Assistant Dean, Community Connection and Belonging

Assistant Dean, Community Connection and Belonging POSITION SPECIFICS

The College of the Liberal Arts is seeking a visionary Assistant Dean for Community Connection and Belonging to help design and guide strategic priorities in fostering student connection, inclusion, and belonging; enhancing student success; and educating for democracy, civic engagement, and leadership across the College of the Liberal Arts. Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of the Liberal Arts, and as a key member of the Dean's core leadership team, the Assistant Dean for Community Connection and Belonging will champion student engagement and belonging through comprehensive and equity-driven initiatives.

This is a full-time, 44-week administrative position.

The Assistant Dean for Community Connection and Belonging will serve as Chair of the College's Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, and Transformation (CoDIT), leading strategic initiatives that cultivate a culture of belonging. The role includes building and maintaining collaborative relationships with broad and inclusive groups, student organizations, campus partners in student services, and community stakeholders to support student retention and success, and career readiness through inclusive programming and strategic partnerships.

As a key resource across the College, the Assistant Dean will partner with the Liberal Arts recruitment coordinator and other college partners to attract a broad and inclusive pool of undergraduate and graduate students and develop programs that affirm student belonging, promote cross-cultural understanding, and empower student leadership. This role will administer a Community Connection and Belonging budget and use data insights to inform programming and policy recommendations;

collaborate with the scholarships office to manage funding that supports access and opportunity for our broad and inclusive student population; and work with academic departmental and program-level committees to advance equity and inclusion goals.

Other responsibilities include representing the College in university-wide and external initiatives that foster inclusion and belonging, especially as they relate to student connection, support, success, retention, and career readiness. The Assistant Dean will identify and facilitate access to resources and programs that enhance students' sense of belonging and engagement; monitor trends and best practices in relevant areas of inclusion and belonging, and use findings to enhance support services;

and partner with the College's Alumni Relations and Development unit in fundraising initiatives related to inclusion and belonging.

A Master's degree or higher is required; a Ph.D. or equivalent is strongly preferred. A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in higher education or a similarly complex organization is required in addition to excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated success in furthering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives; excellent relationship-building skills; ability to steward multiple priorities, lead strategic initiatives, and align work priorities with leadership;

a record of progressive career development; and a demonstrated profile of solution-oriented problem solving. Preferred qualifications include a background in the humanities or social sciences and demonstrated project management skills. While not required, individuals with faculty credentials or qualifications will be appointed to the position with a faculty affiliation.

Background checks and clearances:
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Benefits:
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

EEO IS THE LAW:
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact .