Lehigh University
Vice President of Student Affairs
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States, 18020
Lehigh University Lehigh University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Lehigh University provides comprehensive benefits including partner benefits. Position Summary:
Selected two years in a row as one of the top places to work in Student Affairs - https://www.diverseeducation.com/awards-honors/mppwsa Lehigh University is seeking its next Vice President of Student Affairs VPSA. Reporting directly to the President, the VPSA holds a pivotal role within the Presidents cabinet. The VPSA is charged with shaping and driving the strategic vision for student life, fostering a dynamic and inclusive campus culture that prioritizes student well-being and success. This role is integral in ensuring that student services, outcomes, programs, and resources align with the universitys mission to advance learning through the integration of teaching, research, and service to others.
The VPSAs portfolio includes oversight of key departments that are essential to the student experience: The Dean of Students Office, the Health & Wellness Center, Student Counseling and Psychological Services, Military Science and Leadership, and the Office of Health Advancement and Prevention Strategies. The VPSA leads a dedicated team of 80 staff members, including 10 direct reports, all committed to enhancing the development of Lehighs students.
As the leader of the Student Affairs division, the VPSA will:
*
Develop and Execute Strategies: Craft and implement a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the universitys strategy of inspiring future makers.
*
Foster an Inclusive Campus Culture: Provide visionary leadership to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. Work collaboratively with university leaders to integrate student affairs initiatives with academic programs, enhancing the overall student experience.
*
Enhance Student Engagement and Success: Oversee programs and services that drive student outcomes, engagement, retention, and success.
*
Ensure Excellence in Student Affairs: Maintain a high-quality, student-centered approach across all student affairs operations and programs, prioritizing the needs and well-being of students.
*
Manage Division Resources: Oversee the budget for the Division of Student Affairs, ensuring responsible allocation of resources. Supervise and support a team of directors, managers, and staff, ensuring adherence to university policies, procedures, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
*
Advocate for Student Needs: Act as the primary advocate for student needs and concerns within the university administration, ensuring that the student voice is heard and addressed at the highest levels.
*
Lead Crisis Management Efforts: Develop and oversee protocols for responding to student crises, emergencies, and conflicts. Serve as the principal media spokesperson for all sensitive student-related incidents and issues.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities:
*
Academic credentials: A Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a related field. A Doctoral degree is preferred.
*
Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs or a related area within a higher education setting.
*
Ability to build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. An appreciation of difference, a strong commitment to inclusiveness, an understanding of nuance, and the ability to think intentionally with an awareness of the various ways in which the ampus is experienced differently by different people is essential
*
Deep commitment to the LU mission. The ideal candidate will possess experience mentoring and developing staff in effective change management. As we continue to implement our Lehighs Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, the execution of new strategies will be essential.
*
Proven track record of innovation and improvement in student affairs. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle complex situations with diplomacy and tact.
Position Number: S87010
Grade: 15 - 40; $300,000 - $350,000 This is an approximate range and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.
Special Considerations
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehighs Accommodations Specialist.
This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University.
The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote.
About Lehigh University: Overview
Founded in 1865 by industrial pioneer Asa Packer, Lehigh University was established to foster the intellectual and moral improvement of its students, preparing them to contribute to a strong national economy. Lehigh remains dedicated to its mission of teaching, research, and service, challenging students through academic rigor, an entrepreneurial mindset, and collaborative opportunities to become future leaders.
Today, Lehigh is one of the most selective private research universities in the U.S., offering programs across five colleges: The College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Education, and College of Health. Graduate and doctoral programs are available in all five colleges.
The Wall Street Journal ranked Lehigh 15th among the top 500 U.S. colleges and universities in 2025, and US News & World Report consistently ranks it among the top 50 national universities. Lehighs strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, reflects our commitment to empowering students and creating unique student experiences that foster community and growth.
Lehigh employs more than 584 full-time faculty, including 460 tenured or tenure-track professors, and nearly 1,200 staff members. The university has a vibrant alumni network of over 85,000. With approximately 5,811 undergraduate and 1,779 graduate students, Lehigh maintains a small student-faculty ratio 10:1, allowing for close collaboration. First- and second-year students live on campus, engaging in leadership activities and over 200 clubs. Lehigh fields 25 NCAA Division I teams and 40 intramural and club sports, with multiple Patriot League and NCAA tournament championships. Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not
Selected two years in a row as one of the top places to work in Student Affairs - https://www.diverseeducation.com/awards-honors/mppwsa Lehigh University is seeking its next Vice President of Student Affairs VPSA. Reporting directly to the President, the VPSA holds a pivotal role within the Presidents cabinet. The VPSA is charged with shaping and driving the strategic vision for student life, fostering a dynamic and inclusive campus culture that prioritizes student well-being and success. This role is integral in ensuring that student services, outcomes, programs, and resources align with the universitys mission to advance learning through the integration of teaching, research, and service to others.
The VPSAs portfolio includes oversight of key departments that are essential to the student experience: The Dean of Students Office, the Health & Wellness Center, Student Counseling and Psychological Services, Military Science and Leadership, and the Office of Health Advancement and Prevention Strategies. The VPSA leads a dedicated team of 80 staff members, including 10 direct reports, all committed to enhancing the development of Lehighs students.
As the leader of the Student Affairs division, the VPSA will:
*
Develop and Execute Strategies: Craft and implement a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the universitys strategy of inspiring future makers.
*
Foster an Inclusive Campus Culture: Provide visionary leadership to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. Work collaboratively with university leaders to integrate student affairs initiatives with academic programs, enhancing the overall student experience.
*
Enhance Student Engagement and Success: Oversee programs and services that drive student outcomes, engagement, retention, and success.
*
Ensure Excellence in Student Affairs: Maintain a high-quality, student-centered approach across all student affairs operations and programs, prioritizing the needs and well-being of students.
*
Manage Division Resources: Oversee the budget for the Division of Student Affairs, ensuring responsible allocation of resources. Supervise and support a team of directors, managers, and staff, ensuring adherence to university policies, procedures, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
*
Advocate for Student Needs: Act as the primary advocate for student needs and concerns within the university administration, ensuring that the student voice is heard and addressed at the highest levels.
*
Lead Crisis Management Efforts: Develop and oversee protocols for responding to student crises, emergencies, and conflicts. Serve as the principal media spokesperson for all sensitive student-related incidents and issues.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities:
*
Academic credentials: A Masters degree from an accredited college or university in Higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a related field. A Doctoral degree is preferred.
*
Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs or a related area within a higher education setting.
*
Ability to build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. An appreciation of difference, a strong commitment to inclusiveness, an understanding of nuance, and the ability to think intentionally with an awareness of the various ways in which the ampus is experienced differently by different people is essential
*
Deep commitment to the LU mission. The ideal candidate will possess experience mentoring and developing staff in effective change management. As we continue to implement our Lehighs Inspiring the Future Makers strategy, the execution of new strategies will be essential.
*
Proven track record of innovation and improvement in student affairs. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle complex situations with diplomacy and tact.
Position Number: S87010
Grade: 15 - 40; $300,000 - $350,000 This is an approximate range and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.
Special Considerations
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehighs Accommodations Specialist.
This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University.
The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote.
About Lehigh University: Overview
Founded in 1865 by industrial pioneer Asa Packer, Lehigh University was established to foster the intellectual and moral improvement of its students, preparing them to contribute to a strong national economy. Lehigh remains dedicated to its mission of teaching, research, and service, challenging students through academic rigor, an entrepreneurial mindset, and collaborative opportunities to become future leaders.
Today, Lehigh is one of the most selective private research universities in the U.S., offering programs across five colleges: The College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, College of Education, and College of Health. Graduate and doctoral programs are available in all five colleges.
The Wall Street Journal ranked Lehigh 15th among the top 500 U.S. colleges and universities in 2025, and US News & World Report consistently ranks it among the top 50 national universities. Lehighs strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, reflects our commitment to empowering students and creating unique student experiences that foster community and growth.
Lehigh employs more than 584 full-time faculty, including 460 tenured or tenure-track professors, and nearly 1,200 staff members. The university has a vibrant alumni network of over 85,000. With approximately 5,811 undergraduate and 1,779 graduate students, Lehigh maintains a small student-faculty ratio 10:1, allowing for close collaboration. First- and second-year students live on campus, engaging in leadership activities and over 200 clubs. Lehigh fields 25 NCAA Division I teams and 40 intramural and club sports, with multiple Patriot League and NCAA tournament championships. Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not