<p>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.</p> <p>Saint Martin's University is one of 13 Benedictine colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada, and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains. Established in 1895 by monks of the Roman Catholic Order of Saint Benedict, the University's identity is rooted in the Catholic, Benedictine tradition. Sponsored by the Benedictine Order, it embraces the Order's mission, vision, and values, providing a caring, transformative education with the motto: To Lead with Heart. The University and Abbey sit on 300 acres of peaceful woodlands, meadows, and trails, and are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.</p> <p>An independent, four-year coeducational university, Saint Martin's offers undergraduate and graduate programs that promote the common good. It welcomes students from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, including those at its extended campus on nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord. With about 1,200 undergraduates and 200 graduate students, the University offers 31 majors, 13 master's programs, one doctorate, and six certificates in the arts and sciences, business, counseling, education, engineering, nursing, and leadership. It is also one of nine member colleges of the Independent Colleges of Washington.</p> <p>Located in Lacey, Washington, five miles east of Olympia, the state capitol, Saint Martin's sits on the South Puget Sound-an hour from both the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains. Lacey offers sparkling lakes, saltwater, forested parklands, championship fairways, miles of trails, and a nearby 3,700-acre wildlife refuge. Combined with excellent schools, a low crime rate, a strong economy, and a thriving arts community, the area provides a vibrant Pacific Northwest setting.</p> <p>ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES</p> <p>Essential Functions & Responsibilities - Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this position. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following.</p> <p>Strategic and Operational Leadership</p> <ul> <li>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. </li><li>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. </li><li>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. </li><li>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. </li></ul> <p>Organizational and Staff Development</p> <ul> <li>Designs and sustains an effective organizational structure that promotes collaboration, accountability, and professional excellence across all Student Affairs departments. </li><li>Recruits, supervises, and evaluates staff, establishing clear expectations and providing consistent feedback and guidance. </li><li>Fosters a culture of professional growth by encouraging continued education, leadership development, and completion of required University trainings. </li><li>Builds team morale and ensures staff feel valued, supported, and aligned with the division's mission and goals. </li></ul> <p>Student Engagement, Success, and Retention</p> <ul> <li>Champions initiatives that promote student engagement, belonging, and persistence from matriculation through graduation. </li><li>Collaborates with campus partners to strengthen student retention and success, ensuring that services and programs meet the diverse needs of the student body. </li><li>Provides visible leadership during campus events, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. </li><li>Responds with compassion and professionalism to student crises, emergencies, and behavioral concerns, maintaining a focus on safety, care, and learning. </li></ul> <p>Collaboration and Institutional Representation</p> <ul> <li>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. </li><li>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. </li><li>Represents the University in interactions with parents, external agencies, and community organizations, promoting collaboration and goodwill in service of student development. </li><li>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. </li></ul> <p>Assessment, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement</p> <ul> <li>Leads ongoing assessment of Student Affairs programs and services to ensure quality, relevance, and effectiveness. </li><li>Utilizes data and evidence-based practices to guide decision-making and continuous improvement. </li><li>Ensures that divisional initiatives reflect the University's mission, uphold ethical and legal standards, and contribute meaningfully to student success and institutional excellence. </li></ul> <p>COMPETENCIES</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and ongoing professional growth. </li><li>Deep commitment to Saint Martin's Catholic and Benedictine values, mission, and vision of student-centered education. </li><li>Strategic and analytical thinker with proven skill in assessing and improving operations, shaping policy, and implementing effective systems and initiatives. </li><li>Comprehensive understanding of higher education laws, regulations, and compliance standards, particularly those affecting student affairs and institutional operations. </li><li>Informed awareness of emerging legal, social, and policy trends impacting student experience and higher education practice. </li><li>Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution abilities, with a track record of sound judgment and balanced decision-making. </li><li>Expertise in crisis management and intervention, with the ability to respond calmly and effectively in high pressure situations. </li><li>Exceptional oral and written communication skills; able to engage diverse audiences with clarity and empathy. </li><li>Demonstrated proficiency in budget development, fiscal oversight, and resource management. </li><li>Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs that promote student engagement, well-being, and success. </li><li>Capacity to develop and execute strategic goals aligned with institutional priorities and long-term vision. </li><li>Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, fostering trust and cooperation across diverse constituencies. </li><li>Proven ability to create inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environments that honor and support the diversity of the student body. </li><li>Knowledge of best practices in supporting diverse student populations, including students of color, first generation students, students with disabilities, and those from varied socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. </li><li>Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, with the multicultural awareness and skills necessary to lead in a pluralistic community </li><li>Is supportive of a Catholic, Benedictine philosophy of education and able to articulate and support the University's mission statement. </li></ul> <p>REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT</p> <ul> <li>Ph.D or Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field. </li><li>Eight years of progressively responsible administrative experience in higher education preferably in Student Affairs, or relevant experience in a related department or discipline. </li><li>Administrative experience that includes oversight of budgets, personnel and programs as well as leadership for broad initiatives. </li><li>Senior level supervisory experience with strong mentoring and staff management. </li><li>Knowledge of Catholic Intellectual Tradition, including Ex corde Ecclesiae and Catholic social teaching. Practicing member of the Roman Catholic faith preferred. </li><li>Successfully pass background check. </li></ul> <p>PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT</p> <p>Work is performed in a standard office environment. Physical demands include:</p> <ul> <li>Moves objects (less than 20 pounds) long distances (more than 20 feet). </li><li>Ability to be mobile campus wide for appropriate business needs. </li><li>Operates a variety of standard office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements. </li><li>Reading, writing, speaking, hearing, standing, bending, sitting. </li><li>Learning and comprehending. </li><li>Requires visual concentration on detail. </li><li>Manual dexterity and precision required for keyboarding </li><li>Must be able to sit for long periods at a time at a computer </li><li>May occasionally be required to deal with distraught people. </li><li>Must be able to concentrate on details and process complex information while experiencing frequent interruptions. </li><li>Must be able to communicate effectively with people at all levels under stressful conditions. </li><li>Must maintain strict confidentiality relating to all issues in the department, Saint Martin's University and the President's Office. </li></ul>