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Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the preeminent public research universities in America.
The Position
Qualifications
Application and Nomination
SJG—The Spelman & Johnson Group
Visit the University of Massachusetts Amherst website at www.umass.edu
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA
Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, the campus is consistently ranked among the top public research
universities in the nation. Over 24,000 students from all 50 states and over 70 countries attend the university,
located on 1,450 acres. Eight schools and colleges offer more than 85 undergraduate majors, 68 master’s and
48 doctoral degree programs, many counted among the top programs in the nation and world. The campus is
also home to New England’s premier honors college. The 1,159 full-time faculty members are dedicated teachers
and world-renowned researchers. Students participate in 240 organizations, 19 NCAA Division I athletic teams,
extensive intramurals, living-learning residence halls, community service, and internships. With one of the largest
residential life systems in the nation, UMass Amherst houses approximately 12,000 students on campus.
The University is enjoying a facilities renaissance, including new buildings in the sciences, the arts, and recreation.
UMass Amherst is part of the Five College consortium with Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and Amherst colleges.
Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life, the Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students
oversees the Dean of Students office; New Students Orientation; Parent Services office; Career Services; the Office
of Early Education and Family Resources; and Veteran Services. The position also coordinates the Student Affairs
campus emergency response system and chairs the student risk assessment team. As the Dean of Students, this position
manages a staff of 30 in developing and implementing policies and programs to respond to student life related concerns,
and acts as the chief discipline officer for undergraduate students. This position also works closely with other areas
within Student Affairs and Campus Life including, Housing and Residence Life, the Center for Student Development,
and University Health Services. The Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students serves as a member of the
Vice Chancellor’s senior leadership team and serves as the chief executive officer in the Vice Chancellor’s absence.
The successful candidate will possess a doctorate and at least seven years of progressively responsible management
and supervisory experience in a higher education institution to include a broad range of programmatic functions
and working with student populations. Additional requirements include: demonstrated experience and leadership in
developing and implementing institution’s response protocols for campus emergency system and students at risk;
a vision for, and understanding of, student conduct systems and risk management; a proven track record of strong
collaborations and partnerships; the ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders including faculty, staff
from other divisions of the university, and parents; and a commitment to fostering student success. In addition,
the position requires a proven track record of exceptional leadership in student affairs; the ability to formulate, initiate,
and interpret university policies; willingness to implement proactive programs and student development services;
and the ability to contribute to the overall leadership and vision of the division. Candidates must also have experience
with student life policies and procedures and service delivery systems that is comprehensive, integrated, and consistent
with student development theory. Strong leadership and management skills, including preparing comprehensive reports
and financial acumen, as well experience working in a culturally diverse environment will be important considerations
in the selection of the next Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students.
Review of applications will begin on September 24, 2010 and will continue until the position is filled. A resume with
an accompanying cover letter may be submitted via the SJG website at www.spelmanandjohnson.com under
the “Open Positions” link. If you are unable to submit materials electronically, or would like to make a nomination
for this position or a confidential inquiry about this search, please contact Ellen Heffernan at eth@sjgsearch.com
or 413-529-2895. The anticipated start date for this position is Spring 2011.
UMass Amherst – AVC/Dean of Students
Ellen Heffernan, Partner
Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
