Assistant/Associate Dean of the College for First-Year & Sophomore Studies

Job Description:

About Brown:

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page for further information.

About the Opportunity:

The College invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Dean of the College for First-Year & Sophomore Studies. If you would like to join a team of dedicated colleagues working to support the intellectual and personal development of students through individualized education, please consider submitting an application. The mission of the College is to support undergraduate student learning and to ensure that each and every student is engaged, empowered, and transformed by their education at Brown.

This is a dual graded position posting. The grade level will be determined by the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean of the College for Advising, the Assistant/Associate Dean of the College for First-Year & Sophomore Studies coordinates the academic and co-curricular advising of approximately 3300 students in semester levels 1-4. The incumbent works to create, refine, maintain and assess inclusive advising and programming infrastructure for First-Year and Sophomore students, including the stewardship of College-owned Orientation activities for new students and the Meiklejohn Peer Advising Program for first-year students. The incumbent also utilizes inclusive advising practices to work with students of all class years as a member of the College’s decanal staff, including students facing personal and health challenges that affect their academic success. The Assistant/Associate Dean also serves as a non-voting member of the Committee on Academic Standing, and represents the office on appropriate College and University Committees, as determined by the Dean of the College.

Major Responsibilities

• Advise and mentor undergraduates for success in the context of Brown’s Open Curriculum as an advising dean within the College. 

• Create, refine, and maintain inclusive advising and programming infrastructure for First-Year and Sophomore students, in collaboration with colleagues within and beyond the College. Oversee peer advisor program for first-year students. Identify/Direct assessment of curricular and co-curricular needs of students; develop and assess initiatives, programs, services, and resources to address those needs.

• Provide stewardship of College-owned aspects of the First-Year Orientation Program in collaboration both with Campus Life’s aspects of the program and with College and Campus Life colleagues who coordinate Orientation activities for Transfer & Resumed Undergraduate Education (TRUE) students.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• An earned master’s degree or comparable experience

• Grade 11 Assistant Dean Level: 5+ years’ experience as an advisor and/or academic administrator at a university or liberal arts college

• Grade 12 Associate Dean Level: 

  • PhD or other terminal degree preferred

  • 7+ years’ experience as an advisor and/or academic administrator at a university or liberal arts college

Job Competencies

• Successful experience in academic program administration, including planning and development, implementation, and assessment.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and mobilize others (staff, faculty, students) to achieve shared results.

• Proven track record of advising or supporting individuals from a diversity of backgrounds

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, discretion, sound judgement, and leadership skills.

• Supervisory experience preferred but not required.

Salary Grade:

11 or 12 - The grade level will be determined by the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Additional Information: 

Occasional evening and weekend work required for essential College and University events.

Applicants are asked to include a resume and cover letter.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-07-16

Job Posting Title:

Assistant/Associate Dean of the College for First-Year & Sophomore Studies

Department:

The College

Grade:

Grade 12

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

 

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.  

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.