Dean of Students Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Dean of Students roles sit inside higher education's administrative core, and universities are among the most experienced H-1B visa and TN visa sponsors in the country. Most positions require a master's degree in higher education, student affairs, or a related field, meeting the specialty occupation threshold USCIS looks for.
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Job Posting Title:
Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students
Position Type:
Professional / Unclassified
Department:
LSUAM AA - Division of Student Affairs (Brandon Common (00068007))
Work Location:
0472 LSU Student Union
Job Description:
Louisiana State University invites applications for the position of Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the AVC & Dean of Students is a principal student advocate that provides strategic leadership for programs, services, events, and experiences that seek to enhance the LSU student experience by creating conditions that matter for student success. The AVC & Dean of Students provides leadership and support to departments whose mission-critical work is student engagement including Campus Life, Greek Life, the William A. Brookshire Military and Veterans Student Center, Student Advocacy & Accountability, and LSU Cares. The AVC & Dean of Students serves as a key member of the Divisional Central leadership team that includes the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Chief of Staff, and the Vice Chancellor.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION INCLUDE
- Serves as a principal student advocate.
- Provides leadership and support for Campus Life, Greek Life, The William A. Brookshire Military and Veterans Student Center, Student Advocacy & Accountability, and LSU Cares.
- Develops, reviews, revises, and/or clarifies federal, state, and university policies related to the broad student experience including engagement, conduct, safety, etc.
- Works collaboratively with cross-campus partners to advance divisional goals, address student issues, and provide creative solutions related to student engagement, safety, accountability, and support.
- Serves as a key member of the Student Affairs Central leadership team.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEADERSHIP
SERVE AS A STRATEGIC MEANING MAKER
LSU is a large and complex institution where important decisions are often made separate from the day-to-day experiences of students. In an environment of this scale, communication alone is rarely enough; students also need trusted leaders who can provide context, explain the rationale behind institutional decisions, and help them understand how those decisions connect to the broader mission of the university. Likewise, senior leaders benefit from thoughtful insight into how students experience and interpret institutional actions. The AVC & Dean of Students will have the opportunity to serve as a strategic meaning maker by intentionally including the student perspective into administrative decision-making while helping students make sense of university initiatives, policies, and decisions in ways that foster understanding, trust, and engagement.
BUILD A PREMIER MODEL FOR ACADEMIC ACCOUNTABILITY
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has fundamentally changed the landscape of academic integrity in higher education. While LSU has invested additional resources to address the increasing volume of academic misconduct cases, continued success will require a thoughtful evolution of our policies, processes, and practices that guide this work. The AVC & Dean of Students will partner with university stakeholders and the conduct team to design and advance a premier academic accountability process that is fair, educational, efficient, and responsive to emerging technologies while supporting both student learning and institutional integrity.
SHAPE THE FUTURE OF LSU STUDENT AFFAIRS
As a key member of the Student Affairs leadership team and a trusted strategic partner to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, the AVC & Dean of Students will play a central role in shaping the Division's future. Beyond leading a dynamic portfolio, the Dean has the opportunity to help establish divisional priorities, influence major decisions, identify emerging opportunities, and help navigate institutional challenges while ensuring that the Division’s mission critical student success remains intact. This role offers the opportunity to think beyond individual departments and help shape the Division's overall strategy, culture, and impact. Through thoughtful insight, candid counsel, and cross-functional leadership, the Dean of Students will influence both the short- and long-term direction of Student Affairs and help position the Division to better serve LSU students.
ATTRIBUTES OF THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
- Is an active problem-solver who views unexpected and unforeseen challenges as realities of the work, and opportunities to exercise creativity, build relationships, and challenge existing mental models while remaining consistently measured in their response.
- Possesses a great deal of political acumen and is able to assess the needs and wants of various stakeholders while balancing this information with the goals of the university and division.
- Has a high level of self-awareness and has the ability to seamlessly shift between their role of supporting down and up within the division.
- Collegial team player who actively builds authentic and mutually beneficial relationships, who is able to influence others without positional authority, who puts institutional priorities before their own interests, and who is unconcerned with where credit for accomplishing institutional objectives is assigned.
- Has a track record of effective leadership and management that includes the professional development of staff and the ability to articulate clear expectations while giving and receiving timely feedback.
- Does not begin with no but is willing and able to say it with kindness when appropriate and necessary.
- Is philosophically grounded and seeks different points of view in an effort to find the best outcome relevant to LSU students at this moment in time.
ABOUT THE DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS PRIORITIES
In LSU Student Affairs, we create conditions that matter for student success. This priority guides how we approach our work, make decisions, and serve our students, their families, and our campus community. We pursue quality in all that we do. Students and staff deserve our best, every day, in every way. We consistently search for ways to always look to make it easy for students to succeed, whether by simplifying processes or removing barriers. We are LSU-centric as we think strategically and make decisions that advance LSU’s mission, priorities, and students. We lead with curiosity, explore possibilities, and remain open to better ideas, which means we always start with maybe. Finally, we prioritize relationships, collaborating intentionally and recognizing that people are our greatest strength.
JOB DUTIES
Leadership & Administration (40%): Serves as a principle student advocate and provides strategic leadership for programs, services, events, and experiences that enhance the LSU student experience. Provides leadership and support for Campus Life, Greek Life, The William A. Brookshire Military and Veterans Student Center, Student Advocacy and Accountability, and LSU Cares and their full-time staff members. Develops, reviews, revises, and/or clarifies university policies related to student engagement, conduct, safety, etc. Demonstrates divisional attitudes and priorities in all aspects of work.
External Relations (30%): Maintains active and strong cross-campus relationships with faculty and staff in support of students to advance collaborations and opportunities for student engagement. Works collaboratively with cross-campus teams to advance student interests, address student issues, and solve problems related to student engagement, accountability, and support. Serves as a resource and point of contact to external constituents including fraternity/sorority alumni and advisors, parents and families, and other key constituents. Serves on the LSU behavioral intervention / crisis response team, and CARE team.
Strategic Resource Oversight (15%): Sets parameters and expectations of delegated decision making for staff. Stewards resources (human, financial, physical, etc.) to ensure quality, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, relevance, and alignment with institutional and divisional objectives. Accountable for budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation for the unit to ensure that optimal and timely use of funds is consistent with departmental goals and campus regulations.
Quality Control (10%): Is accountable for ensuring reporting departments outputs including human resource decisions, administrative tasks, programs/services/events/experiences, and all communication exudes a high degree of quality. Sets and evaluates quality expectations for the department. Embraces and executes the marginal gains approach and seeks to increase level of all services, events, programs, and experiences in departments for continuous improvement every academic year.
Other Duties as Assigned (5%): Other duties as assigned by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. This includes but is not limited to: efforts that support broad division/institution efforts including at least 40 hours per year spent helping divisional initiatives such as Move-In Day, Welcome Week, Family Weekend, Career Expo, Disability Services Finals Testing, other special projects etc.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree from an accredited institution.
- 10 years of related experience within a University setting.
- At least ten years of significant progressively responsible experience in higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience in crisis response/management.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
- 5+ years management experience at or above the Director/Department head level.
- Experience working with student conduct.
- Experience navigating the unique dynamics of a large, traditional fraternity/sorority community.
- Experience working on cross-institutional teams to solve complex challenges.
- Possesses a great deal of political acumen and is able to assess the needs and wants of various stakeholders while balancing this information with the goals of the university and division.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/EXPECTATIONS
As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.
APPLICATIONS
Applications will be accepted online on the LSU Careers website. Please direct all nominations and inquiries for the position to Emily Hester, Chief of Staff, at 225-578-7441. The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. However, to ensure the fullest consideration, candidates are encouraged to have complete applications submitted by November 29, 2026. Requested application materials include a letter of interest or cover letter; resume or curriculum vitae; and at least five professional references including the name, telephone number, e-mail address, and relationship. All applications, nominations, and inquiries will remain confidential. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications. An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Special Instructions:
Requested application materials include a letter of interest or cover letter; resume or curriculum vitae; and the names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three professional references. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Emily Hester at 225-578-7441.
Posting Date:
November 9, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
March 9, 2027
Additional Position Information:
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
HCM Contact Information:
For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Dean of Students Jobs
Match your degree field to the posting
Dean of Students roles typically require a master's in higher education administration, counseling, or student affairs. If your degree is in a different field, document how your coursework directly maps to student services functions before USCIS reviews your H-1B petition.
Target institutions with cap-exempt status
Colleges and universities are cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning your petition bypasses the annual lottery entirely. Focus your search on accredited institutions rather than nonprofit student advocacy organizations, which may not qualify for the same exemption.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for the role's location and level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through IV wage tiers for your target city before you enter salary discussions.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsors
Search Migrate Mate's database of employers with confirmed LCA filing history to identify which universities and colleges have actively sponsored roles in student affairs and campus administration, so you're applying where sponsorship is already established practice.
Prepare for PERM if permanent residence is the goal
Many Dean of Students hires move toward EB-2 or EB-3 green cards through PERM labor certification. Universities must demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers are available, so your employer needs to run a full recruitment cycle before DOL will certify the application.
Get your credentials evaluated before the offer stage
If your master's degree was earned outside the U.S., obtain a course-by-course credential evaluation from a NACES-member service. USCIS adjudicators reviewing your H-1B petition will expect documentation showing your degree is equivalent to a U.S. master's in a qualifying field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Dean of Students role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Dean of Students positions at accredited colleges and universities typically require at minimum a master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a closely related field. USCIS evaluates specialty occupation status case by case, but the professional degree requirement in a specific discipline is well established for senior student affairs administrators.
Which visa types are realistic for a Dean of Students candidate seeking sponsorship?
H-1B is the most common path because universities are cap-exempt, letting you skip the annual lottery. TN is an option for Canadian and Mexican nationals if the role fits a qualifying USMCA profession. J-1 visa is sometimes used for visiting administrators through a designated exchange sponsor, though the two-year home residency requirement under section 212(e) can complicate long-term plans.
Where can I find Dean of Students positions at employers who already sponsor visas?
Migrate Mate lists university and college employers with verified LCA filing history, so you can focus your search on institutions that have already committed to sponsoring roles in student affairs and campus administration rather than relying on a cold inquiry about sponsorship willingness.
Can a university sponsor a Dean of Students for a green card, and how does that process work?
Yes. Most universities pursue EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship through PERM labor certification, which requires the institution to conduct a formal recruitment process and demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers applied. India-born candidates face significant priority date backlogs in both EB-2 and EB-3, so starting the PERM process early in your H-1B term matters. An EB-1A self-petition is a parallel option if you can document extraordinary ability in student affairs or higher education leadership.
What happens to my H-1B status if the university eliminates the Dean of Students position?
Your H-1B status is tied to that specific employer and role. If the position is eliminated, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new H-1B sponsor, change to another valid status, or depart the U.S. A new employer must file a fresh H-1B petition before you begin work, though you can start once the petition is filed if you're already in H-1B status.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Dean of Students jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.