Vice President for Student Affairs

Springfield College

 

Springfield College, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of Vice President for Student Affairs.

 

Founded in 1885, Springfield College is a private, coeducational institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs that reflect its distinctive Humanics Philosophy – the education of the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to humanity.  More than 4,800 traditional, nontraditional, and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, MA and at its School of Professional & Continuing Studies regional campuses across the nation.

 

About the Position

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Student Affairs works to create programs and strategies that support the optimal student experience and to lead a division that fosters a learning and living environment.  Responsible for a division charged with oversight of all aspects of the College's student experience, the Vice President provides strategic and over-arching leadership to an array of offices and services that are currently organized into the following areas:  Spiritual Life, Community Standards, Alcohol and Other Drug Education, Dean of Students, Student Orientation Programs, Career Center, Counseling Center, Housing and Residence Life, Student Activities and Campus Union, Campus Recreation, Center for Service and Leadership, and the Health Center.  With approximately 85 full and part-time professional staff, and graduate associates reporting to the Vice President, the incumbent will additionally be responsible for an overall division budget of approximately $18,500,000 ($4,500,000 in regular operating funds, remainder in housing and campus recreation fees).

 

The Vice President for Student Affairs is responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of programs and services to support the educational, social, and personal development of students; building a spirit of community at the College.  Major responsibilities include the following items:

 

• Provide strategic vision, leadership, resource management, long-range planning, and overall supervision, administration and advocacy for the division of Student Affairs.
• Recommend, develop and implement policies, procedures and practices that foster and promote student success; recommend organizational and operational, personnel, and resources to ensure a student-centered environment at all levels.
• Serve on the President's Leadership Team and Cabinet.  Advise the President, Leadership Team, and Cabinet on issues relating to student life at Springfield College and serve as the primary liaison and advocate for student interests, needs and concerns with parents, faculty, staff, administrators and community members.
• Play a key role in further integrating student and academic life, enhancing efforts to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community and developing innovative and impactful programming.  Chair the Board of Trustees' Committee on Student Affairs and partner with Trustee Committee Chair to create agendas and engagement of Trustees.  
• Develop a strategic plan for the Division of Student Affairs, in support of the College's strategic plan, and articulate annual implementation of team priorities based on the strategic plan.  Based on the strategic plan, organize the division and realign responsibilities and staffing, using existing headcount and salary dollars, to best meet the needs of students.  Provide leadership and coordination to department heads in conducting program reviews of their areas every five years, using CAS or functional area-specific criteria.
• Provide leadership in coordination and implementation of College-wide strategic plan initiatives:  Living-Learning Communities, Engaged Learning and High Impact Practices and the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement as well as Alcohol and Other Drug Task Force, Title IX Governance Committee, Post-Admission Communication and Orientation and Transition Programs review, and other priorities as identified.
• Prioritize student voice in policies, procedures, and priorities through regular engagement with a student affairs advisory board, student government, graduate student organization, resident assistants, new student orientation leaders, student athletes and other students.

 

Qualifications

Doctorate or terminal degree is preferred.  A minimum of eight (8) years relevant experience in higher education with experience directing a major student affairs unit is essential.  The incumbent must have demonstrated substantial, successful experience developing, promoting, and managing student-centered programs, preferably on a residential campus; skill and accomplishment in the areas of collaborative work with internal and external constituencies, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and sensitivity to issues concerning equal opportunity, advocacy, and student success; have senior-level administrative experience and a demonstrated track record of leadership, management, and resource development.  The new Vice President will have a thorough understanding of the processes involved in student development and an ability to communicate this understanding in a positive manner to all segments of the College community.  Ability to write with clarity and succinctness; commitment to and experience in shared governance.

 

How to Apply

Interested individuals should send a cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position and a resume electronically to SCVP@wspelman.com.  The subject line in email should be VPSASC.  Confidential inquiries may be made by contacting Bill Spelman at Bill@wspelman.com or by telephone at 585-787-9742 or Megan Spelman by email to Megan@wspelman.com or by telephone at 585-366-4329.

 

All applications are considered confidential.  Materials will be received as submitted and will be considered until the position is filled.

 

Springfield College has a strong commitment to diversity and to a service orientation for its students and staff.  The candidate should embrace the humanics philosophy and be able to effectively communicate that philosophy and the unique academic programs of the College to a variety of audiences.