Vice President for Student Affairs

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

Lander University is seeking a talented and experienced executive with a strong record of accomplishments and success in the management and oversight of Student Affairs.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President will have broad authority and responsibility for oversight of all aspects of the Division of Student Affairs and areas including: housing and residence life, student activities, campus recreation and intramural sports, employment and career services, the wellness center, health services, counseling services, disability services, early alert and student concerns, office of student conduct and behavior intervention team, student affairs assessment, and the equestrian center.

The new Vice President comes to campus at an exciting time, with the arrival of President Richard Cosentino two and a half years ago. As part of the executive leadership team, the Vice President will work with the President and the other members of the executive team to help implement Dr. Cosentino’s and the Board of Trustees’ vision for the University.

In order to help implement this vision, the Vice President needs to have great leadership and communication skills to interact with various campus constituency groups, including academic, athletic and student leaders and organizations, as well as existing donors and alumni groups throughout the country.

The University looks forward to continued enrollment growth. The ability to thrive in this growing university also pertains to the Division of Student Affairs team, as the new Vice President will have the opportunity to make key team hires to build upon an already solid foundation of team members.

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AT LANDER UNIVERSITY

The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of the following areas and offices:

• Housing and Residence Life

• Student Activities

• Campus Recreation and Intramural Sports: Intramural Sports, Lander Outdoor Adventures, Lander Group Exercise, Lander Club Sports, the Joe V. Chandler Center and the Outdoor Pool

• Employment and Career Services

• Wellness Center

• Health Services

• Counseling Services

• Disability Services

• Early Alert and Student Concerns

• Office of Student Conduct and Behavior Intervention Team

• Student Affairs Assessment

• Equestrian Center

 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate will bring the following qualifications, skills and experience to the position:

• Minimum of ten years of progressive and relevant responsibility and leadership in student affairs, including experience managing student affairs at a senior level and experience managing and leading complex organizations;

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university required; master’s or advanced degree preferred;

• Demonstrate considerable knowledge of student affairs administration;

• Significant experience in the administration of university housing and residential life;

• Possess considerable knowledge of modern principles of student leadership, management, and supervisory methods, practices and techniques;

• Provide clear guidelines and assistance to committees and administrative efforts that are focused on student- centered initiatives;

• Provide leadership and guidance for the development and execution of high quality and student-centered approaches to support student success in non-academic dimensions that lead to positive student-learning outcomes;

• Lead the development and implementation of data-informed strategies and performance metrics to improve retention, progression, graduation, job placement and transfer pathways;

• Participate in all aspects of short-term and long-range institutional planning and in establishing measurable student services outcomes and practices;

• Work closely with the Director of Athletics and the President to integrate athletics into student life;

• Develop and implement programs that support and enhance student success and retention;

• Develop and supervise plans to improve facilities and operational efficiency within the Student Affairs division;

• Recommend and implement plans and policies to facilitate and improve  operations;

• Oversee the development and administration of operating budgets and staff for assigned functional areas;

• Provide oversight relative to the University student conduct and judicial program;

• Ensure compliance to all state and federal agencies, including Title IX compliance;

• Advocate for a student-centered culture;

• Promote and support a diverse, multicultural community;

• Lead initiatives that help to create a welcoming and supportive culture where all students feel valued;

• Work collaboratively with the President and campus administrators in leading the University and ensuring the overall health, recreation and social needs of the student body, while championing the success of the strategic plan;

• Focus, guide and lead direct reports in accomplishing objectives, setting goals, aligning and tracking performance, and acting decisively in order to successfully achieve the University’s strategic initiatives;

• Demonstrate commitment to our academic programs serving undergraduate and graduate students;

• Provide executive leadership and analytical thought process to decision-making, and have successful interpersonal skills to facilitate collaboration, operations improvements and the implementation of administrative best practices;

• On-call responsibilities include twenty-four (24) hour-per-day availability, responding to crises, emergency and intervention;

• The ability to travel locally and nationally for University business;

• Adhere to the governing documents, policies and procedures established by Lander University;

• Engage in meaningful and intentional professional development appropriate for areas of responsibility;

• Ability to shift between tasks without loss of continuity while balancing priorities to accomplish assigned tasks within the required time  frame;

• Express timely and accurate communication with administration, faculty, students and community  members;

• Provide executive-level leadership, strategic planning, oversight and coordination of student services in the areas of programming, policy development, human resources, facilities and fiscal resource management;

• Provide oversight for the development, evaluation and review of policies and procedures related to student success;

• Foster positive and collaborative relationships with partners both within and outside of the University, including community, state and national organizations;

• Collaborate with Lander University Police Department, other University departments, and local, state and federal agencies for the University’s Emergency Preparedness Plan;

• Serve as Cabinet liaison to the Board of Trustees Committee for Student Affairs;

• Act as a visible agent of the University, with the highest standards of conduct, attitude and confidentiality expected in all aspects of performance;

• Understand and adhere to all applicable safety policies and procedures;

• Successful visionary leadership with proven ability to motivate and empower; and

• Perform other duties as assigned by the President.

COMPENSATION

Lander University’s new compensation program will offer a competitive compensation package that will correspond to the experience and credentials of the candidate and will reflect the leadership responsibilities of the position.

A relocation allowance of $5,000 will be provided, if the selected candidate is not a resident of South Carolina.

 

CONFIDENTIAL  INQUIRIES,  NOMINATIONS  &  APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should include:

1. A letter of introduction outlining the applicant’s background and qualifications for the position. (This letter should specifically address the leadership attributes and professional competencies for this position.)

2. Curriculum vitae/résumé.

3. Contact information (email addresses are required) for five professional references, at least one of whom is a person who has reported directly to you, a second who is a colleague, and a third who is an individual to whom you have reported directly.

Please note:

• The search committee will begin review of candidate materials on April 16, 2018.

• The position will remain open until filled.

• The ideal start date is on or before July 1, 2018.

All documents should be submitted electronically in PDF format to:

Mr. Adam Taylor

Chief of Staff & Vice President for Governmental Relations

864-388-8195 or ataylor@lander.edu

Lander University is an AA/EEO/Title IX employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information and complies with Title IX requirements. Lander University is a tobacco-free campus. Lander University will not provide sponsorship. All final candidates are subject to successfully completing background requirements. The duties and responsibilities of this position require that all applicants be subject to the customary background review, including a credit report.