Graduate Student Life - Assistant Dean, Strategic Leadership

Santa Clara University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Clara University seeks an Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life to lead the Dean of Students Office's efforts in advancing graduate student life. The role reports to the Dean with a dotted line to the Vice Provost for Graduate Programs and works with schools and the Provost’s Office on strategic student support initiatives.

Key duties include advocacy for graduate students, supervision of the Graduate Student Hub, budget oversight, and collaboration with Health, Counseling, Career

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• 8–10 years of progressively responsible work in an academic setting.
• Master’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide university-wide leadership for graduate student life and advocacy.
• Serve as liaison for graduate and professional students across schools.
• Supervise operations of the Graduate Student Hub and manage staff schedules.
• Oversee budgets, expenditures, and financial controls for graduate student programs.
• Collaborate with the Provost’s Office and academic partners on program development.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Advocacy and outreach

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration, college student services, education, counseling or related field

Master’s degree in higher education administration, college student services, education, counseling or related field

Tools

Database management

Social media management

Digital communication tools

Job description

Santa Clara University seeks an Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life to lead the Dean of Students Office's efforts in advancing graduate student life. The role reports to the Dean with a dotted line to the Vice Provost for Graduate Programs and works with schools and the Provost’s Office on strategic student support initiatives.

Key duties include advocacy for graduate students, supervision of the Graduate Student Hub, budget oversight, and collaboration with Health, Counseling, Career