Vice President for Student Affairs

Coastal Carolina University•Conway, SC

48d

About The Position

Coastal Carolina University (Coastal Carolina; CCU) seeks an experienced and student-centered leader to serve as its vice president for student affairs (VPSA). This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a committed student affairs team at a dynamic University experiencing exciting growth, with students and their success fueling the University's trajectory and strategic priorities. Coastal Carolina University is a public institution recognized for its student-centered mission and bold advancements in enrollment, retention, and student success. Coastal Carolina embraces innovative thinking, combining bold creativity with a strong commitment to student success and connection. Rooted in a tradition of excellence, the University empowers its students to reach beyond themselves and make a lasting impact on the world. CCU is committed to developing knowledgeable, responsible, and globally minded graduates through a teacher-scholar model that emphasizes high-quality teaching and engaged learning. The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of 9 departments, providing learning opportunities, programs, and services that support personal growth, academic excellence, and holistic well-being for all members of the Coastal Carolina student community. Reporting to the president and serving on the President's Cabinet, the VPSA will co-create a bold vision for the future of student affairs at Coastal Carolina and partner with colleagues across the University to make the shared vision and CCU Reach strategic plan a reality. The VPSA must be a visible advocate for the division, their team, and all students, adept at navigating change, and capable of capitalizing opportunities into innovative practices. They will lead a dedicated team with empathy and clarity, promote professional growth, and ensure effective resource management to support a growing student population. Equally important, the VPSA must cultivate a steady environment that fosters trust, transparency, and excellence in student affairs practices.

Requirements

An earned doctorate or terminal degree in higher education or a related field is required.
Demonstrated progressive leadership and administrative experience, ideally in a public university setting and directly related to student affairs.
Proven experience implementing initiatives, programs, and structures that address retention and student success.
Demonstrated ability to effectively mentor, supervise, and support staff with a strong personal orientation toward collaboration, teamwork, transparency, accessibility, development, and accountability.
Proven skills in crisis management, conflict management, and dispute resolution.
History of engagement with students and the campus community; a strong, visible presence and active participation in a range of campus activities.
An engaged university leader with well-developed political and diplomatic skills, adept at effectively presenting information to university leadership and externally representing the institution's missions and goals.
Strong business acumen and a proven track record of managing a sizeable team and budget; demonstrated successful stewardship of physical, financial, and human resources.

Nice To Haves

Strategic Leadership and Vision-A forward-thinking leader who can articulate and implement a compelling vision for student affairs that aligns with institutional priorities and anticipates the evolving needs of students in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
Student-Centered Philosophy-A deep commitment to student development, equity, and success, with a demonstrated ability to foster a culture of care, belonging, and engagement across diverse student populations.
Collaborative and Inclusive Leadership-A relationship builder who values shared governance and cross-divisional collaboration. The ideal candidate will be skilled in cultivating partnerships with areas including academic affairs, enrollment management, athletics, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Operational Excellences and Organizational Development-Proven experience managing complex organizations, leading change, and aligning structures, resources, and personnel to support strategic goals. A strong understanding of assessment, planning, and continuous improvement.
Crisis Management and Student Advocacy-A steady and compassionate leader in times of crisis with experience navigating student mental health, campus safety, and emergency response. A visible advocate for student needs and well-being.
Innovative and Adaptive Mindset-A creative problem-solver who embraces innovation, leverages technology, and adapts to emerging trends ins student affairs and higher education.
Authentic Communication and Presence-A approachable and transparent communicator who listens deeply, engages authentically with students and staff, and builds trust through integrity and consistency.

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