"Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs (VPDSA)"

Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs (VPDSA)

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pitt-Bradford), a regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh, located in Northwestern Pennsylvania near the scenic Allegheny National Forest, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of vice president and dean of student affairs (VPDSA). This is an on-site leadership role.

Established in 1963, Pitt-Bradford offers a small-campus experience with the resources of a large research institution. With 1,097 undergraduate students enrolled, Pitt-Bradford offers over 40 majors, as well as 50 minors and pre-professional programs, emphasizing personalized education and hands-on learning. With an average class size of 17 students, the university fosters a close-knit academic community that provides students with individualized attention from faculty.

Reporting to the president of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pitt-Bradford) and serving as an integral member of the President's Cabinet, the vice president and dean of student affairs (VPDSA) provides strategic leadership and vision for programs, services, and opportunities that enable students to thrive and succeed, fosters a vibrant, engaging, and inclusive campus environment, and effectively manages all departments in the division. The departments comprising the Division of Student Affairs include Residence Life and Housing, Student Health Services, Counseling Services, Equity and Accessibility, International Student Services, Study Abroad, Experiential Learning and Leadership, Career Services, Service and Civic Engagement, Student Engagement, and Student Care and Conduct. In addition, the VPDSA advises the president on matters related to non-academic student life and actively participates in all official Pitt-Bradford functions, including, but not limited to, University Commencement, Alumni & Family Weekend, and New Student Orientation programs. The VPDSA manages a dynamic team of 19 professionals, including seven direct reports, administers an operating budget of approximately $1.5 million, and oversees $8.5 million in residence life and housing revenues.

Salary Range: $135,000-$150,000

Qualifications
A master's degree (doctorate preferred) in higher education/student affairs or a related field is required. The successful candidate will have demonstrated progressively responsible leadership, supervisory, and management experience across several key functional areas of student affairs at a residential college or university, including housing and residence life, student conduct, experiential learning, and related student support services. Experience as a dean of students is highly preferred. The VPDSA will be expected to serve as a visionary leader who effectively addresses and advocates for student needs across the campus community, demonstrating a strong foundation in student development theory and practice and ensuring that these principles guide the work of the Division of Student Affairs. The VPDSA should possess current knowledge of best practices, innovative trends, and pertinent issues in student affairs and will be expected to provide unwavering support and professional development opportunities for the staff within the division.

Application and Nomination
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin on February 2, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Please submit your resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/vice-president-and-dean-of-student-affairs/

• Contact J. Scott Derrick for confidential inquiries.
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford website at www.upb.pitt.edu

*The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.*