Assistant Dean for Student Services - College of Biological Sciences (CBS)
Reporting directly to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and serving on the Dean’s Leadership Council, this position requires a collaborative, visionary, and student-centered administrator. The Assistant Dean provides leadership for CBS Student Services, overseeing recruitment, retention, academic advising, student engagement, career planning, and other support services. This role serves as a key public representative for the college, advocating for undergraduate interests across campus and connecting with parents, peer institutions, and administrative partners.
The ideal leader will demonstrate strong organizational oversight, adeptness in operationalizing strategic goals into measurable outcomes, and an ability to foster an engaging, collaborative workplace while building strong relationships within the College, across the University, and with peer institutions.
College and Unit Overview
At the College of Biological Sciences (CBS), we help our undergraduates turn curiosity into impact. With eight majors, thirteen minors, and a world of complex biological puzzles to solve, our students learn biology by doing biology in classrooms and labs across the University's East Bank and St. Paul campuses. CBS Student Services is there every step of that journey. Our team of 20 advisors, career coaches, and engagement specialists are dedicated to guiding undergrads from their first week on campus to graduation day and beyond.
Five Strong Campuses. One Strong State.
The University of Minnesota System is one of the most comprehensive in the nation, with offerings to meet the interests of every student and the changing needs of our society. We're proud of our land-grant mission of world-class education, groundbreaking research, and our commitment to partnering with communities in our drive to serve Minnesota.
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Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Operational Management (60%)
- Partner with the Associate Dean to develop and execute a shared strategy for CBS undergraduate education.
- Serve as a key member of the Dean’s Leadership Council, contributing to strategic decision-making and institutional governance.
- Provide strategic oversight for the CBS undergraduate experience, to include academic advising, career coaching, and engagement.
- Direct operations focused on student recruitment, retention, and graduation, utilizing metrics to measure and improve the student experience.
- Manage unit budgets and personnel, cultivating a work environment that attracts and develops high-performing professionals.
- Represent CBS to external partners, peer institutions, and University stakeholders.
- Engage with parents and student groups as a recognizable leader for CBS undergraduate programs.
- Serve as the direct supervisor for 6 full time employees. Responsible for building a highly productive and engaged team of professionals and supervisors.
- Foster a culture of leadership and professional development.
Collegiate Recruitment, Enrollment, and Retention Oversight (20%)
- Develop and implement annual strategic plans for recruitment and scholarships in collaboration with key stakeholders, ensuring collegiate enrollment goals are met.
- Collaborate with collegiate and University leadership to set sustainable enrollment targets.
- Analyze retention trends, leveraging data to refine and inform student success initiatives.
Student Success and Engagement (20%)
- Foster a dynamic environment for student organizations, leadership development, and mentorship.
- Promote a culture of access, inclusion, and equity across all programmatic content and student support services.
- Establish policies and procedures sensitive to student concerns and instit tional fairness.
- Work with the Office of Student Affairs to manage and coordinate responses to student crisis situations.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree plus at least 8 years of professional experience in higher education and/or relevant industry experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5 or more years of leadership experience in an educational setting, including oversight and accountability for administrative and operational activities.
- Demonstrated ability to build and manage engaged teams to achieve outcomes in higher education (e.g., setting and measuring goals, employee accountability, fostering professional development, organizational culture and effectiveness).
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with multiple groups and diverse constituencies.
- Demonstrated ability to listen effectively and strategically, translating and prioritizing strategic goals and initiatives into action.
- Ability to inspire a shared vision and relate to employees, influencing and aligning efforts of others to advance current and future priorities.
- Knowledge of and appreciation for biological sciences education.
Salary, Benefits, and Other Details
Starting salary range: $125,000-$140,000
Location and Work Environment: This is a hybrid position with on-campus expectations at the Minneapolis campus.
Benefits: As a Professional and Administrative (P&A) employee, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with low-cost health coverage, professional development opportunities, and retirement plan with 10% employer contribution. (See our benefits page for more information.)
Applications and Nominations
The priority application deadline for this position is September 30, 2026. This position requires submission of both your resume and a cover letter for consideration..
An Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.