"Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students"

Department

Division of Student Affairs The Division of Student Affairs plays a central role in cultivating a vibrant, inclusive, and student-centered campus environment. Committed to fostering belonging, well-being, and success, the Division encompasses a wide array of departments that support students holistically—from health and wellness to leadership development and civic engagement. Key units include the Office of Health Promotion, Residential Life, Student Conduct and Community Standards, Career Center, Retriever Integrated Health, Center for Democracy and Civic Life, Graduate Student Life, and the Dean of Students Office, which launched in Fall 2024. Together, these departments collaborate to create transformative experiences that prepare students to thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Among its signature initiatives is the Student Success Initiatives, which supports first-generation, transfer, and culturally diverse students through targeted programming and leadership development. The Division also leads efforts in holistic student support through the Retriever Support Services, a cross-campus system designed to identify and respond to students in need of coordinated care and basic needs support. In addition, Student Affairs champions student engagement and belonging through Campus Life, which includes more than 270 student organizations, 3 cultural centers, graduate student life and adult and commuter student engagement. The Division’s commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in its internal Student Affairs Assessment and Research Committee (SAARC), which ensures that programs and services are responsive to student needs and aligned with institutional goals. These initiatives exemplify UMBC’s mission to unlock potential and transform lives through meaningful, inclusive, and transformative student experiences.

Position Overview

The Assistant Vice President of the Division of Student Affairs (AVP/DOS) will join the Division at a pivotal moment of organizational transformation. As part of a broader realignment, the AVP/DOS will lead efforts to evaluate and refine the structure, systems, and staffing within their portfolio to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and the evolving needs of students. The AVP/DOS will be a collaborative strategist, a trusted advocate, and a visible campus leader, guiding the Division in its mission to empower students and enrich the UMBC experience. The AVP/DOS will be a known and trusted advocate for students, guiding efforts in crisis response, case management, and behavioral intervention, while cultivating a vibrant and safe campus community. They will lead and develop a talented team of professionals and collaborate across the university to advance inclusive excellence, student success, and institutional pride. With a strong foundation in student affairs best practices, organization development, and data-informed decision-making, the AVP/DOS will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of campus and student life at UMBC.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the AVP/DOS role currently oversees nine departments, with eight direct reports, serving as a key partner in providing leadership and strategic vision for a broad range of programs that enrich and support the UMBC student experience. The AVP/DOS will re-envision the student engagement area to enhance campus vibrancy, strengthen student leader development, and elevate traditions and anchor programs. The AVP/DOS will also serve as a campus-wide consultant to deans, department chairs, and staff on emerging trends and effective approaches to student success and behavioral intervention. Through strategic partnerships across the division and university, this work will position student engagement as a high-impact experience, fostering increased campus pride and spirit. The AVP/DOS is responsible for fostering a student-centered environment that enhances student learning, engagement, and well-being. The AVP/DOS will provide direction in managing crises, supporting students of concern, and advancing a sense of belonging and engagement within an inclusive community. This role requires a deep dedication to serving students at all levels, including those at the Universities at Shady Grove.

Required Minimum Qualifications

The minimum educational qualifications include a doctorate in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a related field (other related terminal degrees may be considered). While no one person will embody all the following, the successful AVP/DOS candidate will bring many of the following professional qualifications, skills, experiences, and personal qualities:

• At least eight years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs or a related area
• An understanding of the differences and commonalities that will be necessary for student engagement that serves both undergraduate and graduate students
• Experience in leading organizational change and development within a complex institution
• Demonstrated commitment to the fostering of a diverse and inclusive student community
• Experience with public health issues, crisis management, and emergency situations
• Strong background in crisis response, student support services, and behavioral intervention
• Exceptional communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Demonstrated experience leading innovative initiatives and programs working with student organizations and shared governance leaders
• Facility in analyzing data to develop and assess programs to drive change and innovation
• High degree of accessibility and openness to students, and demonstrated record of earning and maintaining the trust of the student body
• Highest personal and professional integrity
• Adaptable and able to function effectively in a complex environment and work with all stakeholders within and outside of the institution
• Intellectually curious and open-minded; motivated and energized by a talented and high-performing student body
• Proven ability to inspire, lead, support, and mentor a team of skilled and dedicated professionals, effectively manage talent, and develop processes for effective teamwork
• Experience with student conduct systems, care teams, and student leadership development programs
• Familiarity with current and emerging issues in higher education, including mental health, Title IX, campus climate, and regulatory compliance
• Proven track record of effective fiscal and operational management
• Strategic leader able to engage with diverse stakeholders
• Background in using student affairs technology platforms (e.g., Maxient, Advocate, Starfish, Qualtrics, Campus Labs)

Salary

$175,000 to $195,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and CVs with cover letters should be sent via the Isaacson, Miller website. Keight Tucker Kennedy, Managing Partner; Arianna Williams, Senior Associate; Alexis Scott, Senior Search Coordinator, Isaacson, Miller.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled. Apply by Dec 5, 2025, for best consideration.