Description

The Associate Dean and Director of the Pugh Center provides strategic leadership for Colby’s multicultural center, serving as a key advocate, educator, and campus partner in fostering student engagement, intercultural learning, leadership development, and community building.  Reporting to the Special Advisor to the Provost and Dean for Community Engagement, this position is responsible for overall leadership, administration, programming, staffing, budget management, and assessment of the Pugh Center. 

The Associate Dean and Director works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus partners to cultivate a welcoming environment that supports the success and engagement of all students, with particular attention to students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.  Through strategic planning, innovative programming, and campus-wide collaboration, the Associate Dean and Director advances the College’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaged student experience.  

Essential Functions 
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.  This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed. 

Strategic Leadership and Program Development 

     Provide leadership and vision for the Pugh Center and its affiliated student organizations. 

     Develop, implement, and assess programs focused on student identity and leadership development, intercultural engagement, community building, restorative practices, and inclusive celebrations.  

     Partner with the Special Advisor to the Provost and Dean for Community Engagement to establish strategic priorities, goals, and operational plans for the Center. 

     Utilize assessment data, research, and emerging practices to inform program development and continuous improvement. 

     Advance the Center’s mission by creating opportunities that support student success, belonging, and engagement. 

Center Operations and Resource Management 

     Direct the day to day operations of the Pugh Center, including budget administration, resource allocation, facilities oversight, and program management. 

     Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional staff and student employees. 

     Manage financial resources and ensure responsible stewardship of departmental budgets. 

     Lead assessment efforts and prepare reports demonstrating program effectiveness and student impact. 

     Coordinate logistical planning,  operational support, and vendor contracts for Center sponsored programs and initiatives. 

Student Engagement and Leadership Development 

     Provide advising and support to students and student organizations affiliated with the Pugh Center. 

     Convene and facilitate the Pugh Center Leadership Council (PCLC), a cohort of executive leaders from affiliated student organizations. 

     Lead high-impact co-curricular programming that supports the persistence, engagement, and thriving of all students, with a particular focus on those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. 

     Design and facilitate workshops on equity, intercultural leadership, allyship, restorative practices, conflict resolution, and other areas. 

     Serve as a holistic resource and advocate for students, empowering them to navigate institutional resources, leverage campus opportunities, and thrive throughout their Colby journey. 

     Participate in Dean of the College on-call responsibilities as assigned. 

Collaboration and Institutional Partnership 

     In collaboration with campus partners, design and implement programs that foster cross-cultural dialogue, inclusion, and a sense of belonging throughout the campus community. 

     Build and sustain partnerships with academic and administrative departments to support student success and engagement. 

     Collaborate with offices including Residential Experience, Admissions, Student Engagement and Leadership Development, Religious and Spiritual Life, DavisConnects, and Class Deans to strengthen support networks and resources,  ensuring equitable access and success for students from historically underrepresented and first-generation low-income backgrounds. 

     Build meaningful connections among students, faculty, staff, students, community partners, and the Pugh Center alumni network. 

     Serve on institutional committees and working groups as assigned. 

Campus Leadership and External Engagement 

     Represent the Pugh Center in campus wide initiatives and student engagement efforts.  

     Maintain awareness of current trends and best practices in higher education and student development. 

     Provide leadership for divisional and institutional initiatives related to student engagement, belonging, and community development. 

     Advise senior leadership on student climate trends, emerging needs, and strategic opportunities. 

     Represent the College in regional and national professional organizations and external partnerships. 

Position Qualifications  
 

Education and/or experience: 

     Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

     Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) preferred in Higher Education 

Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Intercultural Education, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field. 

     Minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible leadership in student affairs, higher education administration, intercultural engagement, or a related field. 

     A proven track record of developing and implementing intercultural programs and initiatives with direct expertise supporting students from historically underrepresented and first-generation/limited income backgrounds. 

     Knowledge of student-centered and equity-minded approaches. 

     Proficiency in managing departmental budgets, securing and advocating for institutional resources, and cultivating campus partnerships. 

     Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives with institution wide impact. 

     Skilled in supervising student employees and professional staff and managing departmental operations. 

     A strong background in strategic planning, assessment plans, and long range program goals. 

     Ability to identify both problems and potential solutions; connect with students and earn their trust while establishing and maintaining appropriate limits/boundaries 

     Excellent interpersonal, conflict management, and oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 

     Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across organizational boundaries. 

     Flexibility to work nights and weekends based on programming needs 

Physical/Mental Demands 
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

      To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy. 

      This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs. 

      In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role. 

      This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations. 

      Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse 

      Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds. 

      Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed. 

      The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.