What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President for Student Development position at Keuka College?
Description
The Vice President for Student Development (VPSD) provides the vision, strategy, and leadership required to ensure Keuka College students achieve excellent outcomes. The VPSD focuses on success across all outcome areas, including personal development, wellness, persistence, retention, and graduation rates. The VPSD serves as the Chief Retention Officer at the College and works collaboratively with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, and other senior leaders of the College to create a campus culture that promotes student success, a safe and welcoming campus environment for our diverse student body, as well as a sense of community among the student body. The VPSD plays a critical role in guiding Keuka College towards the goals established in the strategic plan. The VPSD is specifically responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, administration, and management of the Division of Student Development including:
Student Life: residential life, student activities, student organizations, student conduct and compliance, inclusion & belonging, new and transfer student orientation, and Student Senate.
Athletics & Recreation: all aspects of college athletic and recreation programs including hiring coaches, scheduling, budget preparation, promotion, compliance, and facility management.
Higher Education Opportunity Program: ensure compliance with NYS HEOP RFP, provide all contracted services, support, and monitor student progress from recruitment to graduation, budget oversight, assess program effectiveness, submit required reports to NYSED/HEOP.
Student Accessibility: oversight to ensure appropriate and timely academic, dietary, and housing modifications are determined based on the student’s individual needs.
Health and Counseling: oversight to ensure assessment and treatment of emergency health and emotional concerns.
Student-Facing Auxiliary Services: oversight of relationships and services provided by campus safety, dining services and vending, and bookstore vendors in consultation with the VP for Finance and Administration.
Essential Responsibilities
This position has been designated as essential at Keuka College. This means that, in the event of significant incidents or major events, you may be required to be on-site or take a leadership role in supporting your respective area to ensure our operations continue smoothly.
Physical Requirements
Keuka College, founded in 1890, is a liberal arts-based, private college located in the heart of New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes. Our picturesque lakeside campus is more than just a place to work – it’s a vibrant, close-knit environment where collaboration, innovation, and personal growth are valued as much as academic excellence.
Why Keuka College?
Mission-Driven: Join us in empowering students to lead, serve, and succeed. Our founder Dr. George Harvey Ball’s mission to “bring strength to our nation and help humanity” is still at the heart of what we do.
Experiential Learning: Our immersive approach to education means you’ll work in an environment that values hands-on experience and innovation.
Core Values
Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules, wellness programs, and a focus on your well-being allow you to thrive at work and at home.
Inclusive Community: We embrace diversity and foster an environment where everyone belongs.
About The Community
Keuka Park, NY, offers stunning lakeside living and is nestled along the shores of Keuka Lake. Known for its vineyards and scenic outdoor adventures, the area offers everything from hiking and fishing to wine tasting. The nearby village of Penn Yan, less than 10 minutes away, is celebrated for its small-town charm, offering parks, shops, cafes, and plenty of local attractions. Life in the Keuka region moves at a relaxed pace, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and simple joys of lakeside living.
Join Us and Make a Difference
If you’re looking for meaningful work in a community that values your contributions, explore career opportunities at Keuka College and be part of something “small on purpose”.
The Vice President for Student Development (VPSD) provides the vision, strategy, and leadership required to ensure Keuka College students achieve excellent outcomes. The VPSD focuses on success across all outcome areas, including personal development, wellness, persistence, retention, and graduation rates. The VPSD serves as the Chief Retention Officer at the College and works collaboratively with the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Enrollment Management, and other senior leaders of the College to create a campus culture that promotes student success, a safe and welcoming campus environment for our diverse student body, as well as a sense of community among the student body. The VPSD plays a critical role in guiding Keuka College towards the goals established in the strategic plan. The VPSD is specifically responsible for the overall strategic direction, leadership, administration, and management of the Division of Student Development including:
Student Life: residential life, student activities, student organizations, student conduct and compliance, inclusion & belonging, new and transfer student orientation, and Student Senate.
Athletics & Recreation: all aspects of college athletic and recreation programs including hiring coaches, scheduling, budget preparation, promotion, compliance, and facility management.
Higher Education Opportunity Program: ensure compliance with NYS HEOP RFP, provide all contracted services, support, and monitor student progress from recruitment to graduation, budget oversight, assess program effectiveness, submit required reports to NYSED/HEOP.
Student Accessibility: oversight to ensure appropriate and timely academic, dietary, and housing modifications are determined based on the student’s individual needs.
Health and Counseling: oversight to ensure assessment and treatment of emergency health and emotional concerns.
Student-Facing Auxiliary Services: oversight of relationships and services provided by campus safety, dining services and vending, and bookstore vendors in consultation with the VP for Finance and Administration.
Essential Responsibilities
- Participate in College governance as a member of the President’s Executive Cabinet and assist the President in decision-making regarding co-curricular activities and implementing policies for Student Development.
- Oversee the Student Development budget and the use of Student Development facilities including residence halls, Dahlstrom Student Center, and athletics/recreation venues.
- Responsible for monitoring, tracking, and reporting student retention data and trends, as well as overseeing campus-wide efforts to improve persistence and retention.
- Ensure compliance with all College, federal, state, and oversight organizations (e.g., NCAA, HEOP/NYSED, US Department of Education) laws, regulations, and policies.
- Represent the College and the President at public events that deal with student matters.
- Attend provided/necessary training and other meetings to support effectiveness within the position as required.
This position has been designated as essential at Keuka College. This means that, in the event of significant incidents or major events, you may be required to be on-site or take a leadership role in supporting your respective area to ensure our operations continue smoothly.
Physical Requirements
- Regular evening and weekend hours, including crisis response.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage
- Financial assistance for educational expenses, enabling professional growth and development.
- Protection for you and your loved ones with employer-sponsored life insurance coverage.
- Generous paid time off including holidays and sick leave to ensure work-life balance.
- Retirement benefits eligible on the 1st day of employment and matching contributions after 6 months of employment
- Access to confidential counseling and support services for mental health and personal matters through the Employee Assistance Program
- Master’s degree in higher education administration, educational leadership, social work, or a related field required. Doctorate degree is preferred.
- Ten years of progressive management experience in higher education required.
- Previous leadership experience with an emphasis on Student Development and retention initiatives is preferred.
- Knowledge of student development theory, change management principles, relevant NYS, and federal regulation/laws (e.g., FERPA, Title IX/NY129, ADA)
- Must be experienced in leading change across a complex organization, possess strong communication skills, and the ability to build successful inter-organizational relationships.
- Must be results-driven, forward-thinking, and possess a clear strategic vision for how Student Development will meet the goals set forth for students and student development professionals.
- Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Always understand and behave with integrity and complete confidentiality.
- Ability to be sensitive to and respond to needs/concerns of students, faculty, college staff and the public.
- Ability to work under pressure with a high tolerance for interruptions, and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Keuka College, founded in 1890, is a liberal arts-based, private college located in the heart of New York’s beautiful Finger Lakes. Our picturesque lakeside campus is more than just a place to work – it’s a vibrant, close-knit environment where collaboration, innovation, and personal growth are valued as much as academic excellence.
Why Keuka College?
Mission-Driven: Join us in empowering students to lead, serve, and succeed. Our founder Dr. George Harvey Ball’s mission to “bring strength to our nation and help humanity” is still at the heart of what we do.
Experiential Learning: Our immersive approach to education means you’ll work in an environment that values hands-on experience and innovation.
Core Values
- Create a Strong Sense of Community: Foster a caring, respectful, and diverse environment, emphasizing integrity, leadership, and personal connections.
- Prioritize the Success of Each and Every Student: Focus on student achievement through innovative education, holistic support, and experiential learning.
- Make Thoughtful Use of Resources, Including Ourselves: Collaborate efficiently to maximize resources and empower leadership while maintaining a balanced, goal-oriented environment.
- Engage with Curiosity: Embrace questions, innovation, and lifelong learning with an open and positive mindset.
- Open Doors to Opportunities: Promote equality and provide accessible programs that help individuals achieve their full potential.
Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules, wellness programs, and a focus on your well-being allow you to thrive at work and at home.
Inclusive Community: We embrace diversity and foster an environment where everyone belongs.
About The Community
Keuka Park, NY, offers stunning lakeside living and is nestled along the shores of Keuka Lake. Known for its vineyards and scenic outdoor adventures, the area offers everything from hiking and fishing to wine tasting. The nearby village of Penn Yan, less than 10 minutes away, is celebrated for its small-town charm, offering parks, shops, cafes, and plenty of local attractions. Life in the Keuka region moves at a relaxed pace, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and simple joys of lakeside living.
Join Us and Make a Difference
If you’re looking for meaningful work in a community that values your contributions, explore career opportunities at Keuka College and be part of something “small on purpose”.
