Vice President of Student Life
Description
About the Job
The Vice President of Student Life provides guidance and oversight to a group of leaders with responsibilities for strategic planning as well as implementation and coordination of Student Life programs while working closely with other divisions (Academic Affairs, Finance, College of Adult and Graduate Studies) in a collaborative and Christ-like manner.
Key areas of oversight are campus ministries, athletics, enrollment management and marketing, student activities, student discipline, residence life, academic support and advising through our Life Directions Center, and community engagement programs.
Primary to the role is the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS) enrollment and marketing teams; along with the CCU Academy (CCU’s premier dual enrollment program). The successful VP of Student Life will have a hands-on approach to coordinate enrollment management activities while leading and working with the Director of Enrollment. Provides oversight to enhance enrollment, student success, and service excellence by using continuous improvement processes through data-informed decision making. Fosters a culture of excellence and innovation.
This individual will work collaboratively with the President, VP for Finance, and other leadership roles in the University. This individual will use technology, a data-driven approach, and be an excellent oral/written communicator.
The VP of Student Life is joining a vibrant and growing Christian University that is dedicated to a traditional evangelical mission that has a driven vision to a be a GREAT Christian university.
About CCU
Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.
Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914. CCU’s motto is--grace and truth. This motto comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV)
CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.
Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings.
CCU embraces an educational model that was present at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character and Christ-centered faith. We believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time.
A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges--the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.
What is most appealing about working at CCU?
- Faith friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
- Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.
- Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.
We’re looking for candidates who have:
- A minimum of seven plus years of experience in student life work within higher education, preferably in Christian higher education, with a proven track record of servant leadership and innovation.
- Master’s or doctoral degree preferred in student programs or a related field. Most importantly, must demonstrate the ability to handle the demands and requirements of senior-level management in Christian higher education.
- Experience with strategic planning, fiscal management, and leading the ongoing efforts of student life, ministry, health services, enrollment, academics, and counseling.
- Ability to build upon enrollment success within CUS enrollment, marketing, and the CCU Academy.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of computers and computer applications that support management systems and regular office functions.
- Ability to lead a motivated and driven group of leaders representing varied university departments in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
Key Job Duties
Mission Contribution
Contribute to CCU's mission: Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. In this role, the Vice President of Student Life leads our mission by facilitating a Christ-centered environment in which our prospective and current students can grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord as they commit to personal growth and service to the Lord in their chosen field of study and future profession.
Leadership
- Engage and implement an innovative model to foster a positive student experience that will result in increasing enrollment, retention, and student success.
- Work collaboratively to advance CCU’s mission, Strategic Priorities, and other strategic initiatives.
- Guide, oversee, and manage the College’s Student Life programs, student academic success and retention efforts (Life Directions Center), student counseling, ministry team, health services, athletics, and campus safety.
- Grow Christian athletes, in partnership with the Athletic Director, who have a competitive spirit and who are role models for discipleship on campus and sharing the gospel around the world.
- Recruit, select, and develop leaders and staff within the student life division.
- Encourage the spiritual and academic growth and development of traditional undergraduate students. Inspire students toward academic success, evangelism, and spiritual maturation.
- Consult and collaborate with student ministry programs to disciple students in a fulfilling traditional evangelical culture.
- Work effectively with community groups, educational entities, business, industry, government and legislative bodies to develop partnerships that result in improved service to students and to the community.
- Shape the future vision for student life and academic program development through innovation and proven leadership partnerships with academic deans and faculty for the College of Undergraduate Studies. Communicate with deans and faculty for collaborative planning and implementation of student life programs.
Enrollment Management
- Direct the College of Undergraduate enrollment and marketing efforts to ensure CCU is recruiting exceptional students who will go into the world to positively influence others and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Lead the CCU Academy and partner with high schools to build upon a successful dual enrollment program.
- Support enrollment and retention efforts of the College of Undergraduate Studies through speaking engagements on and off campus.
- Partner with financial aid and academics to provide prospective students and their families a five-star experience.
Budget Management
- Prepare and monitor the annual CUS student life budget to ensure personnel and expenses are included for the support of enrollment strategies and the enhancement of student success.
- Work collaboratively with the VP of Finance to meet enrollment and budget demands.
- Provide periodic budget reports to update enrollment plans for CUS student life, enrollment, marketing, and the CCU Academy.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. You will be required to work irregular hours, including some nights and weekends. Local and regional travel is expected. National travel may occur. Colorado Christian University expects all faculty and staff to become a part of the University community by participating in activities and events that occur on the campus throughout the year, which may occur during evenings and weekends.
What we offer our employees
We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to all employees. Our benefit package includes: a tuition waiver program, excellent healthcare, generous paid time off, matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings.
The pay range for this job is $130,000 – $175,000 annually. Pay is assigned by reviewing a combination of job-related factors that may include: internal/external pay equity, the salary structure/pay grade, or a candidate’s qualifications/experience for the job. A wage range posted is not a guarantee of a specific wage and CCU reserves the right to make pay decisions based on economic and equity considerations. CCU does not determine pay based on sex or any other protected status. Pay and benefits will be discussed in more detail as candidates progress through the interview process.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Spiritual Requirements
- Committed follower of Jesus Christ, who believes there is no salvation apart from faith in his atonement on the cross, by grace alone becoming "born again" thus beginning a personal relationship with Christ, the Son of God.
- Able to effectively communicate personal faith and apply biblical principles and convictions in the workplace. Must have a strong sense of calling to the ministry of Colorado Christian University.
- Regularly attend and be engaged in meaningful involvement in a Bible-believing evangelical local church. Knowledgeable about the Word of God and passionate about Christian education.
- Must be a traditional evangelical Christian whose lifestyle is in consonance with sound Christian principles, is compatible with CCU’s Statement of Faith, and is in agreement with the Strategic Priorities promulgated by the University.