Assistant Dean for Administration & Chief of Staff

Assistant Dean for Administration & Chief of Staff

Seattle University

FLSA Status: Exempt

Months Per Year: 12

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid Eligible*

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Seattle University's Core Competencies

• Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
• Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
• Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
• Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
• Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
• Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.

Position Description

The Assistant Dean for Administration & Chief of Staff at Seattle University School of Law is responsible for the oversight of administrative operations within the School of Law. This role provides strategic leadership and decision support to the Dean across administrative, financial, and operational matters.

Leadership and Administration

• Serve as liaison between the Dean and various internal and external constituencies, including university departments.
• Represent the Dean and School of Law in an ex-officio capacity on committees and special projects.
• Act as a key advisor to the Dean on institutional policies, procedures, and administrative practices.
• Provide leadership that fosters mutual respect among all constituencies of the school.
• Maintain awareness of key issues, priorities, and initiatives to support coordination.

Strategic Planning and Operations

• Serve as a standing member of the strategic planning committee and support implementation of initiatives that support the law school's strategic planning efforts.
• Work with senior staff to ensure compliance with school and university policies.
• Set administrative priorities across units and ensure effective execution of School of Law operations.
• Provide senior-level decision support to the Dean on administrative, financial, and operational matters.
• Provide oversight and prioritization of facilities needs in alignment with School of Law operational priorities.

Financial Leadership

• Lead financial planning, including operating budget development, revenue projections, and long-term forecasting in consultation with the Dean.

Institutional Coordination

• Serve as liaison with University Human Resources on employment-related matters.
• Serve as liaison to University Information Technology on long-term planning and services.
• Coordinate with senior leadership to ensure alignment of administrative functions with institutional priorities.

Staff Supervision

• Director of Network & Computer Services
• Executive Coordinator in the Dean's Office
• Assistant to Associate Dean
• Shared supervision with Vice Dean for Academic Affairs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, MPA, or related field) preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• Experience supporting senior leadership and advancing organizational priorities across multiple functional areas.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to administrative and operational leadership in a complex organization.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and advance complex initiatives in a dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency with standard office and administrative systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a law school or higher education environment.
• Experience supporting strategic planning, institutional initiatives, or executive-level projects.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the ability to support an inclusive workplace.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance

Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

Hybrid Eligible

This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3-6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on-campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university's discretion.

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