Assistant Dean of Student Experience

Assistant Dean of Student Experience
Hartford International University for Religion and Peace

Introduction:
Interested in using your skills to make a real difference in the world? Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU), founded in 1834, has a mission like no other organization. We are a historic, fully accredited, university with an ample endowment that engages in research, religious studies, and interreligious dialogue to deepen beliefs, respect differences, and help bring peace to our communities and the world. Our students often call their studies and experiences at HIU life-changing.
Consider joining a supportive team of changemakers who are committed to a more peaceful and just world. HIU values diversity of all kinds and is committed to fostering an educational environment that promotes a culture of hospitality and inclusivity. Located in the historic West End of Hartford, Connecticut, our beautiful and unique campus recently expanded to support strategic initiatives.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive package of medical plan options including a health savings account, dental, vision, disability coverage, and life insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick, and personal days, as well as numerous paid holidays each year.
• Paid Winter break (December 24-January 1) and Summer break (the week of July 4) each year, on top of PTO and holidays.
• Retirement plan that contributes up to 10% of base salary into a 403b plan, including 2% employee and employer match (after one year of employment).
• Yearly reimbursement for goods and services to promote overall wellness and a healthy work culture.
• Annual Years of Service Luncheon for staff.
• Paid Community Work Day each year to volunteer in the community.
• Paid time off on Election Day in order to vote.
• Education fee waiver to audit or enroll in courses at HIU (one per semester).
• One day a week available to work from home, if desired (Fridays).
• Mission-driven culture where people are welcoming, supportive, and love what they do.

Job Summary and Qualifications: 

Assistant Dean of Student Experience is responsible for supervising, leading, and developing a comprehensive student-centered environment that promotes an excellent student-centered experience across the institution. This role designs and implements coordinated systems that builds community and promotes academic success, well-being, and engagement of the residential and remote study body. Grounded in current standards of student affairs practices, the Assistant Dean supports students’ holistic experience and ensures that services are equitable, accessible, and responsive to diverse populations. The role also aligns institutional resources and programming with evidence-based approaches that enhance student development, strengthen retention, and foster a supportive campus environment throughout the student journey.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Student Experience

• Partners with the Academic Dean, Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Services, faculty, and staff to provide remote and residential student orientations throughout the academic year.
• Develops an organized calendar of student programs, events, and activities, both remote and in-person, for multiple cohorts and across cohorts.
• Serves as main contact to support student well-being and refers students to outside agencies for specialized care as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains lists of resources for providing medical, mental health services, and other services.
• Assists students with disabilities in obtaining accommodation needs in accordance with University policies.
• Supports the Academic Dean in developing and reviewing policies relating to student health, wellbeing, and residence life.
• Trains and oversees resident assistants.
• Coordinates graduate assistants scheduling.

Residential Life

• With support of the Facilities staff, is responsible for all aspects of housing move in and move out including arrival, reception, and departure of students living in campus housing.
• Works with facilities to ensure housing is clean and prepared for all incoming residential students, for both short term and long-term stays.
• Coordinates and supervises the reception of and travel for US and International residential students and scholars throughout the academic year.
• Assist newly arrived international students and scholars with establishing phone, banking, and health care services.
• Works with Facilities on all aspects of housing move in and move out including arrival, reception, and departure of students living in campus housing.
• Updates and maintains Student Housing Handbook and Residential Student Onboarding Handbook in consultation with the Dean.
• Supports communication between facilities, students, and business office.
• Serves as a resource for students in conflict with one another using alternative dispute resolution-informed methodology (e.g. mediation and restorative justice).

Designated School Official (DSO) with the Department of State (DOS).

• Provides F-1, J-1 orientations and participates in OPT workshop.
• Serves as the DSO/ARO (Alternate Responsible Officer) with primary responsibility for intercultural programming and events.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for all international students seeking a SSN, Driver’s License, Health Insurance, and State ID.
• Assists PDSO (Principle Designated School Official) with advising sessions related to all immigration matters where needed and available.
• Participates along with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) Team, in the International Student Orientation sessions (Fall and Spring, when applicable).
• Supports the PDSO in designing and updating the International Student Website Page.

Other Duties as assigned As is expected of all employees, provide backup support for the University’s major events/general activities, both during and outside, normal work hours, as needed.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree is required.
• On campus residence is required for the fulfillment of the duties of this position; willing to work a flexible schedule and be on call weeknights and weekends.
• A private apartment or townhome will be provided.
• Experience working in higher education or student services necessary.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing; must have good organizational skills.
• Ability to be sensitive to and respond to concerns of students of different ethnic, gender, and religious identities.
• Maintain student, faculty and staff confidentiality for sensitive information.
• Must undergo supervisory Title IX training.

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary range - $75,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.
To apply, please email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to humanresources@hartfordinternational.edu. Typically, only candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted.