Assistant Vice President - Student Affairs

Position Summary:The Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs plays a key role in nurturing a culture of student-first services at Adams State University. This person is responsible for fostering a commitment to student success by actively developing and implementing retention initiatives, including restorative justice practices with a community care perspective, social determinants of student success, Adams State University CARE Team, and student conduct processes which support the social and personal development of students at Adams State University. Serving as a primary advocate for student success and leading efforts to respond to student issues, the AVPSA help manage the division's response to critical incidents; administers the Student Conduct Code; serves as liaison to campus and community organizations related to student issues; and works closely and in conjunction with the Inclusive Excellence Liaison to ensure initiatives are equitable and inclusive. The AVPSA directly supervises those offices working with our traditionally “at risk” or “at promise” student populations. This person is an integral member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team.

● Serves as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team

● Assists in the coordination/preparation of strategic plans in support of student retention initiatives

● Manages the division's response to critical incidents; ensures appropriate student, staff, and faculty case management; serves as chairperson of the University's Care Teams (student and employee), including outreach, engagement, and crisis response; initiates and coordinates programs and outreach addressing student needs and issues; meets with student groups, parents and families, faculty, and representatives of University offices to resolve problems; communicates with students' families as appropriate; addresses problems and organizes University resources to maximize student success; develops and coordinates a conflict mediation and resolution program for students; leads the University in developing a protocol and a process to support free speech and freedom of expression

● Actively develops, engages in, and supports University efforts in the areas providing equal and supportive access to all educational activities; partners with the Inclusive Excellence Liaison to develop appropriate responses to incidents of bias

● Directly supervises division offices working with our traditionally “at risk” or “at promise” student populations including: COSI, CAMP, Trio SSS, Trio Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math Science, and Migrant Education.

● Engages with the campus community by being visible at events and reaching out to various campus organizations; coordinates and supports student leadership recognition; promotes Student Affairs as a critical partner and agent to encourage problem-solving, compassion, accountability, advocacy, and student success; and implements faculty and staff outreach, communication, and professional development on student-related topics

● Provides advice and counsel to the Vice President of Student Affairs on student-related matters

● Represents the University and Division of Student Affairs on various community and University committees and task forces

● Coordinates applicable compliance standards

● Administers the Student Conduct Code; develops and interprets university policies and procedures related to student rights and responsibilities, student conduct, and records, and assists in the administration thereof; advises students as to applicable policy and procedural provisions; serves as the primary hearing officer; counsels students and/or administrators as to hearing or review proceedings, and related matters; assigns conduct outcomes which are developmentally appropriate and aligned with restorative justice practices; and assists with University compliance procedures related to the Clery Act.

● Directs communication efforts in alignment with student success standards

● Provides (or facilitates) training for faculty and staff to improve mental health literacy and awareness, including Mental Health First Aid, trauma-informed practices, making referrals to campus resources, and best practice in developing appropriate policies and practices in Student Affairs.

● Demonstrates self-awareness of one’s own cultural beliefs, perspectives, and privileges as a part of one’s orientation toward leadership.

● Maintains a bias toward decision-making that is informed by research, data, and theory and that leverages students’ unique cultures, experiences, and background as strengths.

● Builds a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and “over-communication” that fosters collaboration within and across departmental lines.

● Performs other duties as assigned

Leadership Requirements

● Working within a cohesive and collegial leadership team that manages a mission-driven department as part of a collaborative, mutually accountable team

● Fully embracing and enacting a leadership philosophy centered on building trust, compassion, stability, and hope

● Being committed to a relationship-based work environment that values authenticity, integrity, and personal engagement

● Being passionate about leading teams and establishing departmental strategic plans and goals in alignment with ASU's student-centered mission

Minimum Qualifications:

We recognize that women and people of color are often less likely to apply to a position if they don’t match 100% of the job qualifications. Don’t let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity! We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of these skills and competencies.

● Master's degree in counseling, higher education, student affairs, or a related field, with significant progressive and effective leadership experience at the university level

● Demonstrated effectiveness as a culturally competent professional with broad experience interacting with and supporting the needs of a diverse student population

● Demonstrated knowledge of, and sensitivity to, and ability to work effectively with, the educational needs of individuals and groups with a diverse range of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities

● Excellent interpersonal, listening, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to establish strong campus and community partnerships

● A high level of collegiality in working with other student affairs units as well as campus and community constituencies

● Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships characterized by mutual respect, trust, and commitment to shared goals.

● Integrity, creativity, energy, and decisiveness along with the capacity to engage and inspire others

● Highly effective in all aspects of crisis management, including the ability to work collaboratively with others in managing crises

● Demonstrated ability to work with students experiencing significant mental health challenges or other life circumstances interfering with their educational progress

● Excellence as a manager of complex organizational processes, heavy reliance on assessment data to inform decisions, superb supervision and professional development skills

● Well-developed skills in assessing organizational effectiveness and identifying areas of strength as well as needs for improvement

● Ability to treat others with respect, civility, and courtesy and to work honestly, effectively, and collegially with employees, students, and the community. This includes the ability to use appropriate conflict management skills to effectively manage any disagreement that might arise or to seek assistance in productive resolution when the situation requires.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Doctoral degree in higher education, counseling, college student personnel, or related field

● Strong knowledge of student development theories, student learning outcomes, and best practices in assessment and evaluation

● Prior successful responsibility managing departmental budgets

● Experience working with diverse populations or in rural settings

● Ability or experience working with historically under-served and/or underrepresented populations and first-generation college students.

Salary and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $99,640-$113,340 commensurate with experience and education. In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit

How to Apply:

Application materials described below must be submitted through

Required Documents:

● A detailed cover letter of application addressing interest/experience as well as professional interests and goals.

● Diversity Statement including what it would mean to you to work at an HSI.

● Resume/Curriculum vitae.

● Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial copies will be accepted, official transcripts will be required upon hire).

● A list of three professional references (name, affiliation, email address, and phone number) who can address your qualifications for the position.

This position is open until filled with a tentative start date of August 1, 2024.

Questions about the position may be directed to Savala DeVoge at

Disclosure:

In compliance with the Immigration Control Act of 1968 candidates for positions must provide proof of eligibility to work before an offer of employment can be made final.

Background Check Policy:

Adams State University performs background checks as a condition of employment for prospective employees and current employees seeking certain promotional opportunities. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of an acceptable background check. Applicants will be asked to provide personal data and sign a release form before the background check is conducted. Applicants who fail to provide the data and consent form will not be considered for employment or promotion. Background checks include review of criminal records and sex offender registry background. Credit and driving record background may apply to certain positions.

Campus and School Information

Adams State University is a state-supported, regional comprehensive university located in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado in the city of Alamosa. As the state’s premier Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), over 50 percent of its undergraduate students represent racially diverse backgrounds. A high percentage of undergraduate students are first-generation and Pell-eligible. The university offers undergraduate programs in the arts and humanities, physical and natural sciences, mechanical engineering, social sciences, kinesiology, fine arts, business, and nursing, and specializes in educator preparation in several disciplines. Adams State also offers graduate degrees in cultural resource management, public administration, music education, kinesiology, higher education administration and leadership, history, business (MBA), and educator programs, including counselor education; the university also has a doctoral (PhD) program in counselor education. The university has an active athletic program. The Adams State Grizzles athletic teams compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC).

The institution is committed to increasing the diversity of its professional staff and is actively seeking qualified applicants who have experiences, skills, and/or personal attributes that augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff. We are working to diversify our faculty and staff and especially encourage applications from women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ community members, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented populations. We will give particular consideration to qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings; persons who possess varied language skills, a record of successful experience in engaging diverse communities/student populations; and job seekers who can contribute to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The successful candidate will join a campus that is dedicated to inclusive excellence and acknowledges Adams State’s purpose to foster the educational goals of its students and the well-being of the surrounding community.

About Us- Diversity & Inclusive Excellence

Adams State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, and to protecting its funds, property and other assets. Well-informed hiring decisions contribute to this effort. Therefore, Adams State University has adopted a policy on background screening for its prospective, continuing, and returning employees as well as students in certain circumstances. Offers of employment will be contingent upon the completion of an acceptable background check. The information received in response to a background check will be treated as confidential to the extent provided for by law.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Adams State University (ASU) may be directed to ASU's Office of Equal Opportunity, Director Ana Guevara, and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Support resources for sexual misconduct, ASU's sexual misconduct policies, contact information for the Adams State University's Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX, as well as a detailed procedure for filing a grievance due to discrimination on the basis of sex may be found online at These procedures also describe the University's response to reports and/or complaints of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.

Adams State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applications are sought from all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, disability, and, as covered by law, veteran status. In addition, University policies prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation including transgender status and gender expression, marital status, and parental status.

Adams State University is dedicated to fostering Inclusive Excellence and especially encourages applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other historically underrepresented populations. Given the university’s mission and student body composition, the institution is committed to increasing the diversity of its professional staff and is actively seeking qualified applicants who have experiences, skills, and/or personal attributes that augment the perspectives of our current faculty and staff; we will give particular consideration to qualified applicants with experience in ethnically diverse settings or who possess varied language skills and have a record of successful experience in engaging diverse communities and student populations. Additional information about the university and the academic mission may be found at

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