About the Department

The University of Chicago is one of the nation’s leading institutions of higher
education and research. Campus and Student Life (CSL) carries the core
mission of the University to all aspects of life outside the classroom. It enriches
the lives of its students, staff, and faculty and academic staff members and
contributes to a vibrant, collaborative, and diverse campus community that
inspires excellence and sustains the University’s culture of inquiry, innovation,
and continuous learning. The unit also works to support the overall well-being of
students, including their health and safety. This happens in the context of a
campus located in a dynamic, thriving city, in which opportunities abound for
students to learn from, contribute to, and engage with their urban environment.
The University community includes approximately 7,600 undergraduates and
10,800 graduate, professional, and other students working together to create a
vibrant and dynamic student life.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Dean of Students in the University (DOS-U), the Assistant Vice President for Student Life (AVP-Student Life) is responsible for focusing on the quality and distinctiveness of the student experience at UChicago through the creation of dynamic communities that promote intellectual curiosity, exchange, and debate; supporting opportunities for leadership development and personal growth; and helping to foster an inclusive campus environment that celebrates diversity. The AVP-Student Life is charged with leading, managing, and providing strategic direction for key areas within Campus and Student Life (CSL), the campus, and student life overall. The AVP-Student is adroit in managing students and other constituents who bring forward campus and community issues and concerns, and facilitates productive communication between students and University offices and leaders. In addition, the AVP-Student Life serves on the leadership team of the Dean of Students in the University and is a trusted advisor and thought partner to senior CSL colleagues.

The AVP-Student Life portfolio includes four CSL departments: The Center for Leadership and Involvement; the Office of International Affairs; International House; and the Student Centers.  The AVP-Student Life sets strategic goals with each department’s leadership, offers general management advice and support to directors, and provides oversight for their overall budgets and administration. Across these departments, the AVP oversees a total staff of 48, plus an additional 235 student employees.  

The AVP-Student Life also has oversight for operations in CSL’s two primary administrative hubs, Behar Family House and the Edelstone Center which includes a staff of three employees.

Responsibilities:

• Leadership, Management and Supervision
• Directs and develops staff of people (including four executive directors/directors and one associate director) with diverse responsibilities across five distinct functional areas in Campus and Student Life.
• Provides oversight and helps set direction for:
• Center for Leadership and Involvement-The Center for Leadership and Involvement (CLI) is a multi-faceted office that encourages student involvement at the University and provides learning opportunities in ways as diverse and valuable as possible, while enhancing the unique culture and traditions of UChicago. The Center’s staff advise recognized student organizations (RSOs) on projects, events, and finances, and advocate and encourage co-curricular student involvement on campus.
• Office of International Affairs-The Office of International Affairs (OIA) is charged with navigating the increasingly complex U.S. immigration system on behalf of the University and provides professional advising services and supportive programming to the university’s international communities. OIA staff serve three functional service areas: student services; scholar and employee services; and administrative services.
• International House-International House offers globally focused public programs on campus, supports students through community events, fellowships and internships, and serves the greater Chicago community as a cultural and intellectual center.
• The Student Centers-Student Centers creates and stewards environments and spaces that support a wide range of campus activities, including RSO events, cultural and artistic performances, conferences, meetings and gatherings. Student Centers staff members provide event advice and support services to ensure high-quality programs that complement the University’s academic mission.
• Additionally, supervises CSL operations in Behar Family House and the Edelstone Center, encompassing facilities, staffing, and daily functions including, but not limited to, maintenance, deliveries, visitor experience, communications and events.
• Strategic Planning:
• As a member of the CSL leadership team, participates in annual priority and goal setting for the unit as well as regular strategic planning.
• Guides annual goal setting and strategic planning for direct reports (CLI, OIA, International House, Student Centers, and CSL Central Operations).
• Plans and coordinates program reviews of departments within portfolio, including peer benchmarking, self-studies, and site visits by external review teams.
• Facilitation and Coordination:
• Plays key leadership role in CSL’s professional development initiatives for staff members, including new employee onboarding programs and promising leader series.
• Helps to facilitate and coordinate CSL’s annual reporting and assessment processes, including the development and review of key performance indicators for CSL departments.
• Liaison and Committee Work:
• Serves as the CSL leadership liaison to key partner offices across the University, including the College Programming Office, the Institute of Politics, and the Office of the Vice President and Secretary of the University for student engagement events.
• Represents CSL on key University committees and working groups, including the Immigration Working Group and Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance Committee.
• Assists the Dean of Students in the University in collaborations with Undergraduate Student Government and Graduate Council.

Competencies:

• Ability to assess, understand, and advocate persuasively for students' interests;
• The maturity, presence, and gravitas to engage effectively with all constituencies including members of the faculty and students, communicate broadly across the University and work across boundaries, cultivate collegial relationships.
• The ability to plan strategically, to identify what is needed for the short and long-term success of the University and to bring these ideas to fruition.
• Facility with data management and tools of assessment.
• Proven skills as a senior manager, open in style and comfortable in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, motivate and supervise staff; someone willing to roll up their sleeves, but not a micro-manager.
• Drive and intellectual curiosity; a willingness to work hard; a quick learner in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent oral/written/digital communication and presentation skills.
• A commitment to diversity and the ability to develop inclusive communities.
• Devotion to the highest ethical standards.
• Personal and professional integrity above reproach.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Advanced or professional degree preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education or a comparable setting required.
• Evidence of effective and sustained engagement in student life issues and a record of providing support and opportunities for students preferred.
• Experience communicating with students, parents, family members, and the media and building unity during difficult circumstances preferred.
• Experience working with talented, driven, and often challenging students, and a good sense of humor preferred.
• A record of advocating for and using resources with fiscal responsibility required.