I. JOB OVERVIEW
Job Description Summary: |
The Division for Student Affairs cultivates an inclusive community that supports connection, growth, and well-being for every student throughout their GW journey. DSA's integrated approach is to provide a cohesive student experience built upon the core values of genuine collaboration, a compassionate approach, and most importantly, putting students at the center of the work. The Assistant Dean for Student Engagement at the George Washington University (GW) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a portfolio that supports the holistic development of students. This role is pivotal in cultivating a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging campus environment that fosters belonging, instills practical leadership skills, and emphasizes well-being and community.
The Assistant Dean, Student Engagement will be a systems thinker and strategic operator, charged with building and optimizing infrastructure that supports student leadership development and co-curricular engagement. The ideal candidate will bring a strong business mindset, a passion for student involvement and student success, and a proven ability to leverage technology and data to drive institutional effectiveness. The Assistant Dean, Student Engagement will demonstrate an ability to lead innovative problem-solving and work collaboratively across disciplines and levels to drive progress on key strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Student Involvement portfolio, aligning programs and services with student success goals and GW's mission and strategic framework.
- Cultivate a culture of innovation and excellence across all student life functions, prioritizing belonging across all programs.
- Serve as a key advisor to divisional leadership on student engagement and campus climate.
Student Involvement, Leadership Development, and Community Engagement
- Provide strategic oversight of the student organization program, comprised of 500+ student organizations and a vibrant fraternity and sorority life community.
- Design and implement scalable systems that support the identification, training, and mentorship of student leaders and which promote the development of strong and resilient leaders with the practical, future-ready skills and experiences.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative partners to integrate leadership competencies into the student experience.
- Establish metrics and assessment tools to evaluate leadership outcomes and program impact.
- Oversee the planning, execution, and assessment of major campus traditions and events that foster school spirit and community.
- Partner with campus safety, wellness, and conduct offices to ensure a safe and supportive campus environment.
Operational Excellence & Business Strategy
- Oversee budgets, staffing, and resource allocation for Student Involvement units with a focus on efficiency and sustainability.
- Utilize data analytics and digital platforms to streamline operations, improve service delivery, and enhance student engagement.
- Lead change management initiatives to modernize student services and optimize organizational performance.
Technology & Systems Integration
- Implement and manage enterprise systems that support student engagement, event management, and student organization operations.
- Leverage data, systems, and technology (e.g., student engagement platforms, event management tools, project management tools, AI/ML, data visualization tools) to improve communication and decision-making.
The position is based at GW's Foggy Bottom Campus in Washington, DC. The incumbent may perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position. |
Minimum Qualifications: |
Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 10 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 8 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. |
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications: |
This position is a live-on optional role, where the incumbent resides on campus or within 60 minutes of Foggy Bottom, and does include some nights and weekend responsibilities. |
Preferred Qualifications: |
Desired Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
- At least 8 years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs or a related field.
- Demonstrated success in building leadership development programs, managing complex organizations, and leading teams.
- Strong business acumen and experience with strategic planning, budgeting, resource management, and change management.
- Experience in general management consulting, providing strategic advice and solutions to improve organizational performance.
- Proficiency in leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency.
- Experience leading organizational change and process improvement initiatives in complex institutional settings.
- Certification in change management, demonstrating expertise in guiding organizations through transitions and transformations.
- Exceptional leadership, supervisory, and team-building skills with a commitment to mentoring and developing staff. Ability to collaborate effectively across divisions, including academic affairs, enrollment, IT, and external partners.
- Experience overseeing student organizations, fraternity and sorority life, and large-scale campus events is highly desirable.
- A student-centered philosophy with a demonstrated ability to advocate for student needs while balancing institutional priorities
- Serves as a member of the after hours on call duty rotation.
|
Hiring Range |
$88,562.15 - $154,055.84 |
GW Staff Approach to Pay |
How is pay for new employees determined at GW? |
Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.
II. JOB DETAILS
Campus Location: |
Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. |
College/School/Department: |
Division of Student Affairs |
Family |
Student Affairs |
Sub-Family |
Student Programs |
Stream |
Management |
Level |
Level 4 |
Full-Time/Part-Time: |
Full-Time |
Hours Per Week: |
40+ |
Work Schedule: |
M-F 8:30 am to 5:30 pm with some weekend and evening hours |
Will this job require the employee to work on site? |
Yes |
Employee Onsite Status |
Essential onsite |
Telework: |
No |
Required Background Check: |
Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search |
Special Instructions to Applicants: |
Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status |
Internal Applicants Only? |
No |
Posting Number: |
S013774 |
Job Open Date: |
06/27/2025 |
Job Close Date: |
|
If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until: |
|
Background Screening |
Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire. |
EEO Statement: |
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. |
|