Status: Full-time position
Location: Doylestown, PA
Deadline Date:
Date Available:
Job Summary: Delaware Valley College seeks inquiries, applications and nominations for the position of Vice President for Student Affairs. Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) oversees these areas: Student Involvement; Wellness Center; Residence Life; Freshman Orientation; Student Leadership Development; Judicial Affairs; Student Government; and Athletics and Intramurals.
Qualifications:
Specific previous experiences are part of the expectations for the VPSA. A terminal degree and a minimum of seven years of increasing leadership responsibilities in Student Affairs is a must. The incumbent must have prior success working in an environment where cross-functional teams carry out the goals of the institution. He or she must also have worked effectively and collaboratively with teaching faculty and academic administrators. Success in developing and carrying out assessment of strategic goals is a must, as is evidence of a strong background in data-informed decision making. Prior experience overseeing the work of the units within the DelVal VPSA portfolio is also a requirement. Candidates must also possess a record of working successfully with experiential learning programs, and in implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, a key college strategic goal. Finally, the successful candidate will come to Delaware Valley College with experience in managing change, and in giving leadership and focus to staff who are experiencing changes that are transforming their work.
In addition to the previous experiences noted above, successful candidates will demonstrate a high energy level and a strong value on the total student experience. He or she will be able to articulate a philosophy of holistic student development and give evidence of being guided by the core values inherent in that philosophy. The successful candidate will be able to function and lead effectively in a climate of continuing change. Outstanding verbal skills are central to this position, particularly in the areas of giving vision and direction to staff and working effectively with students. The successful candidate will also have a comprehensive knowledge of student development theory and assessment of learning outcomes. He or she will have strong collaborative skills, and be an effective manager, an excellent evaluator of staff performance, a resourceful and insightful mentor, and a strategic decision-maker.
Duties: The Vice President for Student Affairs has responsibility for 42 full time staff including five direct reports and is responsible for an overall division budget of approximately $3.7 million. The VPSA is a member of the President's cabinet and has a significant role in the continued implementation and monitoring of the progress of the strategic plan. In addition to the areas of responsibility noted above, the Vice President also has shared responsibilities with the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the areas of Retention and Experiential Learning. The VPSA is a member of the Board of Trustees Committee on Admission, Marketing and Student Life.
About the College
Delaware Valley College (DelVal) is a small, independent, multi-disciplinary college located outside Philadelphia on 571 acres in Doylestown, Pa. The college was founded in 1896, and features individualized attention to students and small class sizes. The college's academic programs are grounded in a commitment to applied and experiential learning, balancing theory with real-world experiences. DelVal's enrollment includes approximately 1700 undergraduate students and an additional 400+ students in graduate programs, weekend and evening classes. Since 2006, DelVal has been recognized by U. S. News & World Report as one of the 25 Best Northern Comprehensive Colleges.
DelVal initiated a formal strategic planning process in 2008, under the leadership of its new President, Dr. Joseph S. Brosnan. The strategic plan was approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees in February, 2010. The plan outlines a new vision for DelVal, calling for the college to become an exemplary small, teaching university known for its programs in agricultural and environmental sciences, the life and physical sciences, business, humanities and graduate studies. The plan is in its implementation stages now, and is on track with a fast-paced two-phase implementation timetable. Details related to the strategic plan can be found at www.delval.edu/strategicplan. See also the President's report on the transformation at http://www.delval.edu/offices-services/presidents-office/presidents-report/.
Delaware Valley College is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to a diverse workforce.
To Apply:
Interested individuals should send a letter of application that relates the applicant's skills and experiences to the qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae that includes notable achievements, and contact information (postal/email addresses and telephone numbers) for five references who are able to speak to the candidate's qualifications as they relate to this position. The packet should be sent electronically (Microsoft Word attachments preferred) to leadership@wspelman.com . The subject line in email should be VPSADV.
Confidential inquiries will be received at (603) 978-0316. Documents that must be mailed should be sent to William Spelman Executive Search at 667 Midship Circle, Webster, NY 14580. Confidentiality will be maintained and references will not be contacted without prior approval of the candidate. For full consideration, all materials should be received by March 8, 2013. Review of applications will begin March 11, and the process will continue until the position is filled.