Associate Vice President, University Housing Services (APPLY VIA SEARCH FIRM)

Job Summary

*All applicants must apply via the search firm .*

The Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Housing Services (UHS) serves as the chief housing officer and senior strategic leader responsible for the vision, direction, and administration of the comprehensive residential life and housing operations at San José State University. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the AVP provides executive oversight for residential life, housing operations, capital and facilities planning, residential safety, fiscal management, student success initiatives, and strategic alignment with university and CSU system priorities.

The AVP provides leadership for a dynamic and growing $72M+ housing enterprise that serves over 5,000 students across seven residential communities, including traditional residence halls, student apartments, suite-style housing, and dedicated faculty/staff residences. The AVP oversees a comprehensive organizational structure comprising 15 managers, 70+ professional staff, and 350+ student staff. This executive role sets the long-term strategic vision for University Housing Services and ensures operational excellence across all major functional areas, including residential life and learning communities, administrative operations, business and financial services, occupancy and assignments, conference housing, health and wellness initiatives, student conduct, and housing communications.

The AVP leads the development and implementation of inclusive and equity-minded policies, programs, and community standards that promote student engagement, academic success, wellbeing, and retention. The AVP also ensures that residential initiatives are closely aligned with divisional and institutional goals, particularly in areas of student success strategies, student engagement and community development, a safe living and learning environment, and campus-wide collaboration.

As the senior executive for housing, the AVP leads all facilities and capital improvement planning, in partnership with Facilities Development and Operations, including renovation, construction, deferred maintenance, and emergency preparedness. The AVP ensures compliance with CSU, state, and federal policies and serves as a primary liaison for campus partners in Risk Management, the University Police Department, Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and University Communications.

The AVP provides direction for the department’s assessment and data strategy, including the development of learning outcomes, program evaluation, benchmarking, and the integration of systems and technologies that support evidence-based decision-making. The AVP also oversees the implementation and management of all housing information systems and databases to optimize service delivery and business operations.

In support of staff development and organizational leadership, the AVP is responsible for the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of the UHS leadership team and broader professional and student staff. The AVP fosters a strong, inclusive workplace culture grounded in equity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership in the design and implementation of a comprehensive residential experience that advances student learning, identity development, and social connection.
• Integrate equity-minded practices and student development theory into all aspects of residential programming, staff training, community standards, and student engagement.
• Champion a culture of inclusion, belonging, and cross-cultural understanding through policies, programs, and leadership development opportunities that reflect the diverse needs and experiences of the campus community.
• Guide the development of intentional living-learning communities and high-impact practices that support academic persistence, wellness, civic engagement, and career readiness.
• Cultivate strong, reciprocal relationships with student leaders, including the Residence Hall Association, and Associated Students.
• Ensure student voices are actively engaged in shaping residential life policies, facilities, and initiatives.
• Oversee a $72M+ annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal integrity, long-term financial planning and sound reserves for repairs & maintenance, capital renewal, and emergencies.
• Develop and implement strategic financial models that align with campus growth, housing affordability, and CSU mandates.
• Lead strategic contract management, risk mitigation, and vendor negotiations related to housing operations.
• Serve as a senior leader and advisor on campus housing policy and planning to the Vice President for Student Affairs and University leadership.
• Lead the development of a strategic vision for UHS that supports student retention, engagement, and academic achievement through vibrant residential learning communities.
• Provide executive leadership for housing capital projects, including planning for new construction, renovation, and deferred maintenance.
• Oversee housing-related emergency preparedness, continuity planning, and crisis response coordination with university leadership.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Executive-level knowledge of student housing, student development, and campus planning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale operations and manage complex budgets.
• Expertise in facilities operations and long-range capital planning.
• Strong crisis management and intervention skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional leadership, oral and written communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across academic and administrative units.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, access, and serving diverse student populations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strategic thinking and decision-making ability.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university; with preference for an advanced degree.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in university housing, student affairs, or a related field with at least five years serving at the director level or above.
• Strong knowledge of student development theory, housing operations, and best practices in residential education.
• Proven experience managing large residential operations, including housing facilities, occupancy, and administrative functions.
• Experience supervising professional staff, developing organizational structures, and leading performance and training initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, fiscal management, and capital improvement within a large, complex organization.
• Experience working with diverse student populations and advancing equity, inclusion, and access in a university setting.
• Proficiency in policy development, risk management, and compliance with relevant local, state and federal regulations (e.g., ADA, Clery, Title IX, OSHA).
• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative, cross-divisional initiatives and maintain effective partnerships across university departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, Public Policy, Business Administration or a related field.
• Executive-level experience within a large public system, preferably within the California State University (CSU) or similar setting.
• Experience leading or supporting the development of a university housing master plan or managing large-scale residential construction or renovation projects.
• Familiarity with CSU auxiliary organization models, state funding structures, and auxiliary finance and HR systems.
• Experience with conference services or auxiliary enterprises in a university setting.
• Demonstrated leadership in implementing campus safety, emergency response, or behavioral threat assessment protocols.
• Experience with housing management software (e.g., StarRez), data dashboards, and enterprise systems (e.g., peoplesoft).
• Experience with student conduct processes, health and wellness programming, and residential crisis intervention frameworks.

Compensation

Classification: Administrator IV
Anticipated Hiring Range: $17,084/month - $18,750/month
CSU Salary Range: $10,106/month - $32,441/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary .

Application Procedure

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal .

For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 13, 2025.

Please direct nominations and inquiries to Jen Meyers .

Contact Information

Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Corin Edwards, and Bronwen Bares Pelaez, Ph.D
WittKieffer

CSU Vaccination Policy

The 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 measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu .

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

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

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu .

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf . The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu .

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Advertised: Sep 04 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

• 

• Cal State University (CSU) San Jose

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