Description
Macalester College, a private liberal arts institution in St. Paul, Minnesota, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of dean of students and associate vice president for student affairs (dean). This is an on-site leadership role.
Macalester prepares students to address real-world needs by learning about issues in the classroom and working in the community. Students work toward social justice and are dedicated to making a difference. Macalester combines a close-knit, welcoming community with the benefits of being in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area in Minnesota, a state where each person has the right to express their full human dignity. Macalester students come from 49 U.S. states and 108 countries for an academic program ranked among the top in the nation, where ideas and intellectual curiosity matter.
Reporting to and in close partnership with the vice president for student affairs, the dean of students and associate vice president is a senior leader in the Division of Student Affairs and provides strategic leadership and operational direction for Macalester College's student experience. The role advances a holistic vision of student engagement, advocacy, education, support, and accountability that promotes student success, belonging, and holistic well-being. The position oversees a comprehensive portfolio, including student support, case management, crisis response, student conduct, residential life, health and well-being, disability resources, international student programs, counseling, health promotion and sexual respect, and the commencement ceremony. The dean provides supervision to four direct reports and over 40 staff in their area, while managing a budget of approximately $500,000.
The salary range is $129,000 to $140,000.
Qualifications
Requirements include a master's degree in higher education, leadership, or a related field, and a minimum of eight years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs, student services, or a related area. Preferred qualifications include experience within a higher education environment and a terminal degree.
Application and Nomination
Macalester College has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin April 30, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/dean-of-students-and-associate-vice-president-for-student-affairs/
- Contact Laura Puckett-Boler at lpb@spelmanandjohnson.com for confidential inquiries.
- Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.
Visit the Macalester College website at https://www.macalester.edu/
Macalester College does not discriminate on the grounds of sex, gender identity, race, color, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, genetic information, membership, or activity in a local human rights commission, veteran status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or other categories protected by law, in employment policies and practices, education, and all other areas of the college. For additional information, see Macalester College's full Notice of Non-Discrimination.
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