Description:

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Student Advocacy

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service, and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

Position Primary Purpose and General Duties:

Reporting to the vice president for student affairs (VPSA), the associate vice president (AVP) and dean of student advocacy (DOSA) provides leadership and strategic direction for student advocacy and support programs that lead to individual student success on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. This position collaborates with colleges, faculty, staff, parents, and community agencies to provide resources and address concerns in the best interest of students. As a VPSA executive leadership team member, the AVP/DOSA provides vision, leadership, and oversight to the Dean of Students Office staff and several other offices at this time (Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the inaugural Student Advocacy unit launching Fall 2023) as well as several key divisional initiatives (Student Code of Conduct, Hazing Prevention and Discipline Policy, Ram Pantry, Off Campus Student Services, VCU Families, Student Emergency Fund, Medical Leaves of Absence). The AVP/DOSA will serve as the lead DSA executive for all matters related to campus emergencies, protest protocols, free speech initiatives, and actively involved with incident command coordination, threat assessment. The AVP/DOSA will be a primary author and reviewer of policies related to student life.  The university relies on the AVP/DOSA and designated units to provide urgent crisis response and problem-solving services to students and other staff and faculty working with students including evenings and weekends.

Detailed Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Campus Engagement - The AVP/DOSA will provide strategic leadership and vision for the student experience. This will involve serving as a strategic and visible leader by developing close working relationships with key external campus partners including VCU Police, Equity Access Services (EAS), university administration, VCU Athletics, Global Education, SEMSS, and student leaders. The AVP/DOSA will be actively involved with central academic units, college and school Dean’s Offices,  This will require spending time attending, supporting, and participating in student events. Lead a seasoned team of colleagues, and recruit, develop, and mentor staff to achieve stated goals. Promote collaboration throughout the organization. Manage the Dean of Students’ portfolio operations, including planning, personnel, and budget management. Serve as the key leader in determining the University's response in a crisis, protest and free speech response, outreach and support to students and their families.

Student Affairs and Advocacy - Together with the VPSA and other colleagues, serve as an advocate for and liaison between students and the University's administrative offices and the faculty. Advise and help problem-solve with students, staff and faculty, families, and others as needs arise. Actively support a community that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, and expect the same from staff. Promote and support opportunities and interactions that expose students to different experiences and viewpoints and allow them to learn. Help determine and sustain policies and practices which promote a safe environment for students and that support students' general well-being.

Institutional Communication- Maintain open communications and collaborate with the VPSA and divisional colleagues to share information and engage in issue identification and creative problem-solving to benefit the University community. Stay informed and educate the University community and stakeholders as needed regarding issues and future trends affecting the student experience and student affairs practice generally.

Innovation and Transformation - Proactively identify opportunities to apply an entrepreneurial mindset, innovation, and creativity to address areas of improvement, growth, and concern. Provide direction and intervention for students in crisis and non-crisis situations, in collaboration with wellness units and community resources.

Divisional Support - Play a key role in divisional planning, resource allocation, and policy formulation, and ensure compliance with federal and state laws, including those which govern students' rights. Work collaboratively with units, departments, Schools and Colleges stakeholders within and outside the University to enhance the student experience. Represent the VPSA at meetings and events as needed; serve as chair or member of University, Vice Presidential, ad-hoc and other committees. Take on additional evening and weekend responsibilities, as needed, to further support the Division.

Student Engagement - Facilitate collaboration across staff and students to provide opportunities for students and student organizations to enhance a sense of community and belonging at the University. Engage staff in promoting student involvement in university life, including supporting students in fulfilling the responsibilities delegated to them by the Board of Visitors and student self-governance by creating a range of opportunities for students to partner with student affairs and other stakeholders to achieve goals and develop skills.

Other Duties as Assigned/ - Perform other duties as assigned to support the Division of Student Affairs and/or VCU campus mission and priorities

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, counseling, or related areas. Minimum of five years full-time, professional, related experience in higher education administration.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a diverse, multi-cultural and complex environment, fostering diverse faculty, staff, and students as a staff member at VCU.
• Ability to function independently and as a member of a team in a constantly changing environment.
• Ability to perform strategically and participate in senior leadership planning activities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal and public relations skills.
• Demonstrated administrative skills and experience in: organizational skills with detailed and complex information and systems; planning, implementing and evaluating programs; budget development and fiscal/statistical management; organizational goals development and reporting.
• Demonstrated customer service skills. 
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including listening, speaking and writing. 
• Ability to handle confidential matters.
•  Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Capacity to work creatively in both collaborative and independent context.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in higher education administration, counseling, or related areas.
• Ten or more years of direct higher education professional experience in a senior role./li>

University job slotting - Assoc VP 1, Student Services (35514)

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Position Details:

Department: Dean's Office, Division of Student Affairs
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: ;No
FTE: 1.0
Exemption Status: Exempt

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