The University of Connecticut seeks a visionary and dynamic leader to serve in the executive management position of Associate Vice President for Student Life (AVPSL). The AVPSL is a full-time position within the Division of Student Life and Enrollment, reporting directly to the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment (VPSLE). The AVPSL will work in partnership with the VPSLE, overseeing the establishment of goals, policies, and practices regarding programs and services that support student life, enhance the overall student experience, and promote student retention and persistence.
The Associate Vice President for Student Life (AVPSL) will lead and provide oversight to the following Division of Student Life & Enrollment departments: Community Standards, Dining Services, Residential Life, Student Health & Wellness, Student Union, and UConn Recreation. The AVPSL will oversee the establishment of goals, policies, and practices regarding programs and services that support student life, enhance the overall student experience, and promote student retention and persistence. The AVPSL will work in partnership with the Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment (VPSLE) in the provision of the necessary supports and experiences to assist UConn students in the successful transition, progress, and timely completion of degree either from the main campus or from one of the four regional campuses.
The position requires discretion, exemplary critical-thinking skills, and the ability to advocate a point of view in an open and direct fashion, strong verbal and written communication, and a desire to assist the VPSLE in advancing the Division to serve the needs of UConn students most effectively. The AVPSL is expected to develop recommendations and responses that involve subtle, sensitive, and sophisticated relationships and consider divergent and often contradictory demands and reactions. The AVPSL must be innovative and clearly and demonstrably student-centered working in a large comprehensive division.
The leader in this newly created role will report to the Vice President for Student Life & Enrollment (VPSLE). The AVPSL is expected to work collaboratively with other members of the Division of Student Life & Enrollment and advise the VPSLE on divisional, University, and external matters, as appropriate.
This role will work to position UConn and the Division of Student Life & Enrollment to support diversity, equity, and inclusion across the University. As a member of the Division’s senior leadership team, the AVPSL will bring a demonstrated history of success in this area and will advance initiatives that embed diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas. In addition, the Associate Vice President for Student Life serves as the Chief Student Affairs Officer in the absence of the Vice President for Student Life & Enrollment.
The AVPSL will partner with other senior leaders in the Division of Student Life & Enrollment to carry out the University’s strategic plan through comprehensive vision and strategy. With the employment of best practices and innovations, the AVPSL and other senior leadership will work together to develop a strong sense of teamwork, equity, and investment among all division staff.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Partner with Division of Student Life & Enrollment executive leadership team to provide leadership, strategic direction, and support to initiatives related to recruitment, student support, and student experiences to broaden the scope and reach of enrollment targets and successful degree completion for students at all campuses and assist the VPSLE in employing an integrated and shared services model to create operational efficiencies and reduce administrative burden to students.
Partner with Student Life & Enrollment senior staff to provide leadership, strategic direction, and support to University-wide initiatives that build community and cultivate student involvement in University life; and promote a campus climate that fosters civility, personal responsibility, and integrity.
Provide direct supervision to the director-level staff members and support the staff and strategic priorities associated with the following departments: Community Standards, Dining Services, Residential Life, Student Health & Wellness, Student Union, and UConn Recreation.
Provide leadership and vision for the student life functional areas. Assures compliance with appropriate federal, state, and institutional policies as well as professional ethical standards in all areas of functional responsibility.
Collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to foster student leadership and excellence in the learning, social, and civic environment.
Collaborate and coordinate with units across UConn campuses to support and advocate for students who are experiencing crises.
Manage responses to emergencies and crises as well as identify and implement innovative solutions to problems.
Represent Student Life & Enrollment on the University’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Team and other University committees.
Serve as divisional representative in planning for major capital improvement projects, renovations, and new construction projects related to student housing, student union, student health, and dining services, etc.
Provide consultation to the Regional Campus leaders in roles involving the supervision of Student Life staff and functions. Provide support and advocacy on behalf of the regional student life campus programs and services as appropriate.
Develop, implement, monitor, and revise policies and procedures relating to the student life functional areas.
Performs related duties.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in student affairs administration, higher education, or a related field.
10+ years of relevant experience in the higher education industry, with 5+ years of demonstrated leadership experience.
A proven history of successful leadership in a college or university setting.
Experience with multiple functional units within the Student Life portfolio: Community Standards, Dining Services, Residential Life, Student Union, Student Health & Wellness, and Recreation.
5+ years of progressive supervisory experience demonstrating excellent personnel management.
Demonstrated resource management skills including fiscal management oversight, auxiliary services, and facility management experience.
Demonstrated commitment to emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the delivery of programs and services.
Ability to collaborate with multiple partners in building consensus and relationships while managing the prioritization of competing requests in a dynamic environment.
Knowledge of best practices in higher education administration and leadership, student affairs services, student development theory, and student learning outcomes in support of University retention and graduation goals.
An understanding of the demands, complexities, and skills needed in a senior role in student life/enrollment organizations.
Excellent writing and presentation communication skills.
Experience developing community among college students and effectively leading various areas of student affairs to strengthen the student life experience.
Experience utilizing innovations in technology to enhance operations in student life.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ph. D. or Ed. D. in student affairs administration, higher education, or a related field.
Experience with strategic planning, program and service development, and best practice assessment activities.
Management experience working in a collective bargaining environment.
Success in a large/complex university setting and an understanding of public higher education.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.
