Dean of Students (DoS) job at University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM)

Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM) invites applications from suitably qualified, competent and motivated individuals for various academic, administrative, technical and support staff positions. The available opportunities span different areas of the University, including teaching and research, student affairs, human resource management, academic administration, library services, ICT, estates and facilities, sports, health, records and examinations, and security.

Responsibilities or duties

The Dean of Students will provide strategic and administrative leadership in matters concerning student welfare, holistic formation, discipline, counselling, student leadership, accommodation, extracurricular activities, student engagement and wellbeing.

The Dean will work closely with University Management, academic and administrative staff, students, parents/guardians, student leaders and other stakeholders to create a supportive, safe, inclusive and values-based environment conducive to learning and personal development.

The successful candidate will be expected to promote the University's commitment to holistic education, human dignity, ethical leadership, service to society and community responsiveness.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Applicants should possess:

• A Master's degree in Education, Social Work, Counselling Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, Management, Development Studies, Guidance and Counselling or another relevant discipline from a recognised university,
• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Humanities, Social Work, Psychology, Management or another relevant discipline,
• Must have evidence in a leadership or management position,
• Demonstrable experience in student affairs, student welfare, university administration, counselling, education management, social development or a related field,
• Demonstrable knowledge of higher education administration, student support systems and student governance,
• Evidence of participation in policy development, student leadership, counselling, disciplinary processes, institutional governance or community engagement will be an added advantage.

Experience needed

At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a university or tertiary institution,

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

The ideal candidate should:

• Demonstrate commitment to holistic education and student formation,
• Appreciate and uphold the values and ethos of University of Saint Joseph Mbarara,
• Demonstrate respect for human dignity, diversity and inclusiveness,
• Possess strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills,
• Demonstrate excellent counselling, mentoring, mediation and conflict-resolution skills,
• Be able to handle confidential and sensitive student matters with discretion,
• Demonstrate fairness, integrity, impartiality and professional judgement,
• Have strong organisational, administrative and report-writing skills,
• Be competent in the use of digital technologies and student information systems,
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with students, academic staff, University Management, parents/guardians and external stakeholders.

University of Saint Joseph Mbarara (USJM) is an equal-opportunity employer committed to excellence, integrity, holistic education, student wellbeing and service to society.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Office of the Dean of Students,
• Coordinate and oversee all programmes and services relating to student welfare and wellbeing,
• Serve as a principal link between students and University Management,
• Develop, implement and review policies and guidelines governing student affairs and welfare,
• Coordinate student orientation, induction and transition programmes for new students,
• Promote the University's commitment to holistic student formation and development,
• Coordinate counselling, mentorship, psychosocial support and referral services for students,
• Promote values of integrity, responsibility, respect, service, justice, compassion and human dignity among students,
• Coordinate and support student clubs, associations, societies, sports, games, cultural activities and other extracurricular programmes,
• Coordinate student elections and ensure that student leadership operates in accordance with University policies and regulations,
• Guide and mentor student leaders and promote responsible student governance,
• Advise University Management on emerging issues affecting students and recommend appropriate interventions,
• Coordinate student disciplinary matters in accordance with University statutes, policies, regulations and procedures,
• Participate in relevant disciplinary and student welfare committees,
• Coordinate student accommodation and related welfare matters where applicable,
• Establish effective mechanisms for receiving, handling and resolving student complaints, grievances and appeals,
• Maintain effective communication channels between students and University Management,
• Promote programmes for gender equity, inclusion, disability support and protection of vulnerable students,
• Promote student participation in community service, community engagement, volunteerism and outreach activities,
• Coordinate career guidance, mentorship, leadership development and employability programmes in collaboration with relevant University offices,
• Work with academic departments to identify and support students facing academic, social, financial or personal challenges,
• Promote a healthy and safe campus environment conducive to learning and personal development,
• Maintain accurate records relating to student welfare, discipline, leadership and activities,
• Prepare periodic reports on student affairs and submit them to the Vice Chancellor and relevant University committees,
• Participate in University planning, quality assurance, policy development and governance activities,
• Establish partnerships with relevant organisations to strengthen student welfare, leadership and development programmes,
• Represent the University in student-related engagements with external stakeholders when authorised,
• Ensure that student affairs activities comply with applicable laws, University policies and regulatory requirements,
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Vice Chancellor or other competent University authority.

• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent counselling, mentoring, mediation and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive student matters with discretion
• Fairness, integrity, impartiality and professional judgement
• Strong organisational, administrative and report-writing skills
• Competence in the use of digital technologies and student information systems
• Ability to work effectively with students, academic staff, University Management, parents/guardians and external stakeholders

• A Master's degree in Education, Social Work, Counselling Psychology, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration, Management, Development Studies, Guidance and Counselling or another relevant discipline from a recognised university,
• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Sciences, Humanities, Social Work, Psychology, Management or another relevant discipline,
• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience, preferably in a university or tertiary institution,
• Must have evidence in a leadership or management position,
• Demonstrable experience in student affairs, student welfare, university administration, counselling, education management, social development or a related field,
• Demonstrable knowledge of higher education administration, student support systems and student governance,
• Evidence of participation in policy development, student leadership, counselling, disciplinary processes, institutional governance or community engagement will be an added advantage.