Vice President for Research and Policy

Vice President for Research and Policy

About NASPA                                         

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA centers justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work; read more about our commitment here.

About the Position

The Vice President is responsible for the operational, strategic, and relational aspects of NASPA’s research and policy functions in support of the association’s mission and vision. The Vice President for Research and Policy is also a member of the NASPA Executive Team, which supports the NASPA President in making decisions to ensure activities are aligned with the strategic plan.

The Vice President leads a team of 11 staff and provides oversight of a broad portfolio of projects, publications, and relationships within NASPA and in partnership with several higher education organizations which include associations, philanthropic organizations, state systems, and institutions. Additional responsibilities include working collaboratively on various projects and initiatives with NASPA’s Board of Directors, Public Policy Division, Faculty Council, James E. Scott Advisory Board, and the NASPA Foundation.

Essential Responsibilities

Executive Leadership and Strategy

• Partner with the NASPA executive team to develop and execute a holistic strategy for addressing the intersections of policy, advocacy, diversity, equity, inclusion, health, and wellness; Contribute to discussions of emerging topics in higher education by developing and maintaining external relationships with research, policy, and advocacy organizations; Ensure that the NASPA President is informed and prepared to serve as NASPA’s voice on key policy issues, advocacy opportunities, and research findings; Support and, in some instances, lead strategic communication to NASPA staff, leadership, and members about higher education research, practice, and policy developments; Work with the NASPA executive team to conduct research focused on trends in NASPA’s membership, with a goal of strengthening retention and recruitment efforts; Partner with the NASPA executive team to develop educational programs related to research, policy, and advocacy for NASPA events and conferences; Provide learning and leadership opportunities for research and policy staff, five of whom are direct reports; and Oversee the budget for research, policy, and publications.

Thought Leadership

• Develop and execute NASPA’s research agenda and policy priorities in alignment with the association’s strategic plan; Contribute to publications that address timely research and policy issues, especially those relevant to students and student affairs professionals; Partner with the Senior Director of Publications and other NASPA staff to identify topics for research and scholarship through the association’s publication channels; Conduct research on emerging issues that impact students and the student affairs profession; Present at campus, regional, and national conferences; and

• Coordinate and communicate research and policy priorities with NASPA members, including facilitating their contribution to NASPA’s policy direction and research agenda.

 External Relations

• Represent NASPA in engagements with higher education systems, governing bodies, and funders; Represent NASPA in partnerships with higher education associations and research, policy, and advocacy organizations; Respond to press inquiries regarding NASPA publications and research and emerging trends in student affairs; Work with the NASPA President to develop strategies for securing funding to support research, policy, and advocacy activities, including the pursuit of grants from philanthropic organizations and corporate funders; and Manage current portfolio of grants, including budget oversight, reporting requirements, and participation in funder-sponsored convenings.

 Additional Responsibilities

• Support the development and execution of sessions focused on research, policy, and advocacy featured sessions at NASPA conferences and events Other duties as assigned

Reports To: NASPA President

Supervises: Assistant Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships, Senior Director of Data Analytics, Senior Director of Publications, Senior Director of Research, Policy, and Civic Engagement, Director of Research and Strategy

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Fifteen years of full-time work experience in higher education or a related field, with at least five in senior-level roles; Ed.D or Ph.D. in higher education, student affairs, or related social science field; Experience working for or engaging with a national membership association; Ability to supervise and develop a diverse staff, with proven effectiveness at group and team leadership; Knowledge of state and national higher education policy and advocacy issues that pertain to students and the student affairs profession; Knowledge of, and familiarity with, research design, research methodologies, and national and institution-level data sources; Substantial project management experience, including responsibility for making budget decisions and allocating resources; Strong research skills with a record of producing high quality publications and policy analyses; Strong communication skills with an emphasis on creative idea generation and verbal and written communications in a variety of mediums; Demonstrated advancement of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion through research and policy leadership; Proven track record of interaction within postsecondary policy and research communities, both within and outside of D.C.; Strong organizational skills, with the ability to establish priorities, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines; Ability to take initiative, use sound judgment, resolve problems diplomatically and discreetly, and work effectively, independently, and cooperatively with all levels of staff and constituents; Superior customer service skills and the capacity to build relationships inside and outside the organization with association members and colleagues; and

• Proficiency in the use of hardware and application software in a networked environment and the ability to learn and utilize new technology tools as they emerge.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Executive-level experience in a membership association, research organization, policy and advocacy organization or other higher education organization focused on college student success; Experience leading a team of senior-level colleagues; Published scholarship on current and emerging topics related to higher education, student affairs, and/or college students;   Knowledge of student development theories and practice, and trends impacting the student affairs profession; Experience delivering keynote speeches, live briefings, and virtual presentations; Skilled in engaging with members of the press; and Experience securing and managing philanthropic investments to support research and scholarship.

Employment Status:

Full-time Exempt: Exempt employees by definition are exempt from overtime compensation requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are required to work as the job demands on a no time limit basis.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $210,000 to $220,000.

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Office Location

This position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states.

It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities for any work location outside of the Washington, D.C. office.

Please note, the NASPA Washington, D.C. Office is in mostly-open status at this time. The status of the office is subject to change at any time.

Travel

Regular overnight travel to represent NASPA at events, on college and university campuses, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car.

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing. Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs.

Additional COVID-19 Information

Vaccination is not a requirement for employment. However, all employees are strongly encouraged to follow the CDC guidance on vaccination, including becoming fully-vaccinated and staying up-to-date as eligible. All employees may flex their schedules for time taken to receive and recover from COVID-19 vaccinations.

In certain circumstances, NASPA may require testing for all staff regardless of vaccination status.

Masks must be worn per local, state, tribal, and federal guidance, including the CDC, with the most stringent level of guidance followed. Regardless of guidance, all employees must have masks available should masking be requested by other employees, members, or external constituents. In certain settings, NASPA may require or strongly recommend that employees wear masks.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement

NASPA provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. NASPA does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following for consideration:

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter
• Resume or CV
• Three References

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by May 24, 2024 will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.