Job Summary

The Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) reports directly to the President and is the administrative officer responsible for student affairs and student services operations. The VPSA provides executive level leadership and vision in administration of a comprehensive range of services, policies, and procedures related to student services programming and planning. The incumbent serves as a member of the President's Cabinet and participates in all aspects of institution-wide planning and support of the mission and goals of the University. The Vice President implements and assesses Student Services planning strategies, allocates resources, and administers a variety of comprehensive student programs and services related to student growth and development. 

Department Summary

The Division of Student Affairs promotes student success throughout the Cal Poly experience by providing Learn by Doing opportunities, delivering innovative student-centered programs, supporting personal growth, encouraging lifelong connections, and empowering all students within a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. 

Key Qualifications

• Provides leadership and direction to the staff within a variety of student services offices, including the Dean of Students, Student Conduct, Associated Students Inc. and student government, Student Diversity and Belonging, Residential Life and Education, Leadership and Service, Student Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Wellbeing, Commencement and Parent and Family Programs, Administrative and Divisional Operations, Student Career Services, Student Orientation, Disabled Student Services, Cal Poly Scholars, the Center for Military Connected Students, and TRIO programs.
• Provides leadership within Student Affairs to advance initiatives that support student success, support and engagement.
• Designs, implements, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively and efficiently accomplish Cal Poly’s strategic goals, missions, and priorities.
• Develops and implements short and long-term organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, operating procedures for Student Affairs that respond to the changing needs and requirements of the university's student community and enhance the university's viability for student learning and development and student recruitment and retention purposes.
• Uses best practices in business services and programs to maximize the strategic productivity and efficiency of human, financial, physical, and technological resources.
• Provides leadership in campus-wide crisis/emergency preparation and response and provides support to students and families in emergency situations.
• Oversees large and complex Student Affairs budget with multiple funding sources, and aligns resources with strategic priorities.
• Encourages and supports staff professional development, publications, and national and international presentations to increase institution profile and model national best practices in Student Affairs.

Education and Experience

• A doctorate degree and a minimum of 5 years of senior‐level experience in university administration. 

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $300,000 - $325,000 annually. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected.

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Diversity Statement

At Cal Poly, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility.

Cal Poly's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. Cal Poly is an equal opportunity employer. 

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be "Designated" under California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This would require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within 6 months of assuming office and every 2 years thereafter.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff positions (i.e. H-1B visas).