Senior Associate Vice President & Dean of Students

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) seeks an exceptional and student-centered leader to serve as the Senior Associate Vice President & Dean of Students (Dean, 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 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 its trusted partnerships with students, and dedication to fostering belonging across a diverse, high-performing community.

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. The Dean provides leadership across: Health and Wellness (Counseling & Psychological Services, Health Services, and Wellness & Meaning-Making Programs); Community Responsibility & Culture (Civility Initiatives, Community Responsibility, Student Diversity & Inclusion); First Year Orientation & Family Engagement (including Fraternity & Sorority Life); Residential Education; and Student Support Services. 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 on students and student affairs colleagues.

The ideal Senior Associate Vice President & Dean of Students is an accessible, student-centered leader with at least a decade of progressive student affairs experience and a master’s and/or terminal degree in a relevant field. They bring a demonstrated record of guiding complex organizational change, managing crises with clarity and compassion, and supporting both undergraduate and graduate learners. This leader is deeply committed to holistic student well-being, advocating for students, skilled in building trust across the institution, and adept at navigating sensitive issues with sound judgment. Equally important are strong communication and relationship-building skills, a collaborative spirit, data-informed decision-making, and the ability to inspire and develop a large, talented team. Above all, the successful candidate embodies CMU’s ethic of care, pairing integrity, empathy, and responsiveness with strategic vision and the capacity to strengthen systems that help all students thrive.

Carnegie Mellon University has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist with this important search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to the firm as indicated at the end of this document.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are welcome. Applications should include a cover letter and a CV/resume. Apply below.

Keight Tucker Kennedy is leading this search with Ivan Ceballos and Alexis Scott.

Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status or genetic information.