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Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL, invites applicants for the position of Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) and Dean of Students. This is an on-campus, full-time position and is eligible for a competitive compensation and benefits package.

As a member of the Cabinet, the VPSA and Dean of Students reports to the President and must be a dynamic visionary and innovative executive. As one of seven cabinet members, the VPSA advises the President’s leadership team on a comprehensive range of programs and student services to include but not limited to new student programs; student support services; advocacy, student conduct, and crisis management; and resident life and housing.  Serves as a critical leader to foster an appreciation and respect for diversity and works collaboratively with campus constituents to promote a shared governance environment. 

The VPSA and Dean of Students will serve the campus community as a strategic partner in developing extracurricular programming and guides through change management as the institution evolves. Leads and encourages a team of ten Directors and 13 staff members in support of student first culture. Establishes an atmosphere that promotes the personal development and academic achievement of all students and is intentional with providing opportunities for life-long learning.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Establish and set the strategic direction for student affairs in alignment with the university’s goals and priorities.
  • Collaborate with members of the cabinet to develop, design, and implement a wide range of cross-functional, strategic and operational initiatives.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures related to student affairs, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Lead and develop efforts that demonstrably influence student engagement, retention, and success by partnering with campus constituents to cultivate a culture where students can learn, grown, and achieve goals.
  • Develop budget and oversee fiscal management and strategic planning to ensure effective and efficient use of resources and financial sustainability.
  • Oversee the administration of student services and programs, including student activities, campus mental health, residence life, health & wellness, disability services, and Title IX.
  • Utilize data and assessment tools to measure the effectiveness of student affairs programs and services and drive improvement and innovation.
  • Direct student affairs activities related to student due-process/judicial proceedings, including, but not limited to, conducting investigations and hearings on student disciplinary matters.
  • Oversee and remain knowledgeable of Clery Act requirements. Review data to ensure accuracy in reporting timely and accurate crime statistics. 
  • Serves as a resource person on the Trustee Committee on Student Affairs; assigned to campus committees as deemed appropriate by the President.
  • Recruit, retain, supervise, and develop student affairs staff.
  • Serves as Title IX Coordinator.
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A master’s degree in a related field.
  • Eight to ten years of leadership experience in student affairs.
  • Strong record of achievement in student affairs at a four-year college or university. 
  • Demonstrated success managing budgetary and administrative issues.
  • Experience effectively supervising and leading academic professionals and staff, to include student employees.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills and ability to communicate with transparency and clarity.
  • Experience in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with campus constituents.
  • Exceptional team leadership, training, coaching, and mentoring ability.
  • Demonstrated experience taking decisive and measured approaches related to crisis management, conflict resolution, and mediation efforts. 
  • Knowledge of mediation and/or conflict resolution strategies and methods.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the current issues and trends in student affairs and student development.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Earned doctorate in higher education administration.
  • Active involvement and leadership in national student affairs professional organizations (e.g., NASPA, ACPA). 
  • Demonstrated ability to utilize and work with a comprehensive ERP system (Banner, Colleague, etc.).

WORK HOURS/CONDITIONS:

Office environment; 40 hours per week; normally 8:00am - 5:00pm with some evening and weekend work required. 

 

FLSA Category: Exempt

Salary Range: $97,500.00 - $125,000.00 / Annually

Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions and department budget. 

 

McKendree University, Illinois’ first and finest, is a private university in Lebanon, IL, just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, home of the 11-time World Series champs (St. Louis Cardinals) and the 2019 Stanley Cup winner (St. Louis Blues). St. Louis also boasts a wonderful zoo, a first-rate botanical garden, a vibrant art scene (both performing and visual), and a plethora of top-notch restaurants. 

Interviews will begin immediately. Qualified candidates should complete and submit the McKendree Employment Application and send a letter of interest referencing Job #VPSA69 with a resume/CV and contact information for three professional references to the Human Resources Department at [email protected].

McKendree is an ADA/EEO/Vet/Disabled employer committed to enhancing the cultural and gender diversity of the campus. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.