Dean of Students at Spartanburg Methodist College – Spartanburg, South Carolina

Organizational Responsibilities:

The Dean of Students reports to the Vice President for Student Development and provides leadership and supervision for Student Engagement, Community (Residence) Life, Wellness, and Campus Safety.

Job Summary:

The Dean of Students serves as a senior leader within the SMC Experience (Student Development), providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for student engagement, wellness, safety, and community life. The Dean plays a critical role in advancing student success, retention, and well-being across the student lifecycle from enrollment through graduation while fostering a campus environment grounded in belonging, accountability, and care. Through collaborative leadership and a student-centered approach, the Dean of Students ensures that programs, policies, and services meaningfully support students’ personal growth, learning, and persistence.

Areas of Responsibility:

Strategic & Divisional Leadership

• Provide vision, leadership, and administrative oversight in alignment with divisional and institutional priorities for student success, engagement, and well-being.
• Set and advance a strategic direction that promotes holistic student development from enrollment to employment.
• Engage staff in the development and implementation of goals, initiatives, and strategies that support persistence, belonging, and achievement.
• Ensure ongoing assessment of outcomes and key performance indicators to support data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Supervise and support staff across Student Engagement, Community (Residence) Life, Wellness, and Campus Safety.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture grounded in student-centered practice and continuous improvement.
• Provide professional development, mentorship, and performance management to support staff effectiveness and growth.
• Oversee divisional budgets, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness.
• Evaluate and improve systems, processes, and technologies to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with best practices, student-centered service, and institutional priorities.
• Lead the annual review and update of Student Handbook policies to ensure compliance, clarity, and alignment with institutional goals.
• Ensure accurate documentation, communication, and use of student information systems across the division.

Student Well-being, Safety, & Conduct

• Serve as a principal advocate for the welfare, well-being, safety, and success of all students.
• Oversee student conduct policies and procedures, ensuring a developmentally appropriate, learning-centered, and restorative approach that promotes accountability and student growth.
• Lead and coordinate the College’s Behavioral Intervention Team and support the CARE Team to proactively address student needs and concerns.
• Collaborate with campus leadership as a member of the Emergency Operations Group to maintain and implement emergency preparedness, crisis response, and risk management protocols affecting students.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, including the Clery Act.
• Participate in and manage a shared on-call rotation to support student needs, including occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.
• Remain responsive to campus situations requiring leadership involvement, including emergencies and critical incidents.

Student Engagement, Belonging & Campus Life

• Lead the development of a welcoming, inclusive campus community that fosters connection, engagement, and a sense of belonging.
• Oversee Student Engagement and Community Life to ensure robust co-curricular programming, student involvement opportunities, and vibrant campus life experiences.
• Support the growth and development of student organizations and clubs, ensuring a wide range of opportunities for student participation and leadership.
• Support a vibrant student leadership development program, including serving as the primary advisor to the Student Government Association.
• Maintain an engaged and visible presence on campus, building strong relationships with students and contributing to a connected campus environment.
• Contribute to the creation and continuation of campus traditions intended to deepen students’ connection to SMC, especially focused on the recent history as a bachelor’s granting institution.

Collaboration & Campus Partnership

• Build strong partnerships across the College, including academics, admissions, facilities, and other areas, to support student success and retention.
• Collaborate as a key member of the SMC Experience to ensure alignment of programs, services, and initiatives that enhance the student journey.
• Contribute to major campus events, including Orientation, Open House, Enrollment Days, and Commencement.