Senior Associate Vice President & Dean of Students - ...

POSITION OVERVIEW: Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) seeks an exceptional, student-centered leader to serve as its next Senior Associate Vice President & Dean of Students (SAVP & DoS). This is a rare opportunity to help shape the student experience at one of the worldu2019s most innovative, ambitious, and globally recognized research universities. Known for its culture of creativity, pragmatic problem-solving, and relentless pursuit of excellence, CMU attracts gifted learners from more than 130 countries and fosters an environment where ideas spark, communities form, and students are empowered to make an extraordinary impact. The universityu2019s Division of Student Affairs is deeply rooted in an ethic of care and distinguished by its relational, collaborative, and responsive approach to serving students. CMUu2019s commitment to holistic student development creates a vibrant, inclusive environment where students are supported in pursuing both their boldest aspirations and their everyday well-being. The new SAVP & DoS will join a division defined by trusted partnerships, collaborative leadership, and a dedication to fostering belonging across a diverse, high-performing community. A Transformational Moment This is an exciting moment at CMU. The SAVP & DoS role is newly envisioned and strategically aligned to lead key areas that sit at the heart of the student experience: culture, care, crisis, and conduct. With a talented team, a forward-looking Vice President for Student Affairs, and an institution committed to innovation, this leader will have the opportunity to shape systems, strengthen coordination, and elevate an already strong culture of student support. For an experienced, values-driven student affairs leader, this position offers both the opportunity and the platform to make a lasting institutional impact. Scope of Leadership The SAVP & DoS portfolio is organized around four primary pillars known as the u201c4 Csu201d , intentionally aligning functions across the continuum of the student experience: + Culture: Proactive community-building and fostering belonging + Care: Holistic support and wellness resources for individual students + Crisis: Coordinated, expert responses to moments of acute concern + Conduct: Accountability and integrity within the campus community Core Areas of Responsibility The Dean provides leadership across: + Health & Wellness + Counseling & Psychological Services + University Health Services + Wellness & Meaning-Making Programs + Community Responsibility & Culture + Civility Initiatives + Community Responsibility + Student Diversity & Inclusion (co-led with the Vice Provost for Community, Culture and Engagement) + First-Year Orientation & Family Engagement + Including Fraternity & Sorority Life + Residential Education + Student Support Resources The Dean directly supervises five senior leaders who collectively oversee seven department heads and an overall portfolio of approximately 125 full-time staff and 220 student employees . The Dean also manages a portfolio budget exceeding $15 million . Institutional Leadership & Impact Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA), the Dean serves as deputy to the VPSA and represents the division both internally and across CMU. As a senior leader, the Dean: + Serves on the VPSA executive team + Represents Student Affairs on university committees and major initiatives + Chairs the universityu2019s threat assessment committee + Leads institutional efforts related to care and crisis response + Engages regularly and visibly with students to assess and enhance the student experience Given the richness of CMUu2019s academic programs and its global student population, the Dean integrates a holistic student services model across the university through programming, training, support services, and intentional partnerships with academic and administrative leaders. Because of the expectation for engagement and responsiveness, housing adjacent to campus is provided . IDEAL CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS: The ideal candidate will be a highly visible, student-centered leader who embodies the ethic of care that defines Carnegie Mellon University. The Senior Associate Vice President & Dean of Students (SAVP & DoS) will be a visionary and experienced executive, capable of guiding meaningful organizational change, managing complex crises, fostering vibrant campus communities, and building inclusive, responsible, and innovative student support structures. Given CMUu2019s distinctive enrollment profile, experience supporting international and graduate students is essential. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional interpersonal acuity and the ability to build trust across diverse stakeholders, including academic leadership, faculty, staff, and students. The SAVP & DoS must be collaborative and adaptable, able to navigate CMUu2019s highly relational culture while advancing data-informed, continuous improvement in delivering the Divisionu2019s four pillars: culture, care, crisis, and conduct. Success in this role requires political savvy, organizational agility, and the ability to integrate quickly as a trusted partner and colleague. Equally important, the SAVP & DoS will serve as a compelling ambassador for the Division of Student Affairs, telling its story effectively, elevating its impact, and advocating persuasively for students and the resources that support their success. They Will Bring: + Demonstrated success guiding complex organizational change + Expertise in managing crises with clarity, compassion, and sound judgment + Experience supporting both undergraduate and graduate learners + A deep commitment to holistic student well-being and student advocacy + Strong communication skills and the ability to build authentic, trusting relationships + A collaborative leadership style paired with data-informed decision-making + The ability to inspire, develop, and retain a high-performing, mission-driven team More information on this exciting opportunity can be found within the leadership profile, listed on Isaacson, Milleru2019s website (. QUALIFICATIONS: Education: + The minimum educational qualifications include a masteru2019s degree in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a related field. + A terminal degree in a related field is preferred. Experience: + At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs in the areas directly related to the portfolio of the SAVP & DoS including: student conduct, clinical care and support, wellness, crisis management, residential education, orientation and family engagement, fraternity & sorority life, and belonging and inclusion. A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered. REQUIREMENTS: + Successful completion of a pre-employment background check, including Child Protection Clearances (Act 153) + Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: + This is a full-time, salaried position based in Pittsburgh, PA. NOMINATION & APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Carnegie Mellon University has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist in this important search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are welcome. + Nominations and inquiries can be directed through the Isaacson, Miller website (. Applications should include a cover letter and a CV/resume. + Applications should be submitted via the Isaacson, Miller website (. + Applications submitted through CMUu2019s internal career portal will not be considered. Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits. Benefits eligible ( employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance ( as well as a generous retirement savings program ( with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off ( and observed holidays (, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team ( to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access ( , and much more For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page ( . At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; itu2019s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations. Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization? Apply today Location Pittsburgh, PA Job Function University Administration and Management Position Type Staff u2013 Regular Full Time/Part time Full time Pay Basis More Information: + Please visit u201cWhy Carnegie Mellon (u201d to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. + Click here ( to view a listing of employee benefits + Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran . + Statement of Assurance ( Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (through your candidate profile. If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isnu2019t just one of the worldu2019s most renowned educational institutions u2013 itu2019s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, youu2019ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, youu2019ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues u2013 and youu2019ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters. We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, youu2019ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni. The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of whatu2019s next. Apply now. Learn more about Student Employment (. Please see Faculty Careers. ( For technical assistance, email HR Services () or call 412-268-4600. If you are an individual with a disability and you require assistance with the job application process, please email Equal Opportunity Services () or call 412-268-3930. Prospective Employee Disclosures (

Created: 2026-04-04