Location : St. DavidsJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 945Department: Student DevelopmentOpening Date: 08/12/2024Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice. Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 7,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university's main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern's core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education. Position Description Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Student Development serves as a member of the President's Cabinet and provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for the Division of Student Development. In this role, the Vice President is responsible for fostering student growth and development, with an emphasis on Christian spiritual formation, and providing creative, innovative and inspiring student experiences across a diverse student body. Responsibilities further include maintaining a safe and nurturing environment while promoting student involvement and engagement in university life.Serving as the institution's chief student development officer, functional areas of responsibility include: student life and housing; faith and practice; student health and wellness; talent and career development; student activities; college success programs, student conduct, and Title IX.Status: Administration, full-time, exempt, salaried, 12 months per year. Position Responsibilities Accountability and Oversight A. Reports to: President B. Supervises: All departments housed within the Student Development division. Position Dimensions
Employees Supervised: Student Development employeesBudget: Student Development operational budget
- Working collaboratively with the Cabinet, provide strategic vision, planning and oversight for the division, including operations, budget management, and institutional guidance where necessary.
- Responsible for support services, programs, and policies affecting Student Development.
- Advocate for student needs and in light of the University's strategic priorities connect and engage with external and internal community resources and partners to ensure that students are served holistically.
- Responsible for applicable Eastern University and governmental policies and procedures directly affecting Student Life/ Housing/Title IX and other areas under the division of Student Development.
- Responsible for ensuring and maintaining compliance with all university, county, state, and federal reporting expectations related to student development.
- Ensure collaborative partnerships and planning across divisions and the University at large in meeting the needs of a diverse student population and creating an environment where all students and staff can flourish.
- Work cooperatively with athletics and other co-and extra-curricular constituencies to deliver a robust and cohesive student experience for all students.
- Collaborate and work effectively with university stakeholders including students, staff, faculty, and parents/families/guardians.
- Partner with the Divisions of Advancement, Academic Affairs on student engagement events and programs.
- Remain current and lead on issues and best practices in higher education, Title IX, and other areas affecting student life.
- In conjunction with the Office of Advancement, provide leadership for identifying, submitting, and procuring and successfully reporting on grants and grant opportunities.
- Assure data informed decision making, including consistent evaluation of data and metrics.
- Participate in committees as appropriate.
Qualifications Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Development, or related field required. Doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Development, or related field preferred. A minimum of 5 years experience as a vice president for student development/affairs or similar executive level experience.Embody the vision, mission, and values of Eastern University. Excellent written and spoken communication skills. Understanding of current trends and themes in higher education in general and Christian higher education in particular. Understanding of student retention theory and best practices, Knowledge of and ability to apply leadership models to employee supervision and management. Experience with crisis and emergency management. Experience with contract review and negotiations. Knowledge of related compliance areas including Title IX, Clery Act, OSHA, Americans with Disabilities Act, FERPA. Experience with budgeting on a university base level, proven financial containment skills. Proven conflict management and conflict resolution experience. About Eastern UniversityEastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.Background ChecksStandard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances: 1) Affidavit;2) FBI Criminal Record Check; 3) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and; 4) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check. In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have direct contact with children must complete the background check process prior to employment. Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.Description DisclaimerThis description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.Statement of Non-DiscriminationEastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.We offer a complete benefits package to full-time faculty and staff including healthcare coverage, retirement plan contributions, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, tuition remission and tuition exchange participation as well as an extensive holiday, summer hours and paid time off leave schedule.Part-time Regular staff who are scheduled 30-36 hours per week over the course of a year, receive a full benefit package based on their part-time scheduled hours. Healthcare coverage is based on the ACA medical coverage guidelines. Affiliate faculty receive a benefit package as outlined with their covenant. Adjunct faculty may be eligible for medical coverage under the ACA after an annual one year lookback review.Part-time staff who are scheduled to work less than 30 hours per week schedule are eligible for employer contribution towards the retirement plan after one year of employment. Eligibility rules apply. Adjunct faculty may make employee deferral contributions towards the retirement plan. Part-Time Graduate Assistant Coaches are eligible for participation in the Tuition Remission Coaches Program.Temporary, Contractors and Seasonal Employees: Individuals in this status are scheduled on an as-needed-basis and are not eligible for participation in the University's benefits programs.Detailed information regarding our benefits program and eligibility is provided once hired or you can contact Human Resources with any questions.