Fairfield is a non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Trustees that appoints the President. The Board maintains legal authority and responsibility for the operations of the University. The Board, of which the President is a member, makes policy decisions and establishes institutional objectives and priorities.

Prinicipal advisor to the President is the senior vice president, who chairs the University's Operations Committee, composed of six vice-presidents who are responsible for the six major divisions of the University: Academics, Advancement, Finance and Administration, Information Services, Marketing and Communications, and Student Affairs.

Campus Ministry, the Office of Jesuit and Catholic Mission and Identity, and Fairfield College Preparatory School are not part of the divisional organization and report directly to the President.

• Academics Division: The largest in the University, this division includes the six schools - College of Arts and Sciences, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the School of Nursing, the School of Engineering, the Graduate School of Education of Allied Professions, and University College - and houses other key administrative offices.

• Advancement Division: This division oversees the University's comprehensive fundraising programs and initiatives for current operations, capital projects, and endowment. Departments include Development, Alumni Relations, Constituent Relations, Corporate Relations, Foundation Relations, Special Events, and related support services.

• Finance and Administration Division: This division is responsible for all financial affairs for the University - Accounting, the University Bursar, Student Accounts, Budgeting, Purchasing, and Financial Reporting - as well as the Office of Human Resources.

• Information Services: Supporting information access and technology across campus, this division is comprised of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Computing and Network Services, the Media Center, and Administrative Computing.

• Marketing and Communications: The departments of this division serve to enhance the reputation of the University and support the institution's mission and strategic plan through integrated marketing and communications. They include Brand Management and Public Relations, Academic and Admission Marketing, Advancement and Student Affairs Communications, and Web Communications.

• Student Affairs: This division is the major source of coordination for student life on campus. Among other units, this division houses Public Safety, Athletics, Recreation, Residence Life, Career Planning Center, Center for Multicultural Relations, Student Activities & Facilities, Health Center, Counseling Services, the Office of Student Support Services, and Campus Operations.