"Associate Vice President, University Housing Services (APPLY VIA SEARCH FIRM)"

Job Summary

*All applicants must apply via the search firm.*

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Housing Services (UHS) serves as the chief housing officer and senior strategic leader responsible for the vision, direction, and administration of the comprehensive residential life and housing operations at San José State University. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the AVP provides executive oversight for residential life, housing operations, capital and facilities planning, residential safety, fiscal management, student success initiatives, and strategic alignment with university and CSU system priorities.

The AVP provides leadership for a dynamic and growing $72M+ housing enterprise that serves over 5,000 students across seven residential communities, including traditional residence halls, student apartments, suite-style housing, and dedicated faculty/staff residences. The AVP oversees a comprehensive organizational structure comprising 15 managers, 70+ professional staff, and 350+ student staff. This executive role sets the long-term strategic vision for University Housing Services and ensures operational excellence across all major functional areas, including residential life and learning communities, administrative operations, business and financial services, occupancy and assignments, conference housing, health and wellness initiatives, student conduct, and housing communications.

The AVP leads the development and implementation of inclusive and equity-minded policies, programs, and community standards that promote student engagement, academic success, wellbeing, and retention. The AVP also ensures that residential initiatives are closely aligned with divisional and institutional goals, particularly in areas of student success strategies, student engagement and community development, a safe living and learning environment, and campus-wide collaboration.

As the senior executive for housing, the AVP leads all facilities and capital improvement planning, in partnership with Facilities Development and Operations, including renovation, construction, deferred maintenance, and emergency preparedness. The AVP ensures compliance with CSU, state, and federal policies and serves as a primary liaison for campus partners in Risk Management, the University Police Department, Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and University Communications.

The AVP provides direction for the department’s assessment and data strategy, including the development of learning outcomes, program evaluation, benchmarking, and the integration of systems and technologies that support evidence-based decision-making. The AVP also oversees the implementation and management of all housing information systems and databases to optimize service delivery and business operations.

In support of staff development and organizational leadership, the AVP is responsible for the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of the UHS leadership team and broader professional and student staff. The AVP fosters a strong, inclusive workplace culture grounded in equity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership in the design and implementation of a comprehensive residential experience that advances student learning, identity development, and social connection.
• Integrate equity-minded practices and student development theory into all aspects of residential programming, staff training, community standards, and student engagement.
• Champion a culture of inclusion, belonging, and cross-cultural understanding through policies, programs, and leadership development opportunities that reflect the diverse needs and experiences of the campus community.
• Guide the development of intentional living-learning communities and high-impact practices that support academic persistence, wellness, civic engagement, and career readiness.
• Cultivate strong, reciprocal relationships with student leaders, including the Residence Hall Association, and Associated Students.
• Ensure student voices are actively engaged in shaping residential life policies, facilities, and initiatives.
• Oversee a $72M+ annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal integrity, long-term financial planning and sound reserves for repairs & maintenance, capital renewal, and emergencies.
• Develop and implement strategic financial models that align with campus growth, housing affordability, and CSU mandates.
• Lead strategic contract management, risk mitigation, and vendor negotiations related to housing operations.
• Serve as a senior leader and advisor on campus housing policy and planning to the Vice President for Student Affairs and University leadership.
• Lead the development of a strategic vision for UHS that supports student retention, engagement, and academic achievement through vibrant residential learning communities.
• Provide executive leadership for housing capital projects, including planning for new construction, renovation, and deferred maintenance.
• Oversee housing-related emergency preparedness, continuity planning, and crisis response coordination with university leadership.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Executive-level knowledge of student housing, student development, and campus planning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale operations and manage complex budgets.
• Expertise in facilities operations and long-range capital planning.
• Strong crisis management and intervention skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional leadership, oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across academic and administrative units.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, access, and serving diverse student populations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strategic thinking and decision-making ability.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university; with preference for an advanced degree.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in university housing, student affairs, or a related field with at least five years serving at the director level or above.
• Strong knowledge of student development theory, housing operations, and best practices in residential education.
• Proven experience managing large residential operations, including housing facilities, occupancy, and administrative functions.
• Experience supervising professional staff, developing organizational structures, and leading performance and training initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, fiscal management, and capital improvement within a large, complex organization.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and advancing equity, inclusion, and access in a university setting.
• Proficiency in policy development, risk management, and compliance with relevant local, state and federal regulations (e.g., ADA, Clery, Title IX, OSHA).
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative, cross-divisional initiatives and maintain effective partnerships across university departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, Public Policy, Business Administration or a related field.
• Executive-level experience within a large public system, preferably within the California State University (CSU) or similar setting.
• Experience leading or supporting the development of a university housing master plan or managing large-scale residential construction or renovation projects.
• Familiarity with CSU auxiliary organization models, state funding structures, and auxiliary finance and HR systems.
• Experience with conference services or auxiliary enterprises in a university setting.
• Demonstrated leadership in implementing campus safety, emergency response, or behavioral threat assessment protocols.
• Experience with housing management software (e.g., StarRez), data dashboards, and enterprise systems (e.g., peoplesoft).
• Experience with student conduct processes, health and wellness programming, and residential crisis intervention frameworks.

Compensation

Classification: Administrator IV
Anticipated Hiring Range: $17,084/month - $18,750/month
CSU Salary Range: $10,106/month - $32,441/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience. San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 13, 2025. Please direct nominations and inquiries to Jen Meyers.

Contact Information

Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Corin Edwards, and Bronwen Bares Pelaez, Ph.D
WittKieffer