Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

DescriptionGovernors State University invites qualified candidates to submit their credentials for consideration to fill the position of Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management (VPSAEM). The Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management (VPSAEM) is the senior administrator responsible for providing executive guidance, direction, and policy formation for the Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Division. Reporting to the President, the VPSAEM serves on the President's Cabinet and has the primary leadership role for student affairs and enrollment management. This includes evaluating and implementing a comprehensive strategic enrollment management plan that supports the overall institutional strategic goals and leads to integrated efforts at all academic levels. In addition to international outreach, this position has a direct responsibility for retention, persistence, and completion efforts. This individual oversees 16 departments and is staffed by approximately 125 professional employees, including strategic support of the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students. This position is also responsible for all aspects of the comprehensive student experience outside the classroom, supporting student academic success and engagement. Must work collaboratively with senior administrators, student leaders, faculty, and staff to create a campus environment that contributes positively to foster a student-centered campus culture that supports recruitment, retention, persistence, and graduation.Essential Responsibilities 25% Strategic Leadership and PlanningManage Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Enrollment Management Technology, Athletics and FitnessDevelop and implement a comprehensive student affair and enrollment management strategy aligned with GovState's strategic plan and enrollment goalsProvide leadership for student success initiatives, including retention, persistence, and completion strategiesDevelop and manage budgets for SAEM units, focusing on student success initiativesServe as a key advisor to the President on student-related policies, trends, and emerging issuesFoster partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and community organizations to enhance student engagement and career readinessRepresent GovState at local, state, and national forums on student affairs and enrollment managementOversee the development of staff to ensure growth and performance: annual performance reviews, conferences, training, etc.25% Enrollment ManagementFullyexecutethecompletionandimplementationofthe2027-2032SEMPlanWork with Institutional Research to develop a report on the Key Performance IndicatorOversee all aspects of enrollment management, including Recruitment, Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Registrar's Office, International Services Office, Latinx Resource Center, and Enrollment Management TechnologyDevelop and maintain external relationships, including, but not limited to, prospective students, parents, high school counselors and principals, community college Presidents, Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, Advising Centers, community organizations, and corporate partnershipsCollaborate with Academic Affairs to align course scheduling and academic programs with enrollment goalsBuild, lead, and motivate the appropriate teams to meet enrollment goals, including student headcount, credit hours and financial sustainabilityUtilize and manage predictive models, data, and metrics to measure and report enrollment forecasts and budget impact as well as annually assess the return-on-investment for student recruitment and retention initiativesOversee the activity of enrollment management staff to create a culture of strong collaboration across divisions, especially with the Marketing and Communication, Academic Affairs and within the SAEM team15% Student Affairs OversightProvide a vibrant living and learning environmentOversee programs and services that enhance student experience, including the Dean of the Students Office, Counseling and Wellness Center, Student Engagement and Leadership, Housing and Auxiliary Services, Community Standards and Student Advocacy, Disability Services, Academic Resource CenterDevelop programs that support student leadership, retention, and success.Work collaboratively with campus partners to create a holistic student experience, addressing academic, social, and personal development.Serve as akey resource in managing student concerns,conflict resolution,and crisis response incollaboration withthe Associate Vice PresidentofStudent Affairs.Work withInstitutional Engagementand Excellenceto support inclusion initiatives that foster awelcoming campus environmentfor all students.Continue to build and further strengthen relationshipswith facultyandstaff in support of out-of-classroomexperiencesand learningDevelop, implement, andmaintain strategies that preserve the quality of a residential student experience;continue to address experiences for commuters with student engagement.Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, anduniversity regulations and policies15% Athletics and Fitness CenterOversee compliance with all Federal, State andNAIA regulationsOversee all aspects of the University Fitness CenterCreate new athletic master plans for 2027-2032Provide a systematic evaluation process to assess staff performance, constant program improvement, student-athlete satisfaction and the coach's handbook (policy manual).Create and enforce athletic department policies, reviewing and updating a policy manual once per year in the coach's handbook.In concert with the S.1.D., assure accurate recordkeeping for athletes including: sport, years played, years lettered, records, NAIA, conference, district and regional awardsConduct a deep assessment regarding the role and employment of athletic scholarships, utilizing systems and strategies that work and appropriately reward without raising the tuition discount variables at GovState. Expectations regarding recruitment strategies, continuing scholarships and character enhancements need to be taken into considerationExamine the critical role of all athletes related to campus leadership initiatives, community service, summer sports camps, and campus pride development, while examining the role and policies governing outside funds and fundraising account development and deploymentDevelop and administer the entire athletic budget; develop recruiting budgets and equitable distribution to each programCoordinate equipment purchases with appropriate academic units for mutual enhancement of programsDevelop new sources of revenue via camps, clinics and concession sales and create a solid relationship with conference services to enhance summer camp possibilities15% Enrollment Management TechnologyProvide functional user support related to frontline support, reports, upgrades and efficienciesLead the evaluation and deployment of SAEM tools and technologies:ColleagueSlatePerceptive Content (imaging)TableauMaxientWebi reportsOversee performance, utilization of technology, and ROI.Prepare and deliver reports and briefings to the GovState's Board of Trustees, President, President's Cabinet, and other campus leadership bodies on enrollment, retention, and division initiatives.Ensure that compliance, risk mitigation, and safety protocols are built-in divisional systems and student-facing processes.5%Other duties as assignedRequired and Preferred Qualifications Required Education and ExperienceMaster's degree in Administration, Business, or related field.Executive-levelleadership experience in higher education with responsibility for both enrollment management and student affairs functions.Demonstrated success in strategic enrollment planning, enrollment growth, and student success initiatives.Strong knowledge of student development, compliance regulations, and best practices in higher education.Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Desired Education and ExperienceExperience in an Illinois public university setting serving non-traditional and first-generation student populations.Understanding of negotiated (union) positions and contract administration.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesProblem-Solving/AnalysisCustomer/Client FocusResearch/Analysis TechnologyManagement/SupervisionProfessional Writing and CommunicationTask Management and OrganizationSupplemental InformationPlease attach the following to your application for consideration:Cover letter of interestCV or ResumeTranscriptsReview of candidate materials will continue until this position is filled. For priority consideration complete applications should be submitted by January 4, 2026.