Job Description

Associate vice President Of Student Success and Dean of Students

Dean of Students

554543

Close Date: April 10th, 2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

(554543) Administrator III, Associate Vice President of Student Success & Dean of Students, CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,891 – $22,119 per month, Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,891 - $13,667 per month.

Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, 12-month pay plan, At-will position in the Dean of Students Department.

This position is an Administrator III in the California State University Management Personnel Plan (MPP). Under this plan, incumbents are subject to normal management reviews and serve at the pleasure of the University President. Additional information can be found at: http://www.calstate.edu/HRAdm/policies/mpp.shtml

This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits

The Associate Vice President (AVP) of Student Success & Dean of Students reports to the Vice President (VP) for Enrollment Management and Student Success (EMSS) and serves as one of two senior leaders within the division, assuming delegated authority in the Vice President’s absence. The AVP/Dean provides strategic, university-level leadership for non-academic student support services to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and student success goals.

The role oversees the Student Success unit, including the Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Student Life, and the Centers for Inclusive Academic & Career Excellence, supervising department leaders across conduct, engagement, basic needs, inclusive excellence, and student support programs. The AVP/Dean is responsible for policy development with institutional impact, assessment and continuous improvement of student services, and advising campus stakeholders on student rights, responsibilities, and support processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Serves as one of two division-level AVPs within EMSS and serves as a back-up and delegate for the VP when required. – 10%

• Has university-level decision making authority in those times and maintains a constant strategic awareness of student success positioning and business process enhancement for the institution.
• Serves a significant role in ensuring university strategy and priority remains focused on the student experience and their long-term success.
• The AVP/Dean serves as a thought partner alongside the VP related to strategy and cooperative alignment throughout the EMSS division.
  
  

Leadership and Program Management Oversight: - 30%

• Facilitates collaboration and resource sharing among their reporting departments and assures their alignment with broader strategy.
• This position has personnel and budget responsibility for the departments within their administrative oversight and will coordinate with department heads and the VP to optimize resource allocation.
• Leads integrated student success planning, student engagement strategy, support and operational execution within Student Success.
• Leads a high-performance culture that places students first and recognizes the division’s commitment to university and external communities and actively manages staff in the execution of goals by creating a supportive and collaborative environment for success and professional development.
• Oversees management of receipts and expenditures for all approved grant programs within the Student Success reporting line.
• Makes data-informed decisions for allocating staff and financial resources to achieve sector goals.
• Serves, in cooperation with the VP, as the stateside liaison between Associated Students and Cal Poly Humboldt to provide training, guidance and integration of these student leaders throughout the organization, recognizing both the shared governance and leadership development responsibilities required in nurturing this relationship.
• Oversees significant statutory, policy, and regulatory responsibilities within the Dean of Students area, including those related to student conduct, Title IX, hazing, student org conduct, and others related to Student Rights and Responsibilities.
• Maintains a focus on education, student development and restorative justice, as appropriate, and supports student and campus education and understanding regarding these policies, guidelines, and procedures.

Leadership & Administrative Oversight – Student Success

• Leads division-level strategy and execution for Student Success, ensuring alignment with university priorities, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and student-centered outcomes.
• Facilitates collaboration and resource sharing across reporting departments and ensures alignment with broader institutional strategy.

Oversight Includes:

• Dean of Students Area
• Student Rights & Responsibilities; Student Conduct (including hazing and student organization conduct)
• Time, Place & Manner / Constructive Engagement
• CARE Services; Basic Needs; Testing Center
• Student Engagement & Leadership
• Clubs & Activities; Fraternity & Sorority Life; Y.E.S. Service Learning
• Social Justice, Equity & Inclusion Center; Orientation Program
• Associated Students Executive Director support and liaison
• Centers for Inclusive Academic & Career Excellence (CIACE)
• Umoja;
• El Centro Académico;
• ITEPP Native American Center
• Elite Scholars; First Star;
• Dreamer Center;
• Q Center;
• ADPIMENA Center
• Veterans Center;
• Diverse Male Scholar Center;
• Transfer Center

Operational Leadership

• Holds personnel and budget responsibility for all departments within administrative oversight.
• Coordinates with department heads and the VP to optimize staffing and financial resource allocation.
• Oversees management of receipts and expenditures for approved grant programs. Leads compliance with statutory, policy, and regulatory responsibilities within the Dean of Students portfolio (including student conduct, hazing, Title IX-related coordination, and Student Rights & Responsibilities).
• Maintains a focus on education, student development, and restorative justice, and advances campus-wide understanding of applicable policies, guidelines, and procedures.

Programmatic Leadership & Partnerships

• Leads integrated student success planning, engagement strategy, and operational execution across Student Success.
• In cooperation with the VP, serves as the stateside liaison between Associated Students and Cal Poly Humboldt, providing training, guidance, and integration of student leaders while advancing shared governance and leadership development.
• Leads a high-performance, student-first culture that supports collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement: - 25%

• Serves as official representative of the University at assigned University and community functions and is an active and visible participant in student-focused activities on campus. Performs other community-related duties as assigned by the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success and the President of the University.
• Ensures collaboration with Associated Students as an auxiliary unit, as well as other student communities and organizations, as partners in shared governance, promoting transparency and communication with students, as well as responsiveness to student concerns.
• Oversees the development of outreach and educational components related to free speech efforts/Time, Place, and Manner policy information, as managed by the Constructive Engagement Manager position.
• Includes serving as a connector to various stakeholder groups on campus and within the community in support of appropriate freedom of expression for faculty, staff, and students.
• The AVP/Dean serves on the EMSS Leadership Team, Emergency Management Team, Data Manager Security, Free Speech Support & Resource Team, and University Policy Committee, as well as other committees as needed or assigned by the VP EMSS.
• The AVP/Dean oversees the Student Services Department Operations Center within the university's Emergency Operations Center.
• Serves as the primary student service point of contact for UPD and other emergency responders related to student death, student injury, or student arrest, to ensure supportive services to students and families in crisis.
• On call responsibilities for critical incidents are required.

Planning and Evaluation: - 25%

• • Develops short- and long-term goals and objectives for Student Success. Prepares annual report on achievement of goals and objectives.
  • Conducts feasibility studies to investigate the retention of current students, the potential for new student outreach related to belonging and support, and new student service initiatives.
  • Manages annual program evaluation in accordance with university, system, and state policies, ed code, and statute. As part of the EMSS leadership team, participates in institutional planning.

Professional Activities: - 5%

• Participates in relevant professional organizations and structures at local, state, system and national levels.
• Engages in professional activities to maintain knowledge and practice in areas related to student success, enrollment management, and student development.
• Encourages the participation of all professional staff members in appropriate professional activities.

Other duties as Assigned – 5%

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:

As related to the major responsibilities for this position:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population.
• Extensive knowledge of best practices for student conduct processes and procedures, including Title IX and ADA requirements and guidelines Extensive knowledge of state, federal, and system-wide regulations and laws that govern student affairs (ADA, OCR, CA Privacy Information Act, etc.)
• Executive-level program and project management skills Highly developed oral and written communication skills Strong budget management skills
• Ability to work with students, parents, faculty, staff, and off-campus community members and agencies from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to analyze and define complex organizational policy or procedural problems, collect and evaluate data, draw valid conclusions, and project consequences of various alternative courses of action
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships in circumstances, which involve the denial of requests or the necessity to persuade others to accept different points of view (conflict management)
• Knowledge of general principles related to free speech and Time, Place, Manner on college campuses, as well as the knowledge of or ability to recognize trends in current events that may impact campus activities and student engagement
• Comprehensive knowledge of student success and student affairs practices and principles relating to student success, development, health, welfare, and conduct within a multicultural and diverse campus setting
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and divisions in support of student success
• Demonstrated ability to integrate data and data analysis into sound policy, practice, management, and decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to work with students, parents, staff, and off-campus community members and agencies from diverse backgrounds
• Proven budget management skills with ability to effectively and responsibly manage up to $10,000,000
• Extensive knowledge of best practices for student conduct processes and procedures including Title IX and ADA requirements and guidelines
• Extensive and detailed knowledge of state, federal, and system-wide regulations and laws that govern student affairs (ADA, OCR, CA Privacy Information Act, etc.)
• Experience demonstrating a Strong commitment to equity and ability to align to the philosophy of the Student Success unit and the Office of the Dean of Students with equity and inclusive practices
• Executive presence with the ability to listen and communicate in a helpful and mindful manner

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master’s degree or higher in student affairs, educational administration, higher education leadership or a related field
• Eight years of progressively responsible management experience in higher education
• 2 Years of Direct Leadership experience engaging in and providing support for students, overseeing student conduct, and providing student advocacy.
• Experience demonstrating a strong commitment to equity and ability to align to the philosophy of the student success unit and the office of the dean of students with equity and inclusive practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ten or more years of supervision and leadership experience
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and divisions in support of campus-wide enrollment and success efforts
• Experience managing campus-community partnerships and relations that foster strong ties.
• Perform at the advanced level in the ten Professional Competency areas for Student Affairs Educators as outlined by ACPA and NASPА
• Experience with and knowledge of CSU policies and procedures, particularly related to Time Place Manner; student conduct; procurement; student org policy; and hazing
• Demonstrated ability to foster student belonging and success efforts within a hands-on learning environment like that found at a polytechnic institution

Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three supervisor references

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on April 10th, 2026

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.

We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand-alone major in Native American Studies.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee's assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.

CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu

Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority”, pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.

This position is a “designated position” in the California State University’s Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.” In reference to the full disclosure letter, please refer to HR 2010-08.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Cal Poly Humboldt is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Humboldt, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Mandated Reporting: This position may be considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Additionally, all CSU staff and faculty receive training annually on their obligations in responding to and reporting incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. You will be notified by email when you are required to take this mandated training.

Class Code: [3306]
Publication Date: [03/11/2026]