AVP for Student Life

AVP for Student Life

Department: SAAS Student Life

Advertised Salary Range: $140,485 to $140,485

Part/Full Time: Full Time

About UofSC
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Inclusive Excellence Statement
At the University of South Carolina, we strive to cultivate an inclusive environment that is open, welcoming, and supportive of individuals of all backgrounds. We recognize diversity in our workforce is essential to providing academic excellence and critical to our sustainability. The University is committed to eliminating barriers created by institutional discrimination through accountability and continuous process improvement. We celebrate the diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences of our employees.
Advertised Job Summary
Associate Vice President for Student Life

• Are you a visionary leader with a passion for cultivating a meaningful and engaging student experience through dynamic programs and strategic partnerships?
• Do you excel in crisis management and issue resolution, ensuring student accountability while fostering a supportive learning environment?
• Are you skilled in collaborating across campus to enhance student recruitment, retention, and success through purposeful engagement initiatives?
• Do you have the expertise to navigate complex student governance issues and manage community relations while upholding the university s mission and values?

The Associate Vice President for Student Life facilitates a superior student experience through student engagement in positive and purposeful activities, assessment of programs and services, and effective partnerships within and beyond the university. The Associate Vice President is an educator and seeks opportunities to strengthen student growth and development through teachable moments and student accountability. As the key contact for student issue management and resolution, the AVP is an important member of the University s emergency management team. The Associate Vice President manages the administration of all policies, programs, services, facilities, and budgets within the Department of Student Life and leads a dynamic staff.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Leadership & Supervision: Oversee a large and diverse staff, including 82 full-time and 600 part-time employees, ensuring effective recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management.
• Student Engagement & Program Development: Enhance student engagement by assessing and refining student life programs and services based on data, national best practices, and institutional priorities.
• Issue Resolution & Risk Management: Address complex student issues related to governance, policies, multicultural affairs, and campus activities while mitigating risks in high-profile areas.
• Collaboration & Campus Partnerships: Work with academic leadership, enrollment services, and student organizations to support student recruitment, retention, and success.
• Community & External Relations: Serve as the university s liaison for student-related matters with neighborhood associations, media, government agencies, parents, and religious organizations.
• Student Government Advisement: Guide and support student leaders in developing initiatives and projects that align with the university s mission and resources.
• Crisis Management & Emergency Response: Play a critical role in university crisis management teams, ensuring effective response to student-related emergencies and campus-wide incidents.

The ideal candidate for the Associate Vice President for Student Life position will possess:

• A doctorate in higher education administration or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration.
• Proven experience supervising a large and diverse staff, including full-time and part-time employees.
• Strong ability to lead, develop, and support student leaders and staff across multiple departments.
• Skilled in issue resolution, risk mitigation, and managing sensitive student affairs matters.
• Deep understanding of student engagement and development principles.
• Experience in designing and assessing student life programs that enhance student success.
• Ability to create an inclusive and supportive environment for a broad student population.
• Demonstrated ability to work across campus divisions to support student retention and engagement.
• Experience fostering partnerships with academic departments, campus leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Strong decision-making skills with a data-informed approach to program development.
• Expertise in crisis management and emergency response within a university setting.
• Knowledge of legal issues affecting campus life and student behavior.
• Ability to manage community relations, including partnerships with local agencies, media, and neighborhood associations.

This individual will play a critical role in shaping a vibrant, student-centered campus culture while ensuring best practices in student affairs administration.

Comprehensive Benefits & Options:
Insurance Coverage
Build the coverage package that fits your life with medical, vision, dental, life, cancer, hospital confinement, auto and home.

Retirement Plans
Eligible employees can opt to join the South Carolina Retirement System s traditional pension program or the State Optional Retirement Program.

Leave and Holidays
Along with paid holidays, most employees accrue sick and annual leave, and others can access leave with pay or time off for a sabbatical.

Professional Development
Access professional, leadership or personal development programs that can enhance your workplace skills or quality of life.

Employee Wellness Programs
Access programs which can include health management, nutrition, access to campus wellness facilities, counseling and more.

Additional Benefits
Take a college level course for free each term, purchase reduced-cost tickets, access adoption assistance, dependent scholarships and more.


Minimum Qualifications (Classified and Unclassified positions)

Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate in higher education administration or related field and 10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Knowledgeable and skilled in overseeing a wide range of student life programs and services is necessary. Ability to supervise a large and diverse staff, working directly with student leaders, coordinating the resolution of complex and sensitive issues, and effectively managing risk in highly visible areas such as Greek life is essential. Must have a knowledge of legal issues affecting campus life and student behavior, as well as best practices and emerging trends.
Job Close Date
04/01/2025

Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email. We are only accepting applications submitted by April 4, 2025. The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

• Health and Life Insurance
• Retirement Programs
• Paid Tuition
• Dependent Scholarships
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
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EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.

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