Assistant Vice President for Student Health and Wellness

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has partnered with Keeling & Associates in their search for an experienced and forward-thinking leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Student Health and Wellness. This newly created position—overseeing Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and Health Education and Promotion—will serve as the catalyst for further integration of student health and wellness functions that support student learning, well-being, and success. Working collaboratively with the Directors of these areas, the AVP will foster a holistic and multifaceted approach to health and wellness that meets the current and developing needs of the College’s dynamic student population. Competitive candidates will demonstrate strong management and supervisory experience; deep knowledge of student development and emerging trends and best practices in college health and wellness; excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills; and a commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and social justice efforts.

Position Summary

The AVP for Student Health and Wellness is responsible for the successful design, delivery, and continuous evaluation of and appropriate modifications to all aspects of student health, wellness, and support areas ensuring they are aligned with RISD’s strategic mission and staffed appropriately to deliver on commitments to serving a diverse student body. With a deep understanding of key trends and best practices and, based on feedback from and learnings shared by colleagues across campus and throughout the region, the AVP will develop and instill a strong culture of health and wellness that allows RISD students to enhance their capacity to learn and develop lifelong skills for success. The AVP will develop and implement a comprehensive, holistic, and integrated health approach to services, programs, protocols, and policies in order to positively affect the physical and mental health and well-being of RISD students.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education, social work, higher education, or a health and wellness related discipline. At least seven years of relevant progressive leadership and professional experience that includes demonstrated success in the management and supervision of health-related services. Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in settings specific to health and wellness. Experience in budget and staff management in a student life or healthcare environment. Ability to lead and manage organizational change and the demonstrated ability to understand and respond to the climate and the culture of a college campus. Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills. Strong commitment to student growth and development, and a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to student well-being and Student Support Services. Ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships and build consensus and support. Demonstrated ability to understand perspectives and experiences related to socioeconomic class, gender identity and expression, sexuality, race and ethnicity, privilege and power relationships, and transitions to adulthood, and a proven track record of carrying out equity and social justice efforts. Demonstrated experience addressing issues of equity and inclusion with specific commitment to support a diverse student population and leading diverse staff in an education environment committed to inclusion and fostering a sense of belonging. Evidence of engagement with today’s most pressing issues in student health and wellness. Sophisticated knowledge of current best practices and ability to evaluate appropriateness and adoption experience with technology, systems, and tools used to provide and enhance student support and well-being.

For more information about this position, please visit: https://keelingassociates.com/portfolio-items/rhode-island-school-of-design/

Application Process

Keeling & Associates is pleased to be supporting RISD in this search. Applications should include a cover letter and resume and must be sent, preferably in PDF format, to recruiting@KeelingAssociates.com. The subject line of the email should read “RISD–AVP Health and Wellness.”  All applications received by November 3, 2022, will receive full consideration. The application review process will continue until the position is filled.

We welcome confidential inquiries, requests for conversations, and nominations via email to Dr. Liliana Rodríguez, Senior Consultant for Executive Search, at lrodriguez@KeelingAssociates.com.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.