Job Description
When is the last time you changed the world?
In Virginia Tech’s Division of Student Affairs, that’s exactly what we’re doing every day—guiding, nurturing, and supporting students as they learn and grow into the leaders and world-changers of today and tomorrow. In order to do that though, we need the right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time.
Have you experienced a place that truly embraces the transformative power of education?
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), as an institution Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. Likewise, as an employer, Virginia Tech is committed to developing well-rounded employees who are active members of the university community as well as the community at-large. For our students and ourselves, the Division of Student Affairs believes that education transforms us all; and that changing the world requires courageous leadership and commitment to curiosity, integrity, civility, and service to others. Our culture is defined by a commitment to our Aspirations for Student Learning.
Are you looking for a role where you can make an impact on both an individual and institutional level?
We’re currently searching for our new Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students to join our Student Affairs team in Blacksburg, VA, and help lead our division and our university in: fostering an inclusive and supportive campus community, advocating for student well-being, and enhancing the student experience by leading critical services teams.
Summary of Responsibilities:
• Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, this position is Virginia Tech's chief advocate for the student experience--serving as a bridge and liaison between students, leaders, and the campus community writ large.
• Authentically representing the student voice as well as Student Affairs across multiple stakeholder groups, this position serves as a member of the Vice President’s Council, the Student Affairs Leadership Team, co-leader of the Town-Gown Committee (in partnership w/Deputy Town Manager), convener of a high-level student advisory council, and member of the University Threat Assessment Team.
• Acting as the executive leader over four (4) departments, this position provides direct oversight and strategic leadership for the Dean of Students Office, New Students and Family Programs, Student Conduct, and Services for Students with Disabilities.
• Working closely with academic partners across the university as well as leaders within the community, this position supports the work of Virginia Tech Advantage and champions efforts to ensure ALL students (both on- and off-campus) in ALL communities (for Blacksburg as well as the extended campuses in Roanoke, Northern Virginia, etc.) flourish personally, socially, and academically--designing and deploying a progressive educational offering that is responsive to (and supportive of) ever-changing student needs.
• In coordination and collaboration with peers, colleagues, and stakeholders (both internal and external to the university), this position will work to proactively develop and deploy effective strategies aimed at optimizing student transitions, retention, and success.
• Supporting institutional priorities and and acting as a key representative for Student Affairs, this position plays a key part in responding to, de-escalating, and assisting with managing student concerns and crises (serving as a key member of the institution’s crisis response team). Additionally, this position will work to ensure compliance with institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and best practices in student affairs; and support development and engagement efforts in partnership with Student Affairs Advancement.
Qualifications and Experience:
• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or a related field is required. (Doctoral degree preferred).
• Extensive leadership experience in higher education is required; including progressively responsible experience in student affairs or related fields, with a strong record of leadership and administrative oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and develop positive working relationships with diverse constituents including staff, students, faculty, and the external community.
• Demonstrated ability and experience with evaluating program efficacy, assessing services, and using data to inform decision-making.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal laws, regulations, and legal issues relevant to higher education, including FERPA, Title IX, and Clery Act; as well as federal and state laws governing disability rights and accommodations (ADA, Section 504, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to navigate circumstances which require effective negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Extensive knowledge of general business practices, fiscal management, and stewardship of funds.
• A passion for student success, well-being, interfaith initiatives, and program development, coupled with an unwavering commitment to fairness.
• A philosophy of caring deeply about students coupled with an ability to work comfortably with them during times of personal crisis.
For this regular appointment, calendar-year position, Virginia Tech offers a generous compensation package (ranged from $170,000-$190,000) along with a comprehensive benefits package (https://www.hr.vt.edu/benefits.html) which includes health insurance, paid leave, retirement, tuition assistance, Virginia Tech discounts, and so much more!
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$170,000-190,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
April 7, 2025
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
Any nominations, recommendations, or confidential inquiries should be made to: Jeff Cumberland (jcumber@vt.edu) or Enrique Noyola (enriquen@vt.edu )--Virginia Tech Executive Search
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Student Affairs HR at dsahr@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
