Senior Associate Vice President & Dean of Students - Division of Student Affairs

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 world’s 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 university’s Division of Student Affairs is deeply rooted in an ethic of care and distinguished by its relational, collaborative, and responsive approach to serving students. CMU’s 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 “4 Cs” , 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 university’s 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 CMU’s 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 CMU’s 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 CMU’s highly relational culture while advancing data-informed, continuous improvement in delivering the Division’s 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, Miller’s website .

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• The minimum educational qualifications include a master’s 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 CMU’s 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; it’s 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!

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