Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life

Montclair State University; Montclair (NJ); On-site; USD 290,000 - 330,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Montclair State University seeks a innovative and collaborative leader to serve as its next Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life. The role reports to the President and oversees a broad portfolio focused on student success, belonging, health and well-being, safety and campus life across two campuses.

The incumbent will develop a strategic vision, lead a high-performing team, and partner with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Communications, Development and Human Resources

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in higher education, student affairs, public administration or a related field.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs or a related field, with demonstrated success in senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance a compelling and strategic vision for the Division of Student Development and Campus Life that aligns with the University’s mission.
• Lead a comprehensive portfolio of student-facing programs and services that support student success, engagement, belonging, well-being and campus life.
• Strengthen an integrated and vibrant student experience across the University’s campuses and student populations.
• Build strong partnerships across the University and its two campuses with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Communications, Development and Human Resources to advance retention and success.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Collaboration

Data-informed

Education

Master’s degree

Higher education or related field

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

Montclair State University is building the model of a public-serving university. At its core is a commitment to access and excellence that centers students and their success. Unlike the traditional model of higher education, Montclair believes that the experiences outside the classroom are as pivotal to the university experience as the academic environment. As such we seek to create a vibrant, engaging, safe and supportive environment characterized by a strong sense of belonging and community that provides a setting where students can develop interpersonal skills, challenge each other, gain leadership experience and build relationships. Montclair seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as its next Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life who will take the lead in developing and growing this dynamic environment. Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the University’s Executive Council, the Vice President provides strategic and operational leadership for a comprehensive portfolio dedicated to advancing student success, engagement, belonging, health and well-being, safety, leadership development, and the overall student experience across two campuses.

Major areas of focus:

• Student Success and Advocacy
• Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Residential and Commuter Life
• Student Engagement and Leadership
• Student Belonging and Inclusion
• Student Access and Support Services
• Health, Wellness and Support Services
• Campus Life, Events and Communications
• Athletics and Recreation
• Campus Safety and Security

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and advance a compelling and strategic vision for the Division of Student Development and Campus Life that is aligned with the University’s mission and priorities.
• Lead a comprehensive portfolio of student-facing programs and services that support student success, engagement, belonging, well-being, leadership development and campus life.
• Strengthen an integrated and vibrant student experience across the University’s campuses and student populations.
• Build strong partnerships across the University and its two campuses, while collaborating with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Communications and Marketing, University Development, Human Resources and other campus partners to advance student retention, engagement and success and advance institutional priorities.
• Foster an environment where students feel connected, supported, valued and empowered to achieve their educational and personal goals.
• Lead and develop a high-performing division, establishing a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, student-centered service and continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective management of divisional resources, including people, financial resources and programs, to maximize impact and advance institutional goals.
• Provide strategic leadership for services that support students’ mental, physical, emotional and overall well-being.
• Leverage data, assessment, student perspectives and emerging trends to inform decisions and continuously improve the student experience.
• Provide executive leadership in responding to complex student matters, crises, and emerging issues in collaboration with the appropriate University partners.
• Advance strategies that address food, housing, financial and other barriers that can interfere with student success.
• Working closely with University Police and campus partners to promote a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors across both campuses.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with students and families, faculty, staff, senior leaders, alumni and external partners and serve as a visible advocate for the student experience, bringing best practices and innovative approaches to student development and campus life.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in higher education, student affairs, public administration or a related field.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs or a related field, with demonstrated success in senior leadership.
• Experience building and leading a cohesive team while managing a broad student development and campus life portfolio in a complex and diverse higher education environment.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance student success and the student experience.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and bring people together across organizational and functional areas.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to engage with diverse constituencies with credibility, empathy and discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to use data, assessment and emerging trends to inform decisions, improve services and advance innovation.
• Experience addressing complex student, safety, or crisis-related matters.
• Residency and Housing: Must reside in a university-designated residence or in close proximity to ensure a visible presence and rapid response for campus emergencies and community events; university housing is provided.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

PREFERRED

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated commitment to student belonging and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully plan for and lead during times of crisis.
• Experience working with multiple campuses.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and cross-campus initiatives.

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instruction.

Salary Range $290,000.00-$330,000.00 Annually The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/ Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer. Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions.

Department Office of the President

Position Type Executive

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity. Additional information can be found on the website at www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/e o aa-and-diversity/ Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/

About Us

Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, Montclair State University has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master's and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools. Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions. Montclair State University is proud to be committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate in its recruitment and employment practices. The University is an inclusive, richly diverse community that fosters mutual respect, tolerance and understanding among all students and employees.