Assistant Dean for Administration & Chief of Staff

Seattle University

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Dean for Administration & Chief of Staff at Seattle University School of Law is responsible for the oversight of administrative operations within the School of Law. This role provides strategic leadership and decision support to the Dean across administrative, financial, and operational matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• Experience supporting senior leadership and advancing organizational priorities across multiple functional areas.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to administrative and operational leadership in a complex organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster collaboration and alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and advance complex initiatives in a dynamic environment.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Proficiency with standard office and administrative systems.

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, MPA, or related field) preferred.
• Experience working in a law school or higher education environment.
• Experience supporting strategic planning, institutional initiatives, or executive-level projects.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the ability to support an inclusive workplace.

Responsibilities

• Serve as liaison between the Dean and various internal and external constituencies, including university departments.
• Represent the Dean and School of Law in an ex-officio capacity on committees and special projects.
• Act as a key advisor to the Dean on institutional policies, procedures, and administrative practices.
• Provide leadership that fosters mutual respect among all constituencies of the school.
• Maintain awareness of key issues, priorities, and initiatives to support coordination.
• Serve as a standing member of the strategic planning committee and support implementation of initiatives that support the law school’s strategic planning efforts.
• Work with senior staff to ensure compliance with school and university policies.
• Set administrative priorities across units and ensure effective execution of School of Law operations.
• Provide senior-level decision support to the Dean on administrative, financial, and operational matters.
• Provide oversight and prioritization of facilities needs in alignment with School of Law operational priorities.
• Lead financial planning, including operating budget development, revenue projections, and long-term forecasting in consultation with the Dean.
• Serve as liaison with University Human Resources on employment-related matters.
• Serve as liaison to University Information Technology on long-term planning and services.
• Coordinate with senior leadership to ensure alignment of administrative functions with institutional priorities.
• Director of Network & Computer Services
• Executive Coordinator in the Dean’s Office
• Assistant to Associate Dean
• Shared supervision with Vice Dean for Academic Affairs

Benefits

• three different medical plans
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• life insurance
• short-term disability coverage
• long-term disability coverage
• up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%
• 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents
• a subsidized transportation benefit
• a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility
• a wide variety of campus events
• a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December
• vacation
• paid sick leave
• paid community service leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level