Job Description
The Dean of Student Affairs is the chief student affairs officer of the University and advises the President on all matters pertaining to non-academic student life. The Dean supervises six units within the Division of Student Affairs, reports to the University President and is a member of the President’s Executive Cabinet. The Dean provides leadership and administrative direction for Student Life services and programs that complement and enhance the mission of the University. The Dean contributes significantly to strategic planning, facility and budget management, staff supervision, and the development of a safe, healthy, inclusive living/learning environment for Saint Martin's University.
Strategic and Operational Leadership
- Provides vision, direction, and administrative leadership for all areas within Student Affairs, including Campus Life, Housing and Residence Life, Counseling and Wellness, Public Safety, the Center for Career and Calling, and the Student Health Center.
- Oversees the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, ensuring fair and restorative application of the Student Code of Conduct and serving as the University’s appeal officer.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive framework of student programs and services that advance student learning, well-being, and holistic formation in alignment with the University’s mission and Catholic Intellectual Tradition.
- Leads divisional planning and resource allocation, including annual and multi-year budgeting, assessment, and goal-setting, to ensure alignment with the University’s strategic priorities.
Organizational and Staff Development
- Designs and sustains an effective organizational structure that promotes collaboration, accountability, and professional excellence across all Student Affairs departments.
- Recruits, supervises, and evaluates staff, establishing clear expectations and providing consistent feedback and guidance.
- Fosters a culture of professional growth by encouraging continued education, leadership development, and completion of required University trainings.
- Builds team morale and ensures staff feel valued, supported, and aligned with the division’s mission and goals.
Student Engagement, Success, and Retention
- Champions initiatives that promote student engagement, belonging, and persistence from matriculation through graduation.
- Collaborates with campus partners to strengthen student retention and success, ensuring that services and programs meet the diverse needs of the student body.
- Provides visible leadership during campus events, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
- Responds with compassion and professionalism to student crises, emergencies, and behavioral concerns, maintaining a focus on safety, care, and learning.
Collaboration and Institutional Representation
- Serves as a key University representative and advocate for student interests in institutional decision-making, contributing to areas such as enrollment management, budget development, risk management, and student well-being.
- Partners with faculty, staff, and the monastic community to create an integrated learning environment that supports the formation of the whole person — intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
- Represents the University in interactions with parents, external agencies, and community organizations, promoting collaboration and goodwill in service of student development.
- Serves as Chair of the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), member of the Accountability, Responsibility & Community Team (ARC), and participant on the Title IX Team and other University and Board of Trustees committees.
Assessment, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement
- Leads ongoing assessment of Student Affairs programs and services to ensure quality, relevance, and effectiveness.
- Utilizes data and evidence-based practices to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Ensures that divisional initiatives reflect the University’s mission, uphold ethical and legal standards, and contribute meaningfully to student success and institutional excellence.
Preferred and Required Qualifications
- Ph.D or Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field.
- Eight years of progressively responsible administrative experience in higher education preferably in Student Affairs, or relevant experience in a related department or discipline.
- Administrative experience that includes oversight of budgets, personnel and programs as well as leadership for broad initiatives.
- Senior level supervisory experience with strong mentoring and staff management.
- Knowledge of Catholic Intellectual Tradition, including Ex Corde Ecclesiae and Catholic social teaching. Practicing member of the Roman Catholic faith preferred.
- Successfully pass background check.
Application Details
To see the full job description or to apply for this position, please visit our website at Work at Saint Martin’s.
