Vice President for Student Development

Position Description

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Student Development serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet and provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the Division of Student Development. In this role, the Vice President is responsible for fostering student growth and development, with an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation, and providing creative, innovative and inspiring student experiences across a diverse student body. Responsibilities further include maintaining a safe and nurturing environment while promoting student involvement and engagement in university life.
Serving as the institution’s chief student development officer, functional areas of responsibility include: student life and housing; faith and practice; student health and wellness; talent and career development; student activities; college success programs, student conduct, and Title IX.

Status : Administration, full-time, exempt, salaried, 12 months per year.

Position Responsibilities

Accountability and Oversight
A. Reports to: President
B. Supervises: All departments housed within the Student Development division.
Position Dimensions

1. Employees Supervised: Student Development employees

Budget : Student Development operational budget

• Working collaboratively with the Cabinet, provide strategic vision, planning and oversight for the division, including operations, budget management, and institutional guidance where necessary.
• Responsible for support services, programs, and policies affecting Student Development.
• Advocate for student needs and in light of the University’s strategic priorities connect and engage with external and internal community resources and partners to ensure that students are served holistically.
• Responsible for applicable Eastern University and governmental policies and procedures directly affecting Student Life/ Housing/Title IX and other areas under the division of Student Development.
• Responsible for ensuring and maintaining compliance with all university, county, state, and federal reporting expectations related to student development.
• Ensure collaborative partnerships and planning across divisions and the University at large in meeting the needs of a diverse student population and creating an environment where all students and staff can flourish.
• Work cooperatively with athletics and other co-and extra-curricular constituencies to deliver a robust and cohesive student experience for all students.
• Collaborate and work effectively with university stakeholders including students, staff, faculty, and parents/families/guardians.
• Partner with the Divisions of Advancement, Academic Affairs on student engagement events and programs.
• Remain current and lead on issues and best practices in higher education, Title IX, and other areas affecting student life.
• In conjunction with the Office of Advancement, provide leadership for identifying, submitting, and procuring and successfully reporting on grants and grant opportunities.
• Assure data informed decision making, including consistent evaluation of data and metrics.
• Participate in committees as appropriate.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Development, or related field required. Doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Development, or related field preferred. A minimum of 5 years experience as a vice president for student development/affairs or similar executive level experience.
Embody the vision, mission, and values of Eastern University. Excellent written and spoken communication skills. Understanding of current trends and themes in higher education in general and Christian higher education in particular. Understanding of student retention theory and best practices, Knowledge of and ability to apply leadership models to employee supervision and management. Experience with crisis and emergency management. Experience with contract review and negotiations. Knowledge of related compliance areas including Title IX, Clery Act, OSHA, Americans with Disabilities Act, FERPA. Experience with budgeting on a university base level, proven financial containment skills. Proven conflict management and conflict resolution experience.