Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), a vibrant learning and research institution located in Chicago, Illinois, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students (VP/Dean).

For more than 150 years, NEIU has trained teachers and school administrators; produced leaders representing the Chicago metropolitan area in city, state, and national politics; and enriched the lives of its students by fostering their academic and professional excellence. Northeastern Illinois University is regarded as the most diverse public comprehensive university in the Midwest and is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution. Diversity is an important factor in the character of Northeastern and in the social fabric of its student body. The University has an enrollment of almost 7,500 students and African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American students represent roughly 60% of the student body. With the main campus located on 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago, the University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure, and endorsement programs on its main campus and through additional metropolitan locations.

Dr. Gloria J. Gibson was appointed President by NEIU's Board of Trustees on March 15, 2018, and is embarking on a bold vision to further the institution's mission of providing an exceptional academic experience and preparing a diverse community of students for leadership and service within the region and beyond. Within this context, the VP/Dean will join an institution undergoing significant transformation and advance further the work of a division that is student centered, promotes learning, and ensures the development of a robust multicultural community. Reporting directly to President Gibson, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students will be a dynamic individual serving as the chief student affairs officer for the University. With a proven record of transformational leadership and a demonstrated and vigorous commitment to promoting the success of all students, the VP/Dean will provide the vision, leadership, management, and insight in administering a comprehensive range of student services programs and student services personnel.

Northeastern is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is deeply committed to affirmative action principles. At Northeastern, it is believed that diversity and inclusion are critical to its campus community, and the University seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. NEIU is dedicated to building a cabinet that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. NEIU seeks an experienced higher education leader who is student focused, innovative, open and engaging, forward thinking, creative, and results oriented. The new leader will bring experience in a comprehensive range of student programs and services; the ability to understand the challenges and opportunities of a public, urban comprehensive institution; the ability to support students from varying backgrounds and experiences, including traditional, transfer, and adult learners; and exceptional administrative, financial, and managerial skills. Of significance, the VP/Dean will possess a deep and abiding commitment to the values of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion, including a proven record of advocacy for students who are traditionally marginalized and underrepresented in higher education. The successful candidate will be an exceptional member of a senior team that values collaboration, cooperation, inclusivity, and transparency.

WittKieffer is assisting Northeastern Illinois University in this search. Review of applications will commence immediately and will remain open until an appointment is made. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received by November 2, 2020.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate attachments, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, found here. Professional references are not necessary at this time.

Applications should be directed to WittKieffer's candidate portal.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Amy Crutchfield, Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D.

NEIU-VPSA@wittkieffer.com

Northeastern Illinois University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.