Montgomery College (MC) in Maryland invites inquiries, applications, and nominations for the position of Senior Vice President for Student Affairs (SVPSA), for an appointment expected to begin by July 1, 2025. Reporting to the president, Dr. Jermaine F. Williams, the SVPSA is a critical member of President’s Cabinet and leads the student affairs operations of Montgomery College to support the fulfillment of the mission, implementation of the Strategic Plan, and realization of the College’s Transformational Aspirations. Reporting directly to the SVPSA are two associate senior vice presidents; three collegewide deans with campus responsibilities; the director of the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program; the director of student affairs programs; and an executive associate.

Located in Montgomery County, Maryland—a vibrant, diverse, and economically robust community of more than one million people—adjacent to Washington, D.C., and 30 miles south of Baltimore, the College pursues a student-centered approach, with a heightened intentional focus on equitably enhancing student access, completion, and post-completion success. Montgomery College is governed by a 10-member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor of Maryland. The College is deeply committed to equity and inclusion as a grounding for all its work and serves over 45,000 credit and noncredit students on three campuses, an educational center, and other sites throughout the County.

The Senior Vice President for Student Affairs serves as the chief student affairs officer and advocate to advance the Transformational Aspirations and Strategic Plan. The SVPSA provides vision and direction in developing, implementing, evaluating, and revising division and tactical plans, shaping policies, and establishing procedures that advance the College’s mission and goals. The SVPSA is a senior advisor to the President, especially on matters regarding student services and strategies to navigate the changing landscape of higher education.

The SVPSA must be well informed about current trends in higher education, as well as future-forward perspectives, and be prepared to be a data-informed decision maker with a high degree of emotional intelligence who is committed to the principles of servant leadership, the community college mission, equity and inclusion, teamwork, participatory governance, and collective bargaining. The SVPSA must be student-centered and possess the characteristics of sound judgment, creativity, openness, flexibility, integrity, introspection, resourcefulness, and humility. The successful candidate will be expected to be driven by a passion for the College’s mission and to work in, and foster team environments where positive conflict is welcomed and psychological safety is ensured.

The span of offices in Student Affairs includes the following:

• Student Access—Raptor Central, Records and Registration, Recruitment and Future Students

• Student Engagement—Athletics, Student Career and Employment Services, Student Life

• Student Success—Counseling and Advising, Disability Support Services, First Year Experience, Student Wellness Center, TRIO, Veterans Services 

• Financial Aid

• Student Programs/Initiatives—Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES), ASCEND Parent Initiative, Educational Opportunity Center, Presidential Scholars Program)

In their work, the SVPSA will interact with and represent the College with various entities, including, but not limited to the Maryland Association of Community Colleges, the Maryland Higher Education Commission, Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Council, community and business partners, as well as College faculty and staff.

Professional qualifications for this position include:

• An earned doctorate in education, student development, business administration, or relevant field taught at the College or relevant educational program

• Five years experience in the field of student development or services in such areas as assessment, advising, counseling, disability support services, student life, athletics, admissions, enrollment management, and student financial aid,

• Seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, including service as department chair, dean, vice president, or the equivalent, preferably with some of this at a community college.

The equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and expertise to perform the essential functions of the job may be considered.           

How to Apply

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Montgomery College in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted, and those submitted by November 15, 2024, will receive full consideration. The position remains open until filled. Applications should consist of the following: (1) a resume/curriculum vitae, and (2) a cover letter (maximum five pages) addressing the candidate’s interest in the position, qualifications, and a narrative addressing each of the opportunities and challenges listed in the Position Prospectus (pp. 9-10). Submission of application materials as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. The search will be conducted with a commitment of confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

Please direct inquiries, nominations, and application materials to:

Jeremy Duff, Vice President of Executive Search

Email: MCSVPSA@greenwoodsearch.com

Shelley Feather, Senior Executive Search Consultant

Email: MCSVPSA@greenwoodsearch.com

Web: greenwoodsearch.com/