; promote close connections between students, faculty members, and staff; and position our students to realize their potential through highly personalized, financially accessible academic offerings.

Franklin Pierce encompasses a far-reaching geographic and virtual network educating a diverse population of residential undergraduates, online learners, and full-time graduate students through our main campus in Rindge, NH and online and graduate centers in Manchester, Portsmouth, and Lebanon, (NH) and Goodyear, AZ.  We continue to explore new educational models and programs that build on our legacy of excellence and help students expand their knowledge, direct their passions, and graduate as qualified, engaged leaders.

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the President, and serving approximately 1,400 undergraduate students housed on our 1,200-acre residential campus in Rindge, you will join our Senior Staff as the Chief Student Affairs Officer. You will be responsible for the development of a strategic vision for comprehensive student services planning and programming, retention initiatives, policy development, and budget development and management.  Working collaboratively with your peers in other University departments, such as Admissions, Athletics, Dining Services, and Human Resources, you will facilitate strategies and initiatives that enhance the student experience and an equitable, diverse and inclusive campus environment.    

Student life plays a vital role in Franklin Pierce’s undergraduate programs and institutional ethos; we provide extensive opportunities for students to compete, excel, and lead shaping well-rounded individuals who understand the value of service and community engagement.  Our students excel in the classroom, intern at Fortune 500 companies, present at professional conferences, compete as NCAA Division II athletes, and engage in meaningful community service.  Our student affairs staff is dedicated to providing students with resources, support, and a sense of connection outside the classroom and within our local, regional, and national communities.

Experience and Qualifications:

  • As our ideal candidate, you hold a doctoral degree in Student Personnel, Higher Education Leadership, or a related program. 
  • With a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs administration along with an understanding of current student affairs issues, you have a documented record of effective leadership and success in retention efforts. 
  • You are comfortable with compiling and analyzing data and preparing reports and using data to drive decisions. 
  • Additionally, you have demonstrated the ability to initiate and implement programs and services that nurture a diverse student population and experience in administrating federal law and regulations related to student life. 
  • Your good sense of humor, self-confidence, communication skills, and passion for student development will complement the leadership team at Franklin Pierce.       

Your duties and responsibility will cover a wide-range of activities and procedures affecting student life, student conduct, and community standards ensuring effective compliance and best practices for Student Affairs.  Your exceptional performance will support the University’s strategic and aspirational goals and strengthen Franklin Pierce’s legacy of excellence.  You will work collaboratively and cross-functionally to lead innovative, high quality and student-centered approaches to student success in curricular and co-curricular experiences with goals to improve undergraduate retention (with an emphasis on first- and second-year retention) on the residential Rindge campus.  Moreover, you will promote a student-centered campus community environment that supports the diverse personal, social, and academic development of all students and enhancement of the teaching and learning processes.  As part of the Franklin Pierce community, you will be an innovative, resourceful, high-energy professional with exceptional communication and listening skills to promote effective organizational change.   

Salary will commensurate with your education and experience. Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Our new Dean of Students will commence with Franklin Pierce by July 1, 2019.