The University of Redlands, a private, liberal arts university committed to preparing students for lives of meaning, impact, and joy through immersive, personalized, and professional education seeks an engaging and visionary leader to advance student-centered, co-curricular experiences and holistic wellness efforts through a lens of inclusive practice and equity.
The Position: Reporting directly to the President and serving as a key member of the cabinet, the Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA) is the senior student affairs officer and serves as the strategic advisor in providing direction and guidance for advancing and supporting the University’s priorities as they relate to the student experience. The VPSA represents and advocates for all students over multiple campuses and shares their concerns with senior leaders, ensuring student programs and services are responsive to students’ changing needs, implementing policies that promote both fair treatment of and responsible conduct by students, and fostering strong and effective relationships with a wide range of students, their families and supporters, administrators, staff, and faculty. Leading the call for community on campus, the VPSA fosters an environment of inclusiveness and support to accommodate a diverse student body that includes residential, commuter, graduate, undergraduate, traditional, and non traditional students. The VPSA maintains a robust partnership with academic affairs to foster a dynamic community on campus, enabling students to see connections between the classroom and the world beyond.
Working collaboratively with faculty, the VPSA develops strong co-curricular programming and credentialing to create an intellectually rich student experience. The VPSA provides supportive and empowering leadership and is responsible for the following areas: Residence Life & Housing; Student Engagement (student activities, new student orientation, commencement (in coordination with the Provost’s office), student government, Greek life), Outdoor Programs & Recreation; Community Service Learning (in coordination with the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences); Community Standards; Student Diversity and Inclusion programming, Food Service oversight, Mental Health, Health Promotion, and Prevention Education.
The University: Founded in 1907, University of Redlands is an innovative university leading California in personalized education designed to prepare students personally and professionally through a wide range of academic opportunities and immersive, hands-on learning outside of the classroom. Redlands offers 40+ undergraduate and 30+ graduate programs and more than 11 accelerated dual-degree pathways. Located in Redlands, California, the University’s main campus is 160 acres featuring orange groves, architectural landmarks and more than 1,700 trees. Rooted in the Bay Area for over 150 years, University of Redlands serene Marin campus lies nestled in the hills of San Anselmo—a quaint, historic town just 15 miles north of San Francisco. The Marin campus is home to the San Francisco Theological Seminary, School of Business & Society, Presidio Graduate Center, and Event Services on this majestic campus famous for its “castles on the hill” and natural beauty. The University recently acquired Woodbury University, a 22-acre Burbank campus located in sunny Southern California near Hollywood, the entertainment industry capital, and Los Angeles, home to some of the most innovative and progressive companies in the world. The Woodbury campus offers more than 20 uniquely personalized and practice-based undergraduate and graduate programs. Redlands also offers in-person evening courses at two regional campuses in Riverside and Rancho Cucamonga.
The University serves approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students, 48 percent of whom are first-generation college students. More than 200 full-time faculty and over 300 adjunct or part-time faculty teach classes. Students and faculty are supported by approximately 400 staff. The U.S. Department of Education has designated the University of Redlands as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), recognizing the institution’s ongoing commitment to serving Hispanic/Latinx Americans among the University’s student populations. Over 54,000 alumni call Redlands their alma mater, and surveys show that generations have found the University prepared them well for career success and lifelong learning.
Qualifications: A visible and student-focused leader, the ideal candidate will be energized by student engagement and will approach challenges with a flexible, innovative mindset, and work with the team to develop an optimistic, can-do spirit. The next VPSA will bring a history of substantial and progressively responsible leadership and supervisory experience with knowledge of college processes including admissions, enrollment, and financial aid. They will demonstrate competency and experience working in a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying social, economic, cultural, ideological, gender and racial/ethnic backgrounds, and those with physical, emotional and/or learning disabilities. The VPSA will display excellent communication skills and will understand best practices to provide general and specialized student support with professional courtesy, empathy, a sense of humor, and interest in positive problem solving. They will approach others in a tactful manner, react well under pressure, treat others with respect and consideration and follow through on commitments. A proactive and strategic leader, the ideal candidate will assess situations and think beyond the immediate issue to anticipate and fulfill future needs before they become complications. A Master’s degree is required.
An earned doctorate or terminal degree is preferred.
Location: Set against the stunning backdrop of the San Bernardino Mountains and perfumed by historic citrus groves, Redlands, California, is a charming city known for its historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant community. Approximately an hour from the ocean and an hour from ski resorts, Redlands offers an ideal location with a variety of entertainment options. The Redlands Bowl offers free summer concerts, and there are numerous cultural events throughout the year. The city hosts various local events, festivals, and farmer’s markets, making it easy to meet and engage with the community. It’s situated about 10 miles east of San Bernardino and approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles, making it convenient for commuters while maintaining a quieter, suburban feel. Overall, Redlands combines the charm of a small town with the conveniences of modern living, making it an attractive destination for many.
Salary: $180,000 – $250,000
Application: Interested candidates should submit only a cover letter and resume to RPA Inc. at RedlandsVPSA@rpainc.org. For a confidential discussion about this opportunity or to make a nomination, please email Kira Heath, Search Manager, Amanda O’Donnell, Vice President and Senior Consultant, or Dana John Cohick, President, at the email address listed above. The review of candidates will begin on December 2, 2024.
The University of Redlands does not unlawfully discriminate in its employment, enrollment, programs, or activities on the basis of age, color, race (including hair texture and protective hair styles), ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status (including domestic partner status), pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, genetic information, religion/creed (including religious dress and grooming practice), citizenship status (except to comply with legal requirements for employment), military/veteran status, status as a domestic violence victim, or any other characteristic protected by law.
