West Chester University
West Chester, PA United States-
Position Summary
-
Join a vibrant equity-minded campus community whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. The Division of Student Affairs invites applicants for the position of Associate Vice President for the Student Experience and Dean of Students.
West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.
The Division of Student Affairs aspires to support a campus community where students build healthy personal and professional connections, develop a sense of belonging, and engage thoughtfully with others. Learn more about WCU’s Division of Student Affairs.
Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Associate Vice President for the Student Experience & Dean of Students (AVPDOS) serves as a senior leader within the Division of Student Affairs and plays a vital role in the university’s broader leadership structure. As a key member of the division’s executive team, the AVPDOS collaborates closely with student affairs directors and other institutional leaders to focus on student connection, belonging, and engagement and to refine the student experience. Serving as the second-in-command within the division, the AVPDOS provides direct administrative oversight for several critical areas, including Student Conduct, Student Engagement, Student Experience, Residence Life and Housing, Student Connection and Belonging, the Union, and Dining Services. This role is responsible for leading the effort to increase student engagement and retention, build connection, and ensure the development of a sense of belonging through the support and development of staff, programs, events, and ensuring that university policies align with best practices in student affairs while fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced student affairs leader with a strong commitment to student engagement and student development. The person will demonstrate expertise in student involvement, student advocacy, crisis management, student development theory, and institutional policy development. The individual develops strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including students, parents and families, faculty, staff, senior leadership, donors, alumni, and members of the WCU community. As a champion for student success, the AVPDOS will play a central role in shaping a campus culture that prioritizes student engagement, retention, and holistic development.
Responsibilities include:
- Foster an inclusive student culture that promotes respect for differences, accountability, and leadership development
- Advocate for student needs, fostering a sense of belonging and community on campus
- Provide leadership in student involvement, and advocacy, including guidance on time, place, and manner regulations
- Exhibit strong crisis management skills, with experience handling mental health issues, legal considerations, and emergency response
- Oversee the establishment and training of hearing panels, ensure the fair adjudication of student conduct violations, and coordinate the division’s response to student emergencies
- Develop and implement protocols for responding to student crises, including mental health emergencies, natural disasters, and campus threats
- Work closely with campus police, local law enforcement, and legal counsel on student safety, threat assessment, and compliance with laws affecting student affairs
- Provide ongoing training for staff, faculty, and student leaders on crisis response, conduct policies, and student rights and responsibilities
- Supervise professional and administrative staff, as well as student assistants
- Oversee departmental budget development, maintenance, and strategic utilization
- Navigate complex situations requiring negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills, with a strong understanding of fiscal management and general business practices
- Effectively engage with different stakeholders, including students, staff, faculty, and external community members
- Demonstrate a track record of successfully implementing change, setting a vision for an office or department, and developing innovative programs that enhance student life
- Balance daily operations with awareness of larger issues affecting higher education at regional, state, and national levels
- Assist the Vice President by preparing reports, conducting analytical studies, and drafting, recommending, and administering policies
- Proactively address campus climate issues through open and collaborative leadership
- Provide informed guidance on student activism, protests, demonstrations, and First Amendment rights
- Support and contribute to the university’s and division’s values, vision, mission, and strategic initiatives
- Serve on university, system-wide, local, regional, or national committees as appropriate
- Perform other duties as assigned
-
Minimum Qualifications
-
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in student Leadership, Student Activities, Student Involvement, and/or Residence Life
- At least three years of experience serving as a hearing officer within Housing & Residence Life or Student Conduct
- Ability to participate in on-call rotation and respond to campus within 1 hour of call
- Minimum of three years of professional experience with demonstrated working knowledge of using case management software such as Maxient and other similar application
-
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher in Student Affairs and Higher Education Administration or a related field; and/or
- Experience working as a student affairs practitioner or a closely related function; and/or
- Minimum ten years of demonstrable, progressive leadership experience in higher education
-
Special Instructions
-
The salary for this position is $179,330 commensurate with experience and expertise. The salary is non-negotiable.
Excellent benefits package including undergraduate tuition fee waiver for self and dependents.
Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa.
Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered an applicant for the position, please submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae/Resume
- List of three references with contact information (Include position title, phone number, and email address). This should include a supervisor.
To be considered a finalist, applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process.
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks.
Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action – Equal Opportunity Employer.
Requirements
- Start Date: No Start Date
- Education: Bachelor's Degree Required
- Work Experience: 5 - 7 years
- Part/Full Time: Full-Time
Contact / Additional Information
Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/wcupa.