Job Description

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Campus Life, the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students (AVP/DOS) delivers an exceptional, responsive, and integrated student experience that meets the expectations of highly engaged, intellectually curious students who actively shape their community. The AVP/DOS is a strategic, mission driven, and deeply student-centered leader committed to the work of serving students.

This role provides strategic vision and operational execution for four (4) departments: Student Support Services (SSS), Student Conduct and Community Standards (SCCS), Student Activities Office (SAO), Student Accessibility Services (SAS), and 25+ employee portfolio, delivering an integrated student experience for Brown’s 7,200+ undergraduates and approximately 4,000 graduate and medical students.

As a visible advocate and hands-on senior leader, the AVP/DOS fosters a culture of innovation and transparency, ensuring the University is responsive to the needs of a highly engaged student body while strengthening collaborative partnerships across a complex, matrixed environment that bridges the division of Campus Life with the University’s academic mission.

Job Qualifications

Master’s degree required; doctorate preferred. At least 10 years of progressively responsible managerial experience within a higher education setting; significant experience supervising and developing staff, managing resources, and advancing organizational effectiveness is required. Direct experience in student affairs is helpful but not required; adjacent or complementary experiences and a willingness to challenge traditional models are preferred.

Extraordinary commitment to a deeply student-centered leadership approach, with the ability to translate student voice into strategy and action. Demonstrated ability to lead through change, inspire innovation, and move teams beyond established practices. Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Strategic mindset paired with a willingness to be hands-on and operational when needed. Exceptional collaboration and relationship-building skills, with success navigating complex, matrixed organizations. The ability to inspire confidence, build consensus, and lead change. Comfort engaging with highly motivated, vocal, and engaged students who expect transparency, responsiveness, and partnership. Proven ability to manage through crises with equanimity, discretion, and a sense of responsibility and respect for students, families, and the institution. Ability to inspire, develop, and bring staff along through periods of evolution and cultural shift. Strong critical thinking skills and the capacity to assess systems and reimagine approaches to better serve students. Firm but fair approach to conflict resolution. Ability to leverage data and assessment to inform strategic decision-making and measure program effectiveness. Experience serving as a trusted thought partner in high-stakes, rapidly evolving situations.

DSG Storbeck has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Ruth Shoemaker Wood and Anne Koellhoffer. Submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out a Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at Brown_AVPandDOS@dsgco.com. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

Background Check

All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.

Additional Information

Please submit a resume and cover letter when applying for this position. To learn about Brown University’s benefits, please visit here for further information. Benefits of Working at Brown: Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date: 2026-04-22

Job Posting Title: Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students

Department: Campus Life & Student Services

Grade: Grade 14

Worker Type: Employee

Worker Sub-Type: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Position Work Location: Hybrid

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

Welcome!

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Additional Information

Information about our salary ranges can be found here.

Attachments: A resume is required as part of your job application. Please also include a cover letter and any other related documents as noted in the job description.

Questions Submitting Your Application

If you have questions about submitting your application, please contact employment@brown.edu.