Assistant Vice President Mission & Ministry and Chief Mission Officer

Assistant Vice President for Mission & Ministry and Chief Mission Officer

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Attach online only your resume/CV, cover letter and contact information for three references.

Xavier University of Louisiana seeks a dynamic, visionary, and mission-driven leader to serve as Assistant Vice President for Mission and Ministry and Chief Mission Officer. Grounded in the Catholic faith and the historically Black tradition of the University, the AVP / CMO will champion and steward Xavier’s unique identity and foundational values inspired by Saint Katharine Drexel and promoted through the years by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and the Xavier community.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the AVP / CMO will ensure that the University’s mission to prepare students to lead in creating a more just and humane society remains vibrant, visible, and fully integrated into all aspects of University life.

AA/EOE

• A deep understanding of Catholic intellectual tradition, social teaching, and the charism of Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament
• Minimum of a Master’s degree. (Doctorate preferred).
• Demonstrated commitment to issues of racial justice, equity, and service in a culturally diverse environment.
• Significant experience (7+ years) in higher education, campus ministry, mission leadership, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and substantial, relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degrees.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven leadership in strategic planning, team building, and interdepartmental collaboration.

See minimum qualifications.

The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who can interpret and promote Xavier’s rich heritage as both Catholic and historically Black, ensuring that the University’s mission is not only preserved but powerfully expressed in contemporary contexts. This individual will exemplify servant‑leadership, demonstrate the ability to coalesce diverse University stakeholders in service to the Xavier mission, possess a passion for student development and formation, and be energized by the opportunity to shape a more just and humane world through higher education.

Mission Integration and Strategic Leadership

• Promote and articulate the University’s Catholic and historically Black identity across all areas of campus life.
• Collaborate with university leadership to ensure that strategic initiatives, academic offerings, and community engagement align with Xavier’s mission.
• Serve as the President’s principal advisor on matters related to mission and identity.

Campus Ministry and Spiritual Development

• Lead and support a dedicated Campus Ministry team that offers daily Eucharistic liturgy, retreats, spiritual counseling, pastoral care and supports the spiritual life of all students.
• Foster ecumenical and interfaith dialogue as part of the University’s sustained commitment to its Catholic identity.
• Encourage faith development and discernment among students, faculty, and staff through engaging programs and liturgical celebrations.

Educational and Formation Programs

• Work with the Provost and the academic Deans to ensure that curriculum elements support and deepen understanding of Xavier’s mission and purpose
• Provide formation and mission-oriented professional development for faculty, staff, and administrators.
• Design and lead initiatives that deepen understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, racial justice, and servant‑leadership.

Justice, Service, and Community Engagement

• Collaborate with student life, academic departments, and community partners to foster social justice learning, service opportunities and advocacy consistent with St. Katharine Drexel’s legacy.
• Lead initiatives that empower administration, staff, students and faculty to be agents of transformation within and beyond the Xavier community.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation
• Curriculum Vitae
• Other

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Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier is the only Catholic Historically Black University in the United States. Located in New Orleans, the University strives to contribute to a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society. Xavier prides itself in its diverse learning and teaching environment that incorporates a variety of educational practices, including research and service learning.