Dean for Equity and Belonging

Position Summary Information

Advertisement St. Catherine University and Student Affairs invite applications for a full-time Dean for Equity and Belonging.

The Dean for Equity and Belonging develops and supervises comprehensive retention and support services for international students and students from historically underrepresented identities and cultures at the University, including students of color, LGBTQIA+ students, and international students. The Dean also oversees the staff, programming, and strategic direction of the Centers for Equity and Belonging, Student Accessibility and Accommodations, and Access and Success. This position functions as a key resource for enhancing the collegiate experience, retention, and completion of these student populations at St. Kate’s through direct service, advocacy, and education. Additionally, the Dean manages and coordinates equity, inclusion, and belonging education and training for all students. Reporting to the SVP for Student Affairs, Equity and Belonging, the Dean for Equity and Belonging will serve as a key thought partner on larger strategic efforts. The Dean is part of the on call director level rotation.Responsibilities Include :

• Lead and Manage the Centers for Equity and Belonging.
• Responsible for the development of a comprehensive program plan focusing on co-curricular diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging education and programming for all students.
• Supervision and leadership of professional staff, as well as student employees, interns, and volunteers. Provide leadership for assignment of duties and the organizational functions of the office.
• Partner with academic and non-academic departments to build bridges, remove barriers, support, and advocate for a positive campus-based experience for historically underrepresented students.
• Ensure the ongoing collection, analysis, reporting, and application of data on the Center’s programs / services to continually improve and support student satisfaction, success, retention, and sense of belonging.
• The Dean collaborates with Human Resources and relevant University offices to respond to bias incidents and help establish systems that ensure just, restorative, and equity-minded approaches to addressing bias-related concerns. This position also serves as a member of the University’s Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT).
• Responsible for preparing and overseeing the budget of the Centers for Equity and Belonging.
• Provide strategic oversight and administrative leadership for the Student Accessibility and Accommodations, Centers for Equity and Belonging, and Access and Success programs.
• Supervise staff and oversee services that ensure students with disabilities and those from underserved backgrounds receive appropriate support and accommodations.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state disability laws, including ADA and Section 504, and promote inclusive practices across campus.
• Collaborate with faculty, student services, and academic departments to ensure equitable access to learning environments.
• Use data and assessment tools to evaluate program effectiveness, identify barriers, and implement improvements that support student persistence and success.
• Lead proactive outreach and education initiatives that build awareness of accessibility and inclusion across the University.
• Advocate for systemic improvements that enhance access and equity for students with disabilities, first-generation students, and others served by Access and Success.
• Oversee and manage program budgets, staffing, and resources to align with institutional priorities and student needs.
• Primary Office Collaboration with University Departments and Offices, in particular, Academic Affairs, Public Safety, Counseling, TRIO, Campus Life, Dean for Students Affairs, and Athletics.
• Establish and foster links between the units it oversees and faculty and staff via formal and informal processes and programs aimed at student success;
• Serve as a trained back-up for institutional SEVIS obligations and support staff who have primary responsibility for coordinating International student SEVIS-related needs.
• In collaboration with the SVP for Student Affairs, Equity and Belonging and the Dean for Student Affairs, offer system-wide training on privilege, systemic oppression, microaggressions, identity issues, inclusion, and student issues to faculty, staff, student leaders, classes, and other groups; serve on college committees, and assist with diversity grants and in policy decisions pertaining to students; participate in Student Affairs Leadership and Division meetings and activities.
• This role has on-call responsibilities in the director-level duty rotation.

Employees at St. Kate’s feel a deep connection to the University’s Mission and Vision, and they live their values at work. Benefits available to full-time employees include :

St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, is a comprehensive Catholic university and home to one of the nation’s largest colleges for women, with associate and graduate programs for all genders. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1905, the University integrates liberal arts and professional education within the Catholic traditions of intellectual inquiry and social teaching. Committed to excellence and opportunity, St. Catherine enrolls students in certificate, associate, baccalaureate, master’s and Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

We seek creative, adaptable staff who enjoy working in a university climate that promotes cultural diversity, multicultural understanding, and cultural fluency.