The Placement Exchange Job Board

Department: Office of Community Standards (Dean of Students)
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

The Office of Community Standards is part of Northwestern University’s Dean of Students office. The Office of Community Standards fosters individual and community development through thoughtful engagement with Northwestern University’s policies, expectations, and standards. We aim to build trust with our students and community partners by implementing a fair, transparent, and equitable student conduct process that acknowledges individuals’ capacity to learn and grow from challenging experiences. Learn more about the Office of Community Standards here: https://www.northwestern.edu/communitystandards/index.html 

About Student Affairs: By pursuing justice, equity, and belonging, Student Affairs cultivates student programs, services, and skills; disrupts barriers; and partners across Northwestern and neighboring communities to create an inclusive culture in which all students can thrive. Learn more about the Division of Student Affairs here: https://www.northwestern.edu/studentaffairs/about/strategic-plan/strategic-themes.html 

Job Summary: 

The Assistant Director of Community Standards is primarily responsible for (a) serving as a conduct administrator for allegations of moderate to serious student misconduct, (b) leadership of the University Hearing and Appeals System sanctioning panels, and (c) management of student organization based misconduct

Note: This position may require “on call” hours, overnights, and/or weekends. 

 
Workplace Flexibility: This position is eligible to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

Specific Responsibilities: 

Case Management, Investigations, and Hearings 50% 

• Serve as a case resolution coordinator, managing conduct cases including both non-separation level and those that have the potential to result in separation from the University (e.g., suspension or expulsion).  This includes investigating, determining responsibility, and as appropriate, assigning sanctions. 

• Take primary lead for coordination of the University Hearing and Appeals System sanctioning panels, including assembling panel members, ensuring all processes and procedures are followed, providing consult on sanctions and past precedent, and drafting outcome letters. Collaborate with Associate Director of Community Standards on development of panelist training and development.  

• Maintain detailed and appropriate records associated with all student conduct cases using the Maxient database. 

• Serve as lead and co-investigator for matters that have the potential to result in separation from the University through a sanctioning panel hearing including: interviewing all parties, gathering relevant evidence, documenting all steps, maintaining accurate and thorough records, composing comprehensive written investigative reports with determinations of findings, and meeting with panels during their deliberations. 

Student Group and Organization Conduct 25%

• Collaborate on the functions of student conduct as it relates to policy violations by student groups and organizations, including fraternity and sorority organizations.

  • Develop liaison relationships with advisors (e.g., Campus Life, Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL), Campus Inclusion and Community, academic departments)

    • Coordinate and lead regular meetings with FSL staff. 

  • Facilitate the process by which student organizational concerns are resolved. 

  • Develop and manage a sanction portfolio for student organizations. 

  • Educate organization leaders and members on the Student Code of Conduct and the University Hearing and Appeals System. 

Office of Community Standards Administration 15% 

• Collaborate with and divide responsibility for leadership/management of administrative functions with other professional staff in the Office of Community Standards.  This could include, but is not limited to: 

  • Manage the Office of Community Standard’s assessment program related to administrative and panel hearings, including assessment of student learning as well as hearing officer/panel member performance.  Propose, develop, and implement change to the UHAS based on the assessment outcomes. 

  • Recruit, train, and advise the University Hearing and Appeals System panelists. 

Department Representation 5% 

• Serve as a resource to administrators, faculty, staff, and students regarding general and special conduct issues and assist in ensuring university-wide understanding of and compliance with the Student Code of Conduct and University Hearing and Appeals System 

  • Assist with recruitment and selection of panelist members.  

  • Represent the Office of Community Standards on topical/functional committees and lead the Office’s involvement in initiatives related to area such as the hazing prevention working group. 

Other duties as assigned 5% 

 
Minimum Qualifications:  

1. Master's degree in college student personnel administration, conflict resolution, or other relevant discipline required. 
2. Minimum of four (4) years’ full-time professional experience, preferably at a college/university in student conduct, conflict resolution, or a related field.  Five (5) to seven (7) years of full-time experience strongly preferred. 
3. Demonstrated experience advising staff. 
4. Demonstrated experience in program development, education and outreach efforts, marketing, and/or training.  
5. Commitment to fostering student learning, social justice, restorative justice, and community values. 
6. Knowledge of issues and challenges facing undergraduate and graduate students living on- and off-campus. 
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
8. Understanding of the educational environment at highly selective institutions like Northwestern. 
9. Evidence of commitment to continuous professional development; active membership relevant professional association(s) considered a plus. 
10. Graduate or full-time experience working with student organizations in a campus activities or fraternity/sorority life context strongly preferred. 

 
Minimum Competencies: 

• Demonstrated experience in program facilitation, education and outreach efforts, marketing, and/or training.  
• Commitment to fostering student learning, social justice, restorative justice, and community values. 
• Knowledge of issues and challenges facing undergraduate and graduate students living on- and off-campus. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Understanding of the educational environment at highly selective institutions like Northwestern. 
• Evidence of commitment to continuous professional development. 

Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare, and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth and Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a major private research university with 12 academic divisions located on three campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City in Doha, Qatar. We have approximately 2,500 full-time faculty members, 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and over 5,700 full and part-time staff. Northwestern University combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment. It provides students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

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