Job Description:

BACKGROUND

Brown University, founded in 1764, has a storied history of fostering intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. The University is committed to the belief that education and scholarly inquiry are vital to the advancement of society. Brown’s campus, in vibrant Providence, RI, is home to world-renowned faculty; a diverse student body; 50 Ph.D. and 35 Master’s programs plus the Warren Alpert Medical School, School of Public Health, School of Engineering, and School of Professional Studies.

As a leading research institution, Brown is committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and making a lasting impact on the world. The University is renowned for its distinctive undergraduate experience rooted in its flexible, yet rigorous, Open Curriculum. The Open Curriculum model empowers students to design their own academic paths, cultivating critical thinking, an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving, and powerful collaboration in service to the public good. Brown graduates are prepared to excel in a rapidly changing world, equipped with the skills and mindset to become innovative leaders and global citizens.

Brown’s diverse community consists of 7,273 undergraduates, 3,130 graduate students, 602 medical school students, more than 1,600 faculty members and 3,800 staff members. Brown students come from all 50 states and more than 113 countries. The University views diversity as essential to academic excellence with 44% of U.S. students identifying as a person of color. Providence, Rhode Island, a city of rich cultural diversity, offers an exciting place to live, work, and study, and a stimulating hub for innovation.

POSITION

Reporting directly to the President, the Vice President for Campus Life leads the University’s initiatives and programs that create an outstanding campus experience for all students – undergraduate, graduate, and medical. As a member of the President’s Cabinet and Executive Committee, the Vice President staffs the Committee on Campus Life of the Corporation of Brown University and serves as a key advisor to the President on all issues related to campus life. Overseeing a staff of ~250 with a combined operating budget of ~$67M, Brown’s next Vice President for Campus Life will work collaboratively with colleagues on all aspects of the student experience at Brown, ensuring a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive environment and dynamic campus culture.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Strategy: Lead the Division of Campus Life, overseeing the offices of Student and Residential Life; Health and Wellness; Chaplains and Religious Life; Inclusivity and Belonging; and Equity, Compliance, and Reporting; set the strategic direction and build internal consensus for Campus Life in alignment with the university’s goals and priorities for 2025 and beyond envisioned in its strategic plan, Building on Distinction.

• Student Engagement and Success: Advocate for continuous improvement in student services and campus infrastructure to enhance student satisfaction and retention; develop and implement policies that promote student well-being, engagement, and success.

• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with academic departments, faculty, and university leadership – including the Dean of the College, Dean of the Graduate School, and the Office of the Provost – to create integrated learning experiences outside the classroom; represent Brown on all matters of student life, serving as a liaison for students, the administration, and external stakeholders.

• People Leadership: Support and mentor the Campus Life division staff, ensuring they understand how their work contributes to the larger purpose of the university; bolster internal communications and delegate effectively to ensure maximum efficiency across the division.

• Campus Culture: Foster and maintain a campus community grounded in mutual respect and trust to effectively create a culture where all students feel they belong at Brown.

• Inclusivity and Belonging: Champion initiatives that support and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of campus life and foster a dynamic ethos that encourages and enriches intellectual inquiry and development.

• Equity Compliance and University Policy: Oversee the Office of Equity, Compliance, and Reporting, with a commitment to a campus community free from discrimination and harassment. Understand, communicate, and implement fair and appropriate application of University policy.

• Financial and Operational Efficiency: Lead a complex organization in a fiscally responsible, systems-focused and data-driven way; ensure the division’s finances and operations are aligned with the university’s best practices.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Significant administrative experience at a higher education institution, with progressively responsible leadership positions overseeing multiple student and/or academic service areas.

• A proven track record of leading and developing a large, multifaceted team responsible for a broad set of functional areas; ability to foster collaboration across the Campus Life division in service of strategic objectives.

• A proven track record of developing, implementing and measuring student support programs that enhance the academic experience on campus.

• Ability to collaborate with leadership and colleagues across the university to ensure that Campus Life operates in alignment with Brown’s overall priorities for student experience and outcomes.

• Experience overseeing a complex budget and the ability to utilize financial data to inform decision-making.

• A deep understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds represented among students on campus and a proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; experience developing and implementing programs that support students from historically underrepresented groups.

• Broad expertise with current best practices in campus life and student engagement, and an awareness of emerging issues in student affairs and higher education.

• Experience with and understanding of policies and procedures overseen by the Office of Equity, Compliance, and Reporting, including compliance with federal laws such as Title VI and Title IX.

• Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to engage fluidly with a wide array of people; the ideal candidate will have a nuanced understanding of the ever-changing issues that impact campus culture and the ability to hold competing and conflicting priorities simultaneously.

• A creative, strategic thinker with energy, integrity and a sense of humor.

• Proficiency in leveraging technology and data analytics to improve student services and outcomes.

• Strong understanding of legal and compliance issues in higher education related to student life.

• A master’s degree or equivalent experience is required.

COMPENSATION
• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, Brown University encourages you to apply. 

Brown University has engaged with PBR Executive Search for this position. Please send resume and cover letter to BrownVPCL@pbrsearch.com with title format “Last Name First Name – Letter Resume”, and complete the Voluntary Self Identification form. This will assist us in improving our hiring practices and ensuring equal opportunities. Participation is voluntary and will not affect your candidacy in any way.

Background check satisfactory to Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.

Recruiting Start Date:

2024-11-07

Job Posting Title:

Vice President for Campus Life & Student Services

Department:

Office of the President

Grade:

Ungraded Staff

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid Eligible

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.