Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life

Montclair State University • Montclair, NJ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Montclair State University seeks an innovative, collaborative leader to serve as Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life. Reporting to the President and serving on the University’s Executive Council, the Vice President provides strategic and operational leadership for a broad portfolio dedicated to student success, engagement, belonging, health and well-being, safety, leadership development, and the overall student experience across two campuses. The Vice President is a trusted advisor to the President and a strategic partner to academic and administrative leaders.

The Vice President provides vision and direction for the Division of Student Development and Campus Life, fostering an integrated approach to student experiences and ensuring programs and services respond to the needs of Montclair’s diverse student population. The division supports students from their first experience at the University through graduation, spanning student success and advocacy, conduct and community standards, residential and commuter life, engagement and leadership, belonging and inclusion, access and support, health and wellness, campus life and events, athletics and recreation, and campus safety and security.

The role is responsible for ensuring the portfolio operates as a cohesive, collaborative and strategic division focused on student success, belonging, wellness and a vibrant student experience. The Vice President will cultivate professional growth and leadership across the division, manage divisional resources, and work with university partners to advance institutional priorities. The position requires residence in a university-designated residence or close proximity to the University to support a visible presence and rapid response to emergencies and community events; university housing is provided. Other duties may be assigned, and management may add or change job duties at any time.

Requirements

• 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 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance a strategic vision for the Division of Student Development and Campus Life aligned with the University’s mission and priorities.
• Lead student-facing programs and services that support student success, engagement, belonging, well-being, leadership development and campus life.
• Strengthen an integrated student experience across the University’s campuses and student populations.
• Build partnerships across the University and its two campuses, collaborating with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Communications and Marketing, University Development, Human Resources and other partners to advance retention, engagement, success and institutional priorities.
• Foster an environment where students feel connected, supported, valued and empowered to achieve educational and personal goals.
• Lead and develop a high-performing division and establish a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, student-centered service and continuous improvement.
• Manage divisional people, financial resources and programs to maximize impact and advance institutional goals.
• Provide strategic leadership for services supporting students’ mental, physical, emotional and overall well-being.
• Use 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 with appropriate University partners.
• Advance strategies to address food, housing, financial and other barriers that can interfere with student success.
• Work with University Police and campus partners to promote a safe, welcoming and supportive environment across both campuses.
• Build and maintain relationships with students and families, faculty, staff, senior leaders, alumni and external partners.
• Serve as a visible advocate for the student experience and bring best practices and innovative approaches to student development and campus life.
• Champion professional growth and develop staff capabilities and leadership at all levels.

Benefits

• University housing is provided for the required residence or close-proximity arrangement.
• The position may be eligible for health insurance, retirement plans and tuition assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive