Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

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.

 

The Vice President will provide vision and direction for the Division of Student Development and Campus Life, fostering an integrated approach to the student experience and ensuring that programs and services are responsive to the needs of Montclair’s diverse student population. The Vice President will serve as a trusted advisor to the President and a strategic partner to the academic and administrative leaders across the University. 

 

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, forward-thinking, and collaborative leader who combines vision with strong execution. This individual will bring intellectual curiosity, creativity, sound judgment and a genuine commitment to students. This leader will communicate with authenticity and empathy and inspire others to work collaboratively toward shared goals. The next Vice President will have the opportunity to build upon the strengths of a broad and talented division while shaping the future of student development and campus life at Montclair State University. 

 

Montclair’s Student Development and Campus Life division supports students from their first experience at the University through graduation, and everything in between, which encompasses a broad range of student programs and services. Its focus is on helping students belong, engage, promote their well-being, develop leadership skills, and successfully navigate their college experience. The division is broad and touches virtually every aspect of campus life. 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

 

The Vice President will be responsible for ensuring this broad portfolio operates as a collaborative, cohesive, strategic division with a shared focus on student success, belonging, wellness and a vibrant student experience. The Vice President will champion professional growth across the division, developing staff capabilities and cultivating leadership at all levels to build a high-performing team that supports the University’s mission. Additionally, the Vice President will be responsible for:

 

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

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email talent@montclair.edu.

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/eo-aa-and-diversity/

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/