Vice President for Campus Community and Belonging

Lake Forest College; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Forest College seeks a visionary Vice President for Campus Community and Belonging to advance inclusion across the campus. Reporting to the President and serving on the President’s Cabinet, the VP will champion belonging, civil discourse, and equitable access to academics, housing, and student life.

The role requires a master's degree with a terminal degree preferred and at least a decade of progressive leadership in higher education, with demonstrated success building diverse teams and

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; terminal degree preferred in a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in higher education.
• Expertise in student affairs, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to lead cross-divisional initiatives and develop staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Student Affairs, CARE, and Title IX responsibilities.
• Foster belonging and equitable access to campus programs and life.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to align efforts across divisions.
• Recruit, develop, mentor, and retain a diverse staff.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

DEI

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree

Doctoral degree preferred

Job description

The client invites nominations and applications for the Vice President for Campus Community and Belonging, a newly envisioned senior leadership role focused on building a community in which every individual is valued, connected, and empowered to contribute. Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the VP will advance a campus community shaped by diversity and inclusivity, meaningful connection, and a strong culture of civil discourse. The role will support thoughtful, collaborative, and courageous leadership as higher education navigates complex issues and aims to foster engagement across differences with curiosity and respect.

The VPCCB will advance belonging-centered initiatives across the full breadth of the institution, fostering equitable access to academic, co-curricular, and residential programs. Working closely with the Provost, vice presidents, and other campus leaders, the VP is expected to align efforts across all divisions and programs. Areas of oversight include Student Affairs; the Office for CARE; and Title IX, with responsibilities that will support students’ equitable access, well-being, and engagement in campus community life.

Qualifications include a master’s degree (required), with a doctoral or equivalent terminal degree preferred. The role typically requires at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, with demonstrated expertise in student affairs and institutional equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Candidates should have a proven ability to lead, prioritize, and champion community-wide initiatives that enhance inclusion for students, faculty, and staff, along with a strong understanding and commitment to equity, access, and student well-being frameworks. Exceptional interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills are expected, including a track record of collaboration across divisions and demonstrated success recruiting, developing, mentoring, and retaining talented staff and building teams that reflect a broad range of perspectives.