"Academic Dean"

ACADEMIC DEAN

Saint Louis University–Madrid (SLU–Madrid) | Madrid, Spain

Saint Louis University–Madrid invites applications and nominations for the position of Academic Dean. For more than 50 years, SLU–Madrid has provided students with a rigorous academic and cultural program in a global learning environment grounded in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition and a commitment to academic excellence, critical thinking, and social justice.

Serving more than 1,500 students from approximately 65 countries, SLU–Madrid offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and graduate degrees. Approximately 150 faculty and more than 60 staff contribute to the campus’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development.

Reporting to the Rector of SLU–Madrid, the Academic Dean serves as the chief academic officer of the Madrid campus and as a member of Saint Louis University’s academic leadership. The Academic Dean provides leadership for academic programs and operations, including faculty affairs, academic policies, and curriculum oversight. The Academic Dean will foster pedagogical excellence and support faculty research, while partnering closely with student-facing units to advance student success in an environment that includes both degree-seeking students and a substantial study-abroad population.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a terminal degree and a record of academic and/or research achievement, along with demonstrated leadership experience in academic settings (e.g., Dean, Associate Dean, Department Chair, or Program Director), preferably in small-campus and/or international contexts. Familiarity with both U.S. and Spanish academic systems is strongly preferred. Experience with faculty and program development, mentoring, research support, program review, and strengthening academic quality is expected, as are skills in strategic planning, policy development, and organizational improvement.

English fluency is required; Spanish proficiency is highly valued and strongly preferred. Meaningful experience living or working in Spain or Europe is strongly preferred. Candidates not proficient in Spanish will be expected to commit to attaining Spanish proficiency. Alignment with Jesuit, Catholic values and a commitment to social justice, the liberal arts, and equity and inclusion are essential. Exceptional communication, transparency, and conflict-resolution skills are critical to success in the role.

A complete Leadership Profile with additional information about the University and the responsibilities of the position can be found here.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.

Application review will continue until an appointment is made. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 8, 2026.

Application materials should be sent to: deansearch-madrid@slu.edu

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Charles El Mir, Ph.D.
Search Committee Chair
deansearch-madrid@slu.edu