About Daemen

Daemen University is a dynamic, independent, liberal arts institution committed to excellence in student centered learning. The University places special emphasis on preparing students for excellence in professional life, civic engagement, and on instilling and understanding that learning is an exciting lifelong journey. Students are encouraged to be creative, innovative, ethically minded leaders for an ever-changing, diverse, and interconnected world.

The Mission of Daemen University is to prepare students for life and leadership in an increasingly diverse and complex world through the integration of education and professional preparation. Daemen University is going beyond instrumental needs to foster the development of individuals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of local and global communities.

Purpose of Role

Student Affairs serves students and the greater campus community through programs and services that support scholarship, leadership development, and a balanced life in a safe, secure, and caring environment where students learn what it means to be responsible and respectful citizens with an understanding of and appreciation for diversity.

The Vice President for Student Affairs is the University’s senior Student Affairs officer and reports directly to the President. The VP of Student Affairs is expected to provide leadership and vision in creating a campus culture that values and actively promotes the academic achievement and personal development of all students; play a lead role in providing a safe, welcoming, and educationally supportive campus environment for all students; and foster collaborative relationships among all campus constituents and the local community. 

About This Opportunity

Joining the leadership team at Daemen, the Vice President for Student Affairs will partner with the President, his Cabinet and other key campus stakeholders. The VP of Student Affairs is responsible for the administration of student life on campus, including residence life, discipline, student activities and engagement, orientation and student leadership development, career services, health and insurance services, campus safety and operations, conference and dining services. This role is also responsible for the coordination of many aspects of compliance with Business Services (Security) and Academic Affairs (Associate VP for Academic Affairs). 

Finally, the Vice President for Student Affairs will be expected to implement strategies and plans for carrying out the major components of the Daemen University Strategic Plan and work collaboratively with the Vice President for Enrollment Management & Marketing on matters of retention and persistence. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a member of the President's Cabinet 
  • Participate actively in the Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees 
  • Assist the President in decision making and communication of university-wide policies 
  • Coordinate the preparation and implementation of budgets within the Student Affairs division to ensure achievement of university-wide priorities and balanced budgets 
  • Provide leadership to and evaluation of Student Affairs staff 
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and university regulations and policies
  • Provide a vibrant living and learning environment 
  • Continue to build and further strengthen relationships with faculty and staff in support of out-of-classroom experiences and learning 
  • Develop, implement, and maintain strategies that preserve the quality of a residential student experience; continue to address experiences of quality for commuter student life 
  • Develop, refine, maintain, and implement an appropriate level of student support services and activities programs 
  • Oversee, in coordination with Physical Plant, Student Affairs facilities, including on-campus residence halls, dining facilities, and the student union building, the Yurtchuk Student Center 
  • Continue to build and maintain a student-centered, diverse, and inclusive campus community 
  • Take an active role in student retention, along with all members of the campus community 
  • Chair the Student Life Committee, and Co-chair (with the VP of Business Affairs) the Campus Safety and Security Committee 
  • Maintain and further develop student judicial procedures 
  • Coordinate with the VP of Business Affairs about Security staff and security issues 
  • Supervise all aspects of the Orientation Program including summer, Welcome Back Weekend, and transfer orientation prior to each semester 
  • Oversee the development of internal and external reports, the assessment and evaluation of programs, and initiation of enhancements as appropriate 
  • Promote the strategic direction of the University with both internal and external constituents as set forth in the most current strategic plan 
  • Continue to further develop and implement the International Recruiting Plan in conjunction with Enrollment Management 
  • Represent the University in community activities and organizations at local, state and national levels 
  • Act as the President's liaison to national, statewide, and local meetings on student matters 

Required Qualifications

The Vice President for Student Affairs must possess a minimum of a Master’s Degree from an accredited University or College and significant, progressive leadership experience in the field of student affairs. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree and demonstrated experience with effectively supervising a complex division and strategic planning.

The Vice President for Student Affairs must have strong leadership qualities; the ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues throughout the campus community; outstanding communication skills, a willingness to involve members of the extended campus community in student-centered activities; the ability to learn, use, implement, evaluate and recommend current and future technologies in the student affairs area; strong administrative, financial management/budgeting, planning and problem-solving skills; and strong working knowledge of current higher education and student support theories and practices. 

The Vice President for Student Affairs should have knowledge of and expertise in:

  • Current student development and support strategies and techniques, including inclusive frameworks to best serve a diverse population;
  • Current best practices in student-centered programs, and services;
  • Branding and marketing strategies and techniques, specifically as applicable to student support; and
  • Higher education curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular objectives and programming at the University.

Total Compensation

Daemen University offers a robust total compensation package that includes:

  • Health insurance with an option of two plans: an HSA plan with the deductible funded by employer HSA contributions, or a copay plan.
  • Dental insurance through the Guardian network.
  • Vision insurance through the Guardian network, and an option between the VSP or Davis plans.
  • An 8% employer contribution to the retirement savings account when employees contribute just 5%.
  • Fully paid long-term disability insurance, and guaranteed-issue life insurance for new hires up to a volume of $150,000.
  • Tuition waiver for full-time employees and their qualified dependents. Entrance in Tuition Exchange scholarship opportunities to pursue education at other institutions.
  • Four weeks of vacation.
  • Salary range: $120,000 to $130,000.
  • Daemen University strongly encourages all campus community members to get vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster vaccine.