AVP for Student Life

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Posting Number: STA00114PO25

Job Family: Student Enrichment

Job Function: Student Life

USC Market Title: Associate Vice President for Student Life

Link to USC Market Title:

Job Level: E2 - Directors and Executives

Business Title (Internal Title): AVP for Student Life

Campus: Columbia

Work County: Richland

College/Division: Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support

Department: SAAS Student Life

State Pay Band: Unclassified

Approved Starting Salary: $140,485

Advertised Salary Range: $140,485 -Salary commensurate with qualifications

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Hours per Week: 37.5

Work Schedule: The standard weekly work hours may vary and are not always the typical 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM schedule.
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis : 12 months

Job Search Category: Student Services

About University of South Carolina: 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.


Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience: Requires a bachelor's degree in a job related field and at least 12 years of job related experience, including some prior management experience. Typically reports to a VP.

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 Duty: Supervision: Is directly or indirectly responsible for recruitment, selection, hiring, onboarding, training, developing, coaching, recognition and performance management of all staff within the areas of Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Government & Organizations, Student Media, Off-Campus Student Services, Parents Programs, and the Russell House University Union.

Essential Function: Yes

Percentage of Time: 20

Job Duty: Issue Management and Resolution: Provides issue management and resolution for situations involving student governance, University policies related to student life, student multicultural issues, and student activities and programs . click apply for full job details