The University of Georgia (UGA) is pleased to announce the national search for the position of Associate Vice President for Student Affairs. UGA is seeking a visionary and accomplished leader with extensive experience leading efforts to build community and belonging and create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities.
This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future of the student experience for a diverse student population of nearly 40,000 students in a beautiful campus environment in Athens, Georgia. The incoming Associate Vice President is expected to inspire staff and students with a strong vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at UGA and elevate diversity and inclusion efforts in Student Affairs to a national model of excellence.
In support of the University’s academic mission and the strategic priorities of Student Affairs, the AVP directly supervises three Student Affairs departments: International Student Life (ISL), the LGBT Resource Center, and Multicultural Services and Programs (MSP). Additionally, the AVP will advance the overall vision and leadership on diversity and inclusive excellence for Student Affairs, in particular overseeing planning, implementation, assessment, and improvement efforts. This position serves as a campus expert and resource for Student Affairs, collaborating with campus leaders, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external stakeholders to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the student experience.
Notable opportunities for the incoming AVP include: providing visible leadership for Student Affairs and the institution on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; effectively addressing the needs of UGA’s increasingly diverse student population; partnering with colleagues throughout campus to proactively enhance the student experience and overall success of UGA students; supporting the professional growth and success of talented staff in supervised areas; cultivating and engaging donors; and continuing to enhance the national visibility of UGA Student Affairs.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to the success and well-being of all UGA students and be an inspirational, visionary, and trustworthy leader, prepared to build on the University’s successes while identifying and acting on key opportunities for continued growth.
Position Summary
The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs (AVP) provides strategic vision, leadership, and overall supervision for campus departments and efforts that engage students in building community and belonging and create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive student community at the University of Georgia.
In support of the University’s academic mission and the strategic priorities of Student Affairs, the AVP directly supervises three Student Affairs departments: International Student Life (ISL), the LGBT Resource Center (LGBTRC), and Multicultural Services and Programs (MSP). Additionally, the AVP will advance the overall vision and leadership on diversity and inclusive excellence for Student Affairs, in particular overseeing planning, implementation, assessment, and improvement efforts. This position serves as a campus expert and resource for Student Affairs, collaborating with campus leaders, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external stakeholders to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across the student experience.
The position reports directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs, Victor K. Wilson, and is a member of both the senior administrative group and leadership team for the Division of Student Affairs.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Lead campus departments and efforts that engage students in building community and belonging and create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive student community
- Provide strategic vision, leadership, and overall supervision for the Student Affairs departments of International Student Life, the LGBT Resource Center, and Multicultural Services and Programs, consistent with the mission and strategic priorities of the Division of Student Affairs and the University of Georgia.
- Lead efforts to provide dynamic student learning, developmental, and social experiences that engage diverse perspectives, foster community and belonging, and create a more inclusive learning environment, in collaboration with Student Affairs departments, students, organizations, and campus and community stakeholders. Ensure the development, implementation, and evaluation of signature annual events, including cultural heritage months, graduation celebrations, International Street Festival, and the Connect Conference.
- Directly supervise, train, and evaluate a director, four assistant directors, a business services coordinator, and an administrative coordinator. Oversee additional staff and student employees. Provide a learning environment that fosters the personal and professional development of both staff and students.
- Serve as primary point of contact and provide mentorship and counsel to students as needed on a variety of personal, developmental, and academic concerns, making referrals to appropriate campus services. Oversee advising and support for affiliated student organizations and leaders in alignment with established advising best practices.
- Proactively identify and respond to issues and incidents impacting students and the university community, serving as an advocate for various student populations. Advise the Vice President and other division and campus stakeholders on opportunities and challenges related to supervised areas. Convene and lead the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Advisory Board.
- Oversee the budgets and finances for all supervised areas, including advised student organizations, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures and/or activity fee guidelines. Provide oversight and coordination for the Student Affairs Diversity Fund.
- Oversee related facilities, learning, and collaborative spaces. Provide vision and direction to advance the role of The Intersection programming space as a campus hub.
- In collaboration with Student Affairs Development, pursue philanthropic support for Student Affairs, along with engagement and stewardship of donors, families, and alumni.
- Oversee assessment of departmental learning and operational outcomes for supervised areas. Regularly assess student learning and development. Strategically analyze assessment data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Advance the overall vision and leadership on diversity and inclusive excellence for Student Affairs
- Lead Student Affairs planning efforts toward creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive student learning community at UGA.
- Assess and evaluate student needs and identified strategies and initiatives to foster community and belonging across Student Affairs, recommending and shaping improvement efforts.
- In collaboration with Human Resources, Staff Development, and other colleagues, advance initiatives to increase the diversity and improve the overall work experience of Student Affairs staff.
- Serve as a thought leader, trusted partner, and resource for Student Affairs and campus faculty and staff on diversity and inclusive excellence.
- Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for Student Affairs as needed, representing the Division and the Vice President to various constituencies, including media.
Serve on campus committees, engage in meetings, and complete other duties as needed, in keeping with the responsibilities of the position
- Serve as a member of the divisional administrative group and leadership team.
- Represent Student Affairs on the University’s Diversity Advisory Council.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Application Instructions
Candidates are encouraged to submit their materials by October 15, 2021, for full consideration; however, the position will remain open until filled. The application packet should include a cover letter detailing how the applicant’s credentials and experience meet the needs, responsibilities, and qualifications stated above; a current resume/CV; and contact information for three references (who will not be contacted without further correspondence with the applicant).
All applicants must apply online. Please see the job posting at:
https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/221353
To provide a nomination or seek additional information, please contact askstudentaffairs.uga.edu.
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a disciplinary area appropriate for the position.
Additional Qualifications:
- At least eight years of progressive leadership experience.
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification:
- Terminal degree in a related discipline.
- Ten years of increasing levels of leadership working in higher education or a related setting.
