Job Description

Graceland University is seeking a dynamic and student-centered leader to serve as Vice President of Student Life / Dean of Students. This cabinet-level role is responsible for shaping a vibrant, inclusive campus experience while driving student retention, engagement, and success.

This position plays a critical role in advancing the university’s mission by fostering belonging, supporting student development, and ensuring a seamless student experience from enrollment through graduation. The VPSL is the key figure in ensuring our students get the “Graceland Experience” and radical belonging.

Responsibilities

Lead Returning Student Enrollment

• Own the full lifecycle of returning student enrollment (housing, registration readiness, financial clearance)
• Establish timelines, systems, and accountability structures to ensure persistence

Co-lead Student Success with VPAA

• Partner across departments to remove barriers to student success
• Monitor key metrics such as retention rates, registration progress, housing completion, and re-enrollment
• Use data to continuously improve student engagement and persistence strategies

Shape the Student Experience
Oversee and integrate:

• Residence Life & Student Government
• Student Activities & Engagement
• Intercultural Programs
• Student Success & Retention Programming
• Counseling Services & Campus Ministries
• Food Service partnerships and campus events

Collaborate Across Campus

• Serve on the President’s Executive Council
• Align student life strategy with academic and enrollment goals
• Partner with Admissions on retention-focused enrollment outcomes

Engage Stakeholders

• Represent Student Life to the Board of Trustees
• Build partnerships with local communities and organizations

Dean of Students Responsibilities

• Support student leadership, clubs, and organizations
• Oversee student conduct and campus accountability processes
• Serve as Title IX Deputy (student-related matters)
• Provide direct support to students on personal, social, and professional concerns
• Lead campus dialogue, forums, and community engagement efforts

Graceland needs

• A passionate advocate for student development and belonging
• A strategic thinker who uses data to drive outcomes
• A collaborative leader who builds strong cross-campus relationships
• A visible, engaged presence in campus life (including evenings/weekends)

Submit letter of application, resume, and three references by clicking Apply.

Graceland University welcomes your application and interest in the open positions listed on this website. Updates are made regularly, so please check back often. Benefits overview is available here. Graceland offers a generous paid time off policy, which includes vacation, sick leave and holiday pay.

Graceland is a nonsectarian institution sponsored by Community of Christ, which provides a rich Christian heritage. Graceland has two main campuses: one located in Lamoni, Iowa, and one located in Independence, Missouri.

Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University is much more than a school. Graceland is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who make up a worldwide community network that reaches far beyond the two campuses.

All applications/resumes are kept on file for one year. If you see future positions that interest you, please let us know so we may submit your application materials. Reference letters will not be accessible to applicants during the application process nor after becoming an employee.

Graceland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Graceland welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We’re looking for candidates who share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Graceland University consists of two campuses: the Lamoni campus is a residential liberal arts institution situated in south central Iowa, approximately 70 miles south of Des Moines, IA and the Independence, Missouri campus which focuses on degree completion, adult and graduate programs.