Dean of Students

CSU Careers•San Diego, CA

19d•$155,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join Our Team as the Dean of Students! At San Diego State University (SDSU), we are committed to fostering a culture of care, inclusion, and belonging that supports every student’s success. The Dean of Students plays a vital role in upholding that mission, providing visionary leadership for programs and services that promote student well-being, engagement, and personal development. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, the Dean of Students provides strategic oversight of multiple student-facing departments and programs that serve as the backbone of the SDSU experience. This position is a visible, trusted leader and a key contributor to the university’s student support, crisis response, and community engagement efforts. As the Dean of Students, you will: Provide leadership, vision, and direction for a portfolio that includes the CARES Team, Center for Commuter & Transfer Life, Center for Student Organizations & Activities, Orientation & Transition Programs, Parent & Family Programs, the Glazer Center for Leadership & Service, Pierce Greek Life Center, and SDSU Connects. Lead case management and crisis response coordination, ensuring timely and compassionate support for students in distress. Collaborate across campus to uphold policies and protocols related to student safety, well-being, and success. Serve as a senior crisis responder and key participant in emergency management, student death protocols, and behavioral intervention efforts. Partner with Academic Affairs and university leadership to strengthen student engagement, retention, and academic success strategies. Represent SDSU in community and city partnerships, addressing student-related issues, public safety, and town-gown relations. Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of Assistant Deans, Directors, and professional staff dedicated to advancing student life and leadership. This position is both strategic and hands-on, requiring the ability to manage complex issues, inspire collaboration, and make critical decisions under pressure, all while modeling SDSU’s values of inclusion, integrity, and care. Why you’ll love this work: Purpose-Driven Leadership: Direct initiatives that shape the student experience, ensuring care and connection are at the heart of SDSU’s culture. Collaborative Environment: Partner with faculty, staff, and community leaders to create meaningful impact on and off campus. Dynamic Portfolio: Oversee a diverse range of programs that foster leadership, engagement, and student success. Commitment to Inclusion: Join a division that celebrates diversity and leads the university’s equity and belonging efforts. Community Impact: Play a key role in SDSU’s relationship with the greater San Diego region, promoting civic responsibility and positive engagement.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Counseling, College Student Personnel, Higher Education, or a related field
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs, student support, or crisis management.
Demonstrated experience in on-call response, student advocacy, and policy implementation in a higher education environment.
Experience supervising professional staff, managing budgets, and leading diverse, complex teams.
Deep understanding of student development theory, student engagement, and retention strategies.
Proven experience in crisis management, behavioral intervention, and emergency response.
Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to lead through influence and empathy.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Ability to represent the university in high-profile, community-facing situations with professionalism and diplomacy.
Excellent strategic planning, organizational, and leadership abilities.
Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends in support of key university programs, events, and emergency response efforts related to student well-being and safety.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing in a collective bargaining environment.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, vision, and direction for a portfolio that includes the CARES Team, Center for Commuter & Transfer Life, Center for Student Organizations & Activities, Orientation & Transition Programs, Parent & Family Programs, the Glazer Center for Leadership & Service, Pierce Greek Life Center, and SDSU Connects.
Lead case management and crisis response coordination, ensuring timely and compassionate support for students in distress.
Collaborate across campus to uphold policies and protocols related to student safety, well-being, and success.
Serve as a senior crisis responder and key participant in emergency management, student death protocols, and behavioral intervention efforts.
Partner with Academic Affairs and university leadership to strengthen student engagement, retention, and academic success strategies.
Represent SDSU in community and city partnerships, addressing student-related issues, public safety, and town-gown relations.
Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse team of Assistant Deans, Directors, and professional staff dedicated to advancing student life and leadership.

Benefits

Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

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