What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Vice President for Academic Student Support Services position at St. John Fisher University?
Position Title
Assistant Vice President for Academic Student Support Services
Overview
St. John Fisher University is an independent, liberal arts institution that provides a transformative education to approximately 3,800 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students each year. Across its five Schools, Fisher offers nearly 40 majors in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, education, and nursing; 11 pre-professional programs; and master’s and doctoral programs in business, nursing, education, pharmacy, and public health. The University’s residential campus boasts a robust living and learning community and a successful intercollegiate athletics program. Fisher is a community where all are welcome, regardless of religious or cultural background.
The University continues to honor its founders, the Congregation of St. Basil, by embracing their motto, “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.” We are located in Pittsford, N.Y., seven miles outside of the city of Rochester. The campus is situated on 164 park-like acres—a beautiful setting for a warm, friendly campus community.
The University continues to honor its founders, the Congregation of St. Basil, by embracing their motto, “Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.” We are located in Pittsford, N.Y., seven miles outside of the city of Rochester. The campus is situated on 164 park-like acres—a beautiful setting for a warm, friendly campus community.
Job Responsibilities
The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Academic Student Support Services is a key leadership role for the institution. Reporting directly to the provost, the position is charged with overseeing and integrating a broad array of services, including first year and undeclared student advising, career services, tutoring services, accessibility services, TRIO/CSTEP/HEOP, as well as the technology systems that support academic advising across the institution. The AVP plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing strategies to improve student retention, graduation rates and career placement. This position requires a dynamic and visionary leader with a strong commitment to student development and success.
Key Leadership Responsibilities:
Key Leadership Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management:
- Provide strategic direction to the departments and services under its management
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that promotes student success.
- Supervise and mentor directors, ensuring professional development and high performance.
- Develop and implement strategies for effective allocation and utilization of resources, including personnel and budget. Identify opportunities for efficiency and provide reports to Provost. Coordinate effective analysis of data and implement programming based on the results.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Serve as a liaison between student support services and other campus departments, fostering collaboration and communication.
- Represent the student support services area in institutional committees and initiatives. Communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
Student Retention and Success:
- Develop and implement retention strategies to improve student persistence and graduation rates.
- Analyze data to identify areas for improvement and implement evidence-based interventions.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative units to create an engaging campus environment.
In partnership with the directors and coordinators of the various areas, this position has management and oversight responsibilities for the following areas:
- Advising Services
- Career Services
- Accessibility Services
- Writing and Tutoring Center
- TRIO/CSTEP/HEOP
Education / Experience
- Doctoral degree in a social science field, education/counseling, or related field.
- Extensive classroom and advising experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in student support services, academic administration or related areas.
- Demonstrated success in developing and implementing student retention strategies.
Competencies / Skills
- Ability to use a variety of technology tools and software.
- Ability to plan based on complex data.
- Budget planning and analysis.
- Initiative and collaboration skills.
- Leadership and strategic planning skills.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Strong understanding of academic advising and career services.
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of constituents, including faculty.
- Commitment to wide range of student populations.
- Commitment to the mission of St. John Fisher University.
Supervision of Employees
Supervise five direct reports who serve as directors of their areas.
Work Environment
Well-lighted, well-ventilated, pleasant work area.
Equipment to be Used
- MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Banner (data warehouse for functional areas across campus)
- General office equipment including printer, copier, telephone, and fax
Job Type
Full-time
Work Hours
Full-time, 35-hour work week
Special Conditions for Eligibility
Minimum Number of References Requested
3
EEO Statement
It is the policy of St. John Fisher University to provide Equal Employment Opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with the applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in each locality in which the University has employees.
The University does not discriminate against applicants or employees in hiring, promotion, termination or the terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, perceived sex, gender identity, gender expression, the status of being transgender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic, characteristics or genetic information, arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Title IX Coordinator is the designated University official with primary responsibility for coordinating compliance with Title IX and related federal and state laws. The Title IX Coordinator, Meg Flaherty, Ph.D., can be reached by phone (585-385-8232), email (titleix@sjfc.edu<>titleix@sjfc.edu>), in-person in Campus Center 209, or outside of business hours by contacting the Office of Safety and Security (585-385-8111).
The University does not discriminate against applicants or employees in hiring, promotion, termination or the terms and conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, perceived sex, gender identity, gender expression, the status of being transgender, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, military status, veteran status, predisposing genetic, characteristics or genetic information, arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Title IX Coordinator is the designated University official with primary responsibility for coordinating compliance with Title IX and related federal and state laws. The Title IX Coordinator, Meg Flaherty, Ph.D., can be reached by phone (585-385-8232), email (titleix@sjfc.edu<>titleix@sjfc.edu>), in-person in Campus Center 209, or outside of business hours by contacting the Office of Safety and Security (585-385-8111).
Work Location
3690 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14618
FLSA
Exempt
Salary / Hourly Range
$112,000.00 - $132,000.00 per year
Notes
The salary range for this role is set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, qualifications, experience, and education. The above hiring range is one component of the University’s competitive Total Rewards package which can be viewed here
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S00697P
Desired Start Date
07/15/2025
Open Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicant
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter that directly addressing the competencies of the position as well as explaining how s/he is prepared to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. a resume, and contact information for three professional references. Applicants must be eligible to work in the US. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. All materials submitted by May 1, 2025 will receive full consideration.
Salary : $112,000 - $132,000
