Dean of Students

OVERVIEW The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Dean of Students position within the division of Student Affairs. The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission. JOIN OUR COMMUNITY The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes: Tuition Remission  for employees, spouses, and dependents Generous Retirement Contributions  to support your future Comprehensive Health Coverage  including medical, dental, and vision Fully Paid Insurance : disability, life, and AD&D Paid Parental Leave  to support growing families Salary Range: $124,000 to $145,000 The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information. JOB SUMMARY The Dean of Students provides strategic leadership for student development and success by integrating academic and cocurricular experiences within the context of Catholic higher education. Serving as the primary advocate for students, the Dean creates an inclusive environment that fosters personal growth, accountability, civic engagement, and community participation aligned with the Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities. This senior leadership role oversees key programs within Student Affairs, including Student Diversity and Inclusion Services, Off-Campus Student Life, First-Gen Tommies, and the Karon Veterans Resource Center, and directly supervises the Dean of Students Office staff. The Dean leads the university's student accountability system, conflict resolution and restorative justice efforts, provides leadership for the university’s emergency and crisis response efforts, behavioral intervention processes, and collaborates closely with campus partners to support student well-being, safety, and success. The Dean fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, cultural humility, and collective engagement while maintaining current knowledge of higher education law and best practices, including student conduct, Title IX, Clery, and student support. This position requires exceptional judgment, collaborative leadership, and the ability to balance student advocacy with institutional accountability. The Dean serves as a visible and engaged representative of the Division of Student Affairs by maintaining a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends; responding to campus emergencies as needed; and participating in university and community events. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Division Leadership & Strategic Supervision Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Dean of Students Office and key Student Affairs areas, including Student Diversity and Inclusion Services, Off-Campus Student Life, First-Gen Tommies, and the Karon Veterans Resource Center. Directly supervise and evaluate four professional staff members. Lead Student Affairs efforts related to student civic and democratic engagement, including voter education and engagement initiatives, in collaboration with campus partners. Provide leadership for Dean of Students Office involvement in proactive neighborhood relations, community engagement, and student education efforts related to off-campus impacts and shared community expectations. Lead efforts to address student basic needs by coordinating support related to food insecurity, emergency grant assistance, and other essential resource needs that affect student well-being and retention. Develop and implement strategic initiatives that advance the Division of Student Affairs and university-wide priorities Stay current with trends, legislation, and legal issues in higher education, particularly regarding student conduct, Title IX, and Clery Act. Student Accountability & Conduct Oversight Oversee comprehensive student conduct system including conflict resolution, conduct adjudication, bias incident response involving students, restorative justice practices, and grievance processes for undergraduate and most graduate students Make final decisions on suspension and expulsion cases; ensure due process and procedural fairness Expand and strengthen conflict resolution pathways for students through restorative practices, educational interventions, and alternative dispute resolution options, as appropriate. Collaborate closely with Academic Affairs on student-related issues that intersect academic and behavioral concerns Provide leadership and guidance on student behavior issues related to demonstrations, protest activity, and free expression, in partnership with Academic Affairs, Public Safety, General Counsel, and other university stakeholders. Serve as primary advocate for students while maintaining accountability systems that support personal growth Crisis Management & Emergency Response Co-chair University Action and Response Team (UART), as as