Associate Dean of Student Affairs

Company Overview

The Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), founded in 1920 with composer Ernest Bloch as the founding director, is one of just seven independent conservatories of music in the United States, one of three devoted exclusively to classical music performance and the only nestled in America's heartland. CIM's campus - in the world-class center of innovation in healthcare, education and arts & culture known as University Circle - offers an incomparable environment for learning, study and artistic development.

CIM's graduates command the most celebrated and revered stages in the world as soloists, chamber musicians and ensemble members; compose meaningful, award-winning new repertoire; and are highly sought-after teaching artists, administrators and though leaders. More than half of the members of The Cleveland Orchestra are connected to CIM as members of the faculty, alumni or both. The Institute's diverse talent tapestry uniquely positions CIM as the future of classical music.

All CIM students benefit from access to world-renowned visiting artists and conductors, intensive study with CIM's stellar faculty and the rich curriculum offered by CIM's partner Case Western Reserve University, CIM's Center for Innovative Musicianship (known as CIM²) embraces the school's mission to empower the world's most talented classical music students to fulfill their dreams and potential by offering extensive experiential opportunities for students to foster the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition into a professional career.

CIM is an integral part of Cleveland's art community, presenting nearly 600 free performances and master classes on campus each year, and hundreds more at locations throughout the region, including Severance Hall, which is widely regarded as one of the world's finest concert halls. Students and faculty engage with partners including The Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Institute of Art and other cultural, educational and community organizations to create classical music that is as vibrant and varied as the city of Cleveland.

Job Summary

The Institute seeks an individual to serve as its chief student affairs officer. The Associate Dean of Student Affairs will be part of the Office of Academic Affairs, whose mission is to provide a web of support and structure which empowers CIM's highly talented and ambitious students to thrive academically, artistically and personally. CIM is distinguished by the caring and enriching environment it provides for its students and the Associate Dean plays a key role in sustaining that culture. The Associate Dean is responsible for all matters pertaining to student life, co-curricular programming, student health and wellness, student housing, and disability and accessibility services.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the goals of CIM's mission, vision and strategic plan.
• Plans overall strategy, coordinates and evaluates activities that integrate the services provided by Student Affairs.
• Develop key collaborative relationships with campus administrative areas, faculty, and campus and community leaders to enhance planning and implementing strategic initiatives, resolving issues, and responding to crisis incidents.
• Serve as an advisor to the Deans of the Conservatory, Enrollment and Aid and Artistic Administration and Operations, as well as their respective Associate Deans, on issues pertaining to overall student affairs issues, activities, and concerns regarding the student experience at CIM.
• Foster an inclusive community and promote equity for all students.
• Plan and implement all facets of support for healthy musicians and activities related to music students from point of entry to graduation.
• Partner with Title IX Officer to monitor compliance requirements, national policies, judicial trends concerning Title IX issues. May serve as a member of the Title IX Committee.
• Monitor concerns raised by faculty and staff about student needs and behaviors, especially in the areas of mental health and personal development.
• Represent the Student Affairs office and the Institute at various internal and external meetings.
• Ensure all student affairs functions are compliant with accreditation processes and procedures.
• Oversee student conduct system.
• Provide leadership and guidance in analysis, review, creation and interpretation of student policies and procedures.
• Engage with students and parents who have concerns about institutional policies or their interactions with members of the CIM community.
• Manage residence life staff.
• Manage Student Government Association (SGA), Black Student Union (BSU), Standing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) and other student organization relationships and budgets.
• Ensure a mix of stimulating and rejuvenating student activities.
• Develop, promote and assess co-curricular and extracurricular activities which support and align with CIM's institutional learning goals.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of orientation, commencement and other major lifecycle events, including delivering sessions specific to areas under the oversight of Student Affairs.
• Manage special assignments as determined by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education administration or related field is required; relevant experience can be substituted for the required education.
• 5+ ears of managerial experience in related areas of responsibility.
• Commitment to stay current with emerging issues in music, student affairs, and higher education.
• Excellent responsive and timely oral and written communication skills.
• Good listening, interviewing and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to de-escalate conflict and establish processes for conflict resolution.
• In-depth knowledge of, and experience in, student affairs administration and federal compliance regulations (e.g. FERPA, sexual harassment regulations, etc.).
• Broad knowledge of management procedures, including fiscal and human resources.
• In-depth knowledge of student retention and factors related to the student collegiate experience.
• Understanding of the challenges facing music students and institutions in the current higher education environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students, faculty and staff in a collegiate environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in evidence-based management, assessment, data analysis and reporting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or equivalent software.
• Ability to speak in public and present programming.
• Ability to complete multiple tasks with moderate supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to operationalize student affairs priorities, implement tactics and measure outcomes as they related to the college-wide strategic plan.
• Respect for and ability to work with students of diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion within student affairs programs, processes and policies.
• Strong leadership, organizational and project management skills.

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate and an active listener.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Curious, inquisitive and comfortable questioning conventional wisdom.
• Works well under deadlines; driven by an internal sense of urgency and will to succeed.
• Calm and poised, especially when dealing with stressful situations.
• Responsive and clear communicator, verbally and in writing, and adept at working with a multitude of personalities.
• Care and concern for the development and wellbeing of young people.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Much of the work will take place in an office setting with heavy PC and phone usage. Position requires availability after normal work hours to assist with student emergencies.

Benefits and Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
• Retirement with a matching contribution after one year of service.
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid time off - vacation, personal, and sick time. In addition, two floating holidays and two weeks paid while the Institute is closed for winter break.
• Remote work days throughout the academic year.
• Tuition discount for employees and dependents.