Position Summary

The University of Denver is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader for the position of Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. This key role will provide leadership and oversight for the Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence (SAIE), fostering a vibrant and inclusive student life experience that aligns with the University's mission and strategic priorities.

The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs also oversees the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus and Wellness and Recreation at the University of Denver, including Ritchie Center Operations.

The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will report directly to the Chancellor and will be a key member of the University's leadership team.

About SAIE

Student Affairs is the heart of student life at DU, invigorating the 4D Experience with a variety of diverse co-curricular programs, services, facilities, and leadership opportunities. Student Affairs supports holistic student development through advocacy, collaboration, and education, striving to be full partners in students’ learning experiences. The Division values student centricity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, and accountability.

About the KMC

 The VC for Student Affairs is responsible for the leadership, supervision, business development, financial management, evaluation and overall day to day operations, including crisis, emergency and risk management, of a comprehensive university facility in a remote mountain setting. Expanding the auxiliary revenue capacity of the Kennedy Mountain Campus is an important priority.

In addition to administrative and leadership responsibilities, this role works in close partnership with colleagues from the Chancellor’s Cabinet and across DU’s campus to oversee the implementation of the curricular, co-curricular and recreational dimensions of the KMC. The VC for Student Affairs works closely with the Provost on curricular implementation; curricular decisions belong to the faculty. The VC for Student Affairs will also cultivate relationships with the Board of Trustees Mountain Campus Committee and routinely keep them apprised of progress.

Strategic Priorities for Student Affairs

• Enrich the holistic student experience.
• Elevate and embed DEI.
• Engage in purposeful partnerships.
• Enhance staff development, learning, and well-being.
• Enact sustainable practices and operations.

Key Divisional Areas

 Student Affairs includes five divisional areas:

• Housing and Residential Education
• Health and Counseling Center
• Student Engagement and the 4D Experience
• Dean of Students Office
• Budget, Operations, and Divisional Resources

Within these areas, there are 25 unique departments, including Student Engagement, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Social Justice Education, Health and Counseling Services, AccessibleDU, The Cultural Center, First@DU, Learning Effectiveness Program, Veterans and Military Resources, Student Outreach and Support, and more.

Essential Functions for Student Affairs

Reporting to the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will provide leadership and oversight for the division and will coordinate compliance of student-related policies across all units with state and federal regulations in a consistent manner. The Vice Chancellor has 5 direct reports, comprising the Student Affairs Leadership team:

• Assistant Vice Chancellor, Business Operations & Division Resources
• Assistant Vice Chancellor, Student Engagement & 4D Experience
• Assistant Vice Chancellor, Housing & Residential Education
• Assistant Vice Chancellor, Health & Wellness
• Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Students

The Vice Chancellor will:

• Staff the Board of Trustees Campus Life and Student Success Committee, serve as a member of the Chancellor's cabinet, oversee the Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence, and work closely with student services in the graduate and professional schools.
• Work closely with the Chancellor and the Provost, as well as key stakeholders, to create innovative programs, continue to shape the culture and reach out to the Denver community and beyond to create an educational experience of leadership, innovation, and service to the public good for all students. They will work closely with leadership throughout campus to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the student experience.
• Collaborate closely with the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Academic Affairs supports co-curricular innovation, academic rigor, and experiential and community-engaged learning in the following university-wide programs: Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning (CCESL), the Pioneer Leadership Program, the Living & Learning Communities, the University Honors Program, Boettcher Scholars, the Undergraduate Research Center, and the University Writing Program.
• Work with the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment to assist students transitioning to the University and ensuring their persistence to graduation. The Enrollment division, which consists of Undergraduate Admission and Financial Aid offices, seeks to enroll a diverse, ethical, and intellectually vibrant student body that can be successful at the University of Denver.
• Work closely with the Vice Chancellor of Advancement as a key partner in fundraising and will have a strong partnership with Career & Professional Development collaborating with the 4D Experience team and working to embed the 4D across the University.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence.
• Coordinate compliance of student-related policies with state and federal regulations.
• Develop and implement a strategic vision for student affairs that aligns with the University's mission and goals.
• Manage and support the Student Affairs Leadership team, which includes six direct reports.
• Staff the Board of Trustees Campus Life and Student Success Committee.
• Serve as a member of the Chancellor's cabinet.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Provost and Deans, to create innovative programs and shape the campus culture.
• Partner with student programs and the offices of diversity, equity, and inclusion across administrative units.
• Develop and lead initiatives aimed at improving student engagement, retention, and success.
• Foster a strong sense of community among students, staff, and faculty, and create a vibrant campus life.
• Stay current with and implement best practices in student affairs and higher education.
• Build partnerships with external organizations, including local community groups, businesses, and alumni networks.
• Assess the effectiveness of student programs and services, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Support the professional growth of student affairs staff through training, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities.
• Advocate for student needs and concerns at the institutional level, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
• Oversee the financial management of the division, ensuring resources are used effectively and efficiently.
• Develop proactive crisis management plans and respond to unexpected events with diplomacy and effectiveness.

Central partnerships for the Vice Chancellor will be with the Provost and Deans, as well as University’s academic degree-granting programs. These are headed by the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor working with the eleven academic Deans. They include: the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics; the Josef Korbel School of International Studies; the Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science; the Morgridge College of Education; University Libraries; the Daniels College of Business; the Graduate School of Professional Psychology; the Graduate School of Social Work; University College; and, the Sturm College of Law. Seven of those programs offer undergraduate degrees, and all but two offer graduate degrees.

Essential Functions for the Kennedy Mountain Campus and Wellness & Recreation:

• Plan, manage and allocate the budget for the KMC – an estimated $3M organization.
• Oversee program review for the KMC; create assessment and appraisal timeline for programming and evaluations.
• Provide visionary leadership to create sustainable, transformational impact for students.
• Manage and maintain total campus infrastructure.
• Supervise the Executive Director, Director, Business & Operations, and Director of Wellness & Recreation.
• Design and deliver clear analysis and strategic recommendations to the chancellor and other senior leadership regarding present and future operations for this campus.
• Developing the campus, community and alumni support for the University’s Wellness & Recreation program, including but not limited to: intramural/club sports activities and events, and the full range of recreational activities for University students, staff, faculty, and the general public.
• Oversight and management of the Ritchie Center.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to manage conflict and work effectively with colleagues across units.
• Passion about the mission and culture of DU and the 4D Experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Collaborative leadership style.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise to operate effectively with both on campus groups and external agencies.
• Ability to create and inclusive and hospitable environment to welcome all regardless of background, identity or prior experience with the outdoors.
• Possession of an entrepreneurial mindset and demonstrated business acumen and experience to build and grow the auxiliary revenue opportunities including conference services that exist at the Kennedy Mountain Campus.
• Ability to work with academic leadership and others to maximize sustainability efforts and emphasis, including energy, water, carbon and conservation.
• Awareness of how physical planning, capital projects, and facilities development – including construction and contracting guidelines and practices in higher education or similar environments – affect the campus and adjacent communities.
• The University of Denver is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes, supports, and celebrates its exceptional students, faculty, and staff. The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will play a critical role in advancing this mission and enhancing the student experience at every stage.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree: a terminal degree is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage a complex organization with a clear vision and goals.
• Strong skills in creating and sustaining staff and student relations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in student-oriented environments.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Significant budgetary and personnel management experience.
• Experience working with diverse constituencies, including students, faculty, administrative colleagues, parents, community residents, alumni, and trustees.
• Crisis management experience, with the ability to respond to unexpected events diplomatically and effectively.
• Strategic leadership ability and experience working with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Strong analytic skills, with a demonstrated ability to establish data-driven metrics.
• A holistic view of the student experience and a genuine passion for supporting students in their academic and personal development.
• High degree of accessibility and openness to students.
• Excellent judgment and discretion.
• Expertise in the areas of management, business development, community organizing and leadership, team building, public affairs (particular public presentation – both written materials and public speaking), and multi-party negotiations.
• Demonstrated experience in managing strategic projects.

Work Schedule
Typical schedule Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.

Application Deadline
For consideration, please submit your application materials by 11:00 a.m. (MST) May 15, 2025.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:
The salary grade for the position is UG.

Salary Rate:
The salary rate for this position is $360,000-$415,000. This position is eligible for performance bonuses. 

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.