Vice President of Student Services

Skagit Valley College•Mount Vernon, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President for Student Services reports directly to the President and works collaboratively with members of the President's Cabinet to assure effective operation of comprehensive student services programs that support the College’s access and achievement goals. The position provides strategic leadership, vision, planning, administration and evaluation of all aspects of policy and operations in connection with Student Services. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position working 40 hours per week, with an anticipated start date of August 1 or 17, 2026.

Requirements

A master’s degree from an accredited institution in student development, counseling, educational leadership, or related field
Senior-level leadership experience in student services, ideally in a multi-campus environment
Supervisory experience
Experience with budget management and resource allocation
Knowledge and/or understanding of the Skagit Valley College (SVC) Strategic Plan (2024–2028) and its application in supporting institutional goals and initiatives
Knowledge and/or understanding of student conduct standards, including the SVC Student Code of Conduct and associated policies and procedures
Knowledge and/or understanding of applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including FERPA, Title IX, Clery Act, Campus SaVE Act, VAWA, and due process requirements
Knowledge and/or understanding of principles and practices of restorative justice
Knowledge and/or understanding of emerging trends, best practices, and research related to student conduct, higher education administration, and student support services
Skill in strategic leadership, planning, and organizational coordination
Skill in effective communication, including written, verbal, and group facilitation
Skill in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting to support decision-making
Skill in leadership development, coaching, and mentoring
Skill in academic advising frameworks and student development practices
Skill in reflective practice and continuous improvement
Ability to lead with honesty, integrity, accountability, and a strong commitment to ethical and equitable practices
Ability to foster an inclusive, collaborative campus environment and build strong working relationships across departments, campuses, roles, and leadership levels
Ability to facilitate consensus, support shared governance, and promote collaborative decision-making aligned with institutional strategy
Ability to lead with an equity mindset and a commitment to systemic change
Ability to act as a visionary thinker who translates vision and strategic priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes
Ability to apply relevant laws, regulations, and institutional policies to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant decision-making
Ability to administer student conduct processes, including conducting investigations, facilitating hearings, adjudicating cases, and managing complex student situations
Ability to use data-informed and evidence-based approaches, including incorporating student voices, to guide decisions and assess outcomes
Ability to build trust through consistent, open, and clear communication
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound independent judgment in handling sensitive information
Ability to invest in mentoring, coaching, and developing staff through the delivery of educational programs, training, and workshops
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and operate effectively in a complex, fast-paced environment
Ability to work collaboratively with senior administrators to promote district-wide consistency and excellence in operations, conduct, and student support
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, deans, staff, and students
Ability to think critically and resolve conflict in a fair and equitable manner
Ability to exemplify excellent written and verbal communication
Knowledge of due process governing student probation, suspension, and/or expulsion
Ability to use independent judgment to manage and impart confidential information
Ability to conduct investigations and hearings of alleged violations of the student code of conduct, adjudicate cases in accordance with student conduct process and procedures
Ability to work with highly complex and difficult student situations
Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively and meet deadlines
Ability to perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and goals of the institution, community, and technical college system
Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.edu that includes the following: The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references; A current resume; (Attachment: Resume); A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

Nice To Haves

Doctorate degree in student development, counseling, educational leadership, or related field
Experience developing strategic enrollment management, student retention, and completion plans
Experience supporting or leading a multi-site operational model
Proven ability to lead organizational change and build trust across teams
Experience developing community partnerships and external engagement
Successful experience implementing collaborative programs with other agencies and/or educational institutions
Demonstrated success advancing equity initiatives
Demonstrated experience and competency working with diverse communities
Demonstrated experience with student conduct investigations and adjudicative hearings, or similar investigative and adjudicative hearings experience
Demonstrated experience and familiarity with student development theories and best practices
Prior experience with conflict management and student conduct management
Knowledge of and experience with Restorative Justice Theory and Practice
Demonstrated experience with student conduct investigations and adjudicative hearings, or similar investigative and adjudicative hearings experience

Responsibilities

Lead efforts to fully realize a One College approach, ensuring consistency in services, communication, and student experience
Foster a culture of trust, accountability, and open, honest communication
Strengthen relationships across Student Services, faculty, and administration
Increase leadership visibility and engagement across all locations, especially the Whidbey Island Campus
Thoughtfully assess and refine organizational structure
Lead through transition, including vacancies and evolving leadership roles
Elevate student voices in decision-making
Ensure consistent, high-quality services across campuses and sites
Strengthen connections with military populations, K-12 partners, tribal nations, and other regional partners
Lead thoughtful adoption of technology, including AI, with an emphasis on ethics and access
Lead, direct, and evaluate all Student Services areas including Athletics, Enrollment Services, Financial Aid, Outreach and Recruitment, Dual Credit Programs, Workforce Grant Programs, Student Life, Disability Access Services, TRIO, Student Conduct, INVEST, and Veterans Services.
Support professional development opportunities and conduct performance evaluations for all Student Services faculty and staff.
Provide leadership in support of strategic initiatives, policy development, accreditation compliance, program review and outcomes assessment, and strategic enrollment management.
Recommend to the president, in consultation with appropriate staff, the appointment of personnel in Student Services.
Facilitate and support communication between student services and academic affairs, administrative services, institutional planning and effectiveness, human resources, president’s office, and other campus departments.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with local K-12 school districts and tribal nations.
Promote cooperative and collaborative relations between the College, district, and community constituents.
Ensure alignment of student services and activities with the College 2024-28 Strategic Plan, Operational, Strategic Enrollment Management, and Facilities Plans.
Contribute to and provide leadership for college initiatives and strategic planning.
Recommend new or revised policies and operational procedures in all student services areas.
Develop and monitor Student Services budgets—including Operational, Student Services & Activities, Athletics, and Grants—to ensure effective use of resources for serving students.
Monitor legal and fiscal liability to the College in all aspects of the financial aid program.
Assure compliance by remaining properly informed regarding all applicable federal, state, and College laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to Student Services and enforcing the same as necessary.
Administer union contracts, work with multiple unions, and constructively approach and solve issues that arise within a unionized workplace environment.
Serve as a decision maker for Student Conduct appeals, oversee the Code of Student Conduct, and carry out standards of due process.
Work with the Associate Dean of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator on student related cases.
Ensures compliance with ADA, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Clery, and other applicable federal and state requirements.
May investigate or adjudicate Title IX cases as assigned.
Represent the College on the Washington State Student Services Commission and on other appropriate local and state/regional meetings and community boards.
Serve on various college committees, attend events, and perform other duties as directed by the President.
May assume responsibility as acting president as assigned.
Plan and oversee Commencement ceremonies for the district.
Attend and present at Board of Trustees meetings and serve on college wide councils and committees.
Perform timely approvals of travel and goods/services requisitions in ctcLink.
Review and administer contracts related to Student Services operations.
Consult with legal counsel, and Human Resources where appropriate, on issues related to union or student conduct issues.