Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

About Clemson

One of the country’s most selective public research universities, Clemson University serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body.

Ranked consistently as one of the best national public university by U.S.News & World Report, Clemson is a science- and engineering-oriented college dedicated to teaching, research and service. Founded in 1889, we remain committed both to world-class research and a high quality of life. In fact, 91 percent of our seniors say they’d pick Clemson again if they had it to do over.

Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best values by Kiplinger magazine in 2013, and SmartMoney in 2012 ranked us No. 7 in student return on investment.

Our beautiful college campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake. But we also have research facilities and economic development hubs throughout the state of South Carolina — in Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia and Charleston.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

JOB SUMMARY:

 

Clemson University is seeking an experienced, engaged, and dynamic leader to serve as the Vice President and Dean of Students for the Division of Student Affairs. 

The Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students (VPSA) works closely with the Clemson community and Division of Student Affairs to help deliver the preeminent student experience by setting the direction for student services programs and activities that enhance opportunities for students to succeed.

The Division of Student Affairs is guided by its mission to promote holistic development in inclusive, supportive environments that empower students to thrive. Student Affairs serves as a strategic partner and ensures every student has the best opportunity to excel, graduate with a world-class education and feels empowered and positioned for success beyond their time at Clemson.

The Student Affairs portfolio includes but is not limited to, the VPSA Office, Dean of Students Office, Center for Student Leadership and Engagement, Fraternity/Sorority Life, Office of Community and Ethical Standards, Campus Recreation, Office of Advocacy and Success, Student Health and Wellness Services, Campus Reservations and Events, Student Affairs Business Operations, Military and Veteran Engagement, Residential Living and Resident Learning. For more information on the Division of Student Affairs, visit our website.

JOB DUTIES:

 

The Vice President and Dean of Students, 

  • Directs oversight of the Division of Student Affairs portfolio and has shared oversight of Student Affairs Marketing and Communications and Student Affairs Development. Responsible for personnel management, planning of organizational structure, team development and succession planning. Requests and allocates divisional resources in alignment with the division strategic goals, Clemson Elevate, and University goals and objectives. Serves on University committees as appropriate.
  • Promotes positive student relations by maintaining effective lines of communication with student leaders. Serves as a strong advocate for academic, non-academic, extra-curricular and co-curricular needs of students. Builds the national reputation of the university to attract and retain a diverse, high-quality student body.
  • Develops and enhances the assessment of student learning outcomes for activities with the division. Ensures that institutional policies and practices provide fair and equitable treatment of all students. Ensures that all programs and services in the division comply with relevant state and federal laws and University policies. Recommends, develops and implements student service policies, procedures, and practices that foster and promote student learning and student success and support the educational mission of the University.
  • Provides executive-level leadership, strategic planning, oversight and coordination of all units in the Division of Student Affairs in areas of programming, policy development, facilities and fiscal resource management. Provides leadership and guidance for the development and implementation of high-quality and student-centered approaches to support engagement, satisfaction and student success in non-academic dimensions of the university experiences. Supports the academic mission in ways to enhance student success. Serves as a member of the University¿s Executive Leadership Team. Advises the President on all matters related to non-academic student life. Supports and assists the President by providing regular reports and developing resolutions for approval of the President and Board of Trustees. 
  • Supports the overall success of Student Affairs by partnering with the Advancement Office to lead philanthropic activities for the Division of Student Affairs.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

 
  • Doctoral Degree in higher education administration or related field from an accredited institution. 
  • 15+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a higher education setting with experience in student affairs and related areas. Comprehensive knowledge and experience in Student Affairs or related office. 
  • Demonstrated commitment to the values and mission of the institution.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
  • Experience managing large budgets, resources, and personnel within a complex organizational structure. 
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities, including strategic planning, decision-making and conflict resolution skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Comprehensive Job Knowledge - Comprehensive knowledge of theories and practices and ability to use in complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages Work of Others - Manages work of others including hiring, terminating, training and developing, reviewing performance and administering corrective action for staff. Plans organizational structure and job content.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develops Department Budgets - Responsible for developing one or more departmental budget(s). Estimated amount of budgetary responsibility in dollar amount must be added.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

100% - Stand for prolonged period
100% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
100% - Walk or move about
100% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
100% - Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

WORKING CONDITIONS:

 

  No Work Conditions

WORK SCHEDULE:

 

Standard Hrs: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

 

Salary commensurate with experience.

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

 

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

 

Essential Level 2 employee

Required to maintain/resume essential support functions, deliver direct care services, and/or provide recovery support before normal operations resume. Some positions in this category may be required to work remotely or be on-call.

JOB LOCATION:

 

Clemson, SC

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

 

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.      

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.

To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.         

CLOSING STATEMENT:

 

Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information.