Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students - Michigan State University

Another Source•East Lansing, MI

7d•$185,000 - $210,000

About The Position

Another Source's client, Michigan State University, is recruiting an Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students to join their team in East Lansing, Michigan. Here's a little about Michigan State University: Michigan State University (MSU) is a top-tier public research university and a proud member of the Big Ten Conference, serving more than 50,000 students from all 50 states and over 130 countries. Known for its academic excellence, global impact, and commitment to student success, MSU combines world-class research with a vibrant residential campus experience. The Division of Student Affairs plays a central role in shaping the Spartan experience- fostering student engagement, development, accountability, well-being, and community. MSU is deeply committed to creating an environment where students are supported holistically and where community standards and care go hand in hand. The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students (AVP/DoS) serves as a key member of the Vice President for Student Affairs’ senior leadership team and is one of the university’s most visible student-facing leaders. This role provides strategic direction for student advocacy, care, accountability, engagement, and crisis response. As Dean of Students, you will lead a comprehensive portfolio that touches nearly every aspect of student life- from student conduct and crisis management to fraternity and sorority life, student engagement, major campus traditions, and student organization support. You will serve as a steady and strategic institutional leader during critical and complex student situations, ensuring responses are timely, coordinated, trauma-informed, and aligned with university values. This is an opportunity for a seasoned student affairs executive to shape institutional policy, strengthen systems of care and accountability, and elevate the student experience at one of the nation’s premier public universities.

Requirements

Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
7–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs or a closely related area within higher education.
Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating institutional responses to student-related crises and critical incidents.
Significant experience overseeing comprehensive student services, including student conduct, expressive activities, and student and family support programs.
Strong understanding of institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and applicable laws impacting student affairs.
Proven ability to advance student success, well-being, and community standards through impactful programs and services.
Extensive experience leading large teams, managing complex budgets, and overseeing multifaceted operations.
Exceptional communication, political acumen, and the ability to navigate complex organizational environments.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with academic partners and senior university leadership.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate or terminal degree in a related field.
Experience in a large, research-intensive university environment.
Knowledge of student conduct processes, CARE/BIT models, threat assessment protocols, and risk management.
Experience leading organizational change initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams through mentoring and feedback.
Experience overseeing large student-serving facilities such as unions or student services buildings.
Prior experience serving as a Dean of Students, Associate/Assistant Vice President, or comparable executive leader.

Responsibilities

Provide visionary leadership for programs and services that advance student engagement, advocacy, care, and accountability.
Partner with the Vice President for Student Affairs to shape divisional strategy and align priorities with university-wide goals.
Serve as a visible and accessible advocate for students, addressing concerns and ensuring equitable, student-centered policies and practices.
Lead the development and implementation of policies that enhance student learning, well-being, personal responsibility, and community standards.
Apply evidence-based practices and student development theory to strengthen programs and identify innovative approaches to student support.
Serve as the institutional decision-maker for student and registered student organization conduct outcomes related to interim suspensions, suspensions, and dismissals.
Represent Student Affairs on university committees, task forces, and external engagements.
Provide executive oversight for a broad portfolio of units, including: Office of the Dean of Students, Center for Community Engaged Learning, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Impact 89FM, MSU Union and Alumni Memorial Chapel, Community and Student Relations, Office of Spartan Experiences (Fall/Spring Welcome; RSO Management), Office of Student Support and Accountability (Conduct, CARE, Crisis Response), University Activities Board
Lead, mentor, and develop a large and diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning across multiple functional areas.
Align unit-level priorities and learning outcomes with divisional and institutional strategy.
Partner with Advancement and other stakeholders to pursue external funding and philanthropic support.
Provide senior leadership during critical and complex student crises, including behavioral concerns, mental health emergencies, campus disruptions, and safety-related incidents.
Serve as a key institutional advisor and decision-maker during crises, ensuring coordinated and trauma-informed responses.
Lead cross-divisional crisis response efforts in collaboration with MSU Police and Public Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Residential and Hospitality Services, the Office of the Provost, General Counsel, and University Communications.
Provide consultation and support to students, families, faculty, and staff during and after crisis situations, including after-hours responsibilities.
Analyze trends and data related to student crises to inform prevention strategies, policy development, and resource allocation.
Support post-crisis recovery efforts to strengthen institutional preparedness and student support systems.