Assistant Dean for Student Organizations

Overview

Reporting to the associate dean and director of student leadership and engagement, the assistant dean for student organizations develops trainings, advises, and supports registered student organizations within the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students (ODUS) and serves as the primary administrative reviewer of student-initiated activities and events. In support of the development and funding for these organizations, the assistant dean advises the Student Group Recognition Committee and co-advises the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Projects Board. The assistant dean guides the activity of student arts groups and directs the Passport to the Arts program. Working collaboratively with colleagues from across campus to support the mission and function of non-academic, student-directed activities on campus, the assistant dean supports the activities of student organizations while ensuring fiscal stewardship, policy compliance, best practices, and high-level service to the University community.

 

For full consideration, candidates should provide a cover letter with their application by August, 11, 2025.

Responsibilities

Student Engagement and Advising• Meets regularly with student group leaders to discuss events, logistics, initiatives, and overall strategy for campus programming and competitions. Reviews and approves student-sponsored activities and off-campus travel in the online registration system.• Serves as a bridge between student leaders and key university offices to support events and compliance with University policy. Participates in the development of University policy and governance related to student organizations;• Serves as the primary staff member for the University’s student organization event registration system, MyPrincetonU. Assists the Associate Dean in convening campus partners working with the MyPrincetonU system;• Oversees the reviewing and approving process of 2000+ student organization activity registrations annually through MyPrincetonU;• Serves as an advisor to a class government and senior class commencement committees;• Advises the Student Group Recognition Committee (SGRC), a committee of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG), to onboard newly-recognized student organizations and ensure groups have a complete understanding of policies and procedures;• Plans mandatory and supplemental training programs for all student organization officers.

 

Financial Responsibilities• Oversees the review and approval of student organization financial activity, encompassing 500 accounts and 10,000+ transactions per year; • Supports the Associate Dean in the stewardship of all financial resources and transactions for the 400+ student organizations totaling nearly $3 million annually, and for adherence to all University regulations. Tracks expenditures, maintains accurate financial records, and prepares and submits financial reports as requested. Funding sources for student organizations include:a. University funds;b. USG funds and student fees; andc. Funds from other campus academic and administrative departments;• Participates in weekly financial meeting with the Senior Associate Dean and Associate Dean to review transactions and provide any necessary follow-up;• Provides support in financial forecasting as it relates to student organizations and activity funding to maintain allocated budgets and fiscal responsibility;• Direct oversight of approximately $500k in programming funds;• Participates in the development of policies and trainings affecting undergraduate student organization activity.

 

Arts Program Support• Works collaboratively and consistently with other entities that support the arts on campus, including the following: The Lewis Center of the Arts, Music Department, Richardson Auditorium, University Chapel, McCarter Theatre, and the Princeton University Concert series;• Guides the work of the 117 student arts organizations registered with ODUS, as well as individual student artists using ODUS-managed resources;• Serves as the primary advisor to the Princeton University Band, attending weekly meetings to review scripts, reviewing and approving travel, supporting recruitment efforts and ensuring group understands and follows University policies;• Directs the Passport to the Arts program to provide students access to performing arts on campus and in local theares in coordination with McCarter Theatre, Lewis Center for the Arts, and Princeton University Concerts;• Manages resources for the arts and develops use policies, including the daily administration of the Ultraviolet recording studio, video editing suite, the Video Production Studio, and student organization storage lockers;• Hires, trains, and supervises student managers for the Ultraviolet recording studio and the Video Production Studio;and student organization storage lockers;• Hires, trains, and supervises student managers for the Ultraviolet recording studio and the Video Production Studio;• Coordinates the authorization of prop weapons and special effects for all student organization and University-sponsored performing arts with staff in ODUS and the Department of Public Safety.

 

Program Oversight• Collaborates with USG to plan and host the annual Student Activities Fair for 400+ student organizations and University departments;• Manages traditional Bonfire event in collaboration with University colleagues, including Public Safety, Facilities, Grounds, Risk Management, EHS, in additional to local and state authorities;• Serves as primary facilitator of Halftime Retreat, an off-campus, overnight retreat for sophomores;• Coordinates and plans the annual Holiday Jam and Toy Drive, working with local entities, a non-profit organization, and student performing arts groups;• Plans and hosts annual Orientation programming events.

 

Other Duties • Serves in a regular on-call rotation to support the Free Expression program that includes controversial programs, protests, and demonstrations;• Participates in the development of policies, procedures, and programs affecting undergraduates; • Serves on University-wide committees and working groups;• Serves on other ad hoc work groups as assigned;• Assists other colleagues with large events or emergencies as needed (protests and demonstrations, Class Day, etc.);• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with academic, administrative, and other Campus Life partners to foster a strong working team when collaborating on jointly sponsored or supported events;• Attends all ODUS and Campus Life staff meetings and retreats;• Supports programs and retreats on nights, weekends, and overnights;• Performs other duties as assigned by the associate dean.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

 

• Master's or equivalent

• 5+ years of related work experience

• An understanding of and commitment to the aims of a liberal arts education;• Experience building environments where all students feel welcomed; • Ability to manage multiple, on-going and complex tasks;• Excellent judgment, professional maturity, strong interpersonal skills • Effective project management, organization and analytical skills;• Excellent written communication skills;• Strong problem-solving skills;• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

• Working with students in a college or university setting• Experience supporting student activities/engagement, student governance, • program development or venue management

 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

 

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

 

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

No

Experience Level

Mid-Senior Level

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Salary Range

$89,000 to $108,000