Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs,
Housing and Residence Life
Grand Valley State University (Grand Valley) invites applications, expressions of interest, and nominations of candidates in its search for the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, Housing and Residence Life (AVP).
Grand Valley State University is a strong and vibrant public university with a clear, deeply held, unwavering commitment to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community. Grand Valley combines the expansive opportunities of a large university, including a wide array of programs, services, and spaces, with the close-knit, supportive atmosphere of a small liberal arts college. This unique blend offers students the best of both worlds: extensive resources and personal attention. Grand Valley was founded in 1960 and has continued a trajectory of growth to become a comprehensive university with over 19,000 undergraduates, over 3,000 graduate students, and over 148,000 alumni. Grand Valley boasts over 1,200 full- and part-time faculty members and close to 1,300 staff members. With its focus on liberal education and student success, Grand Valley has attracted students from every county in Michigan, 50 states, and 77 countries.
The Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to enhancing the holistic success of all students by inspiring and supporting learning beyond the classroom. Housing & Residence Life serves as a central pillar of the residential student experience, providing on-campus living opportunities designed to promote safety, belonging, and personal growth. Through a combination of student employment, residential programming, and community engagement initiatives, the department supports thousands of students living on campus, fosters meaningful connections among residents, and collaborates with academic and student life partners to integrate learning and development into residential settings.
The role of AVP provides visionary leadership for the university’s self-funded, university-owned residence halls and apartments while advancing the mission of the Division of Student Affairs. As a key member of the Student Affairs leadership team, the AVP collaborates with university partners to shape strategic direction, champion equity and inclusion, and enhance programs and services that support student engagement, health, and holistic development within the Division of Student Affairs and Housing and Residence Life. The AVP reports to the VPSA and directly supervises a team of four full-time staff members, as well as indirectly supervising approximately 30 full-time staff members, 120 Resident Assistants, and 30-40 other student staff. In addition, they will oversee a budget of $60 million. The AVP collaborates closely with other leaders within the Division of Student Affairs, as well as with others across the university.
The ideal candidate will hold a master's degree in student personnel, higher education, or a related field. In addition, the individual must possess a minimum of ten years of professional experience with progressively responsible supervisory and management experience in housing and residence life.
For a more detailed profile please visit here: https://dsgco.com/search/22829-gvsu-avp-student-affairs
The search committee will begin accepting nominations and reviewing applications immediately and through early March 2026. Requested application materials include a letter of interest and resume; although applications will be welcomed until the dean is selected, for best consideration, all candidates should submit materials as soon as possible, to: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22829
For more information about Grand Valley State University, please visit www.gvsu.edu
Grand Valley is assisted in this search by DSG Storbeck. For additional information, please contact:
R. Thomas Fitch, Managing Director
Amanda Bennett, Managing Associate
DSG Storbeck
This is a full-time position that will be performed on-site in Michigan. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Here is a link to more information on GVSU’s benefits:https://www.gvsu.edu/hro/benefits/benefits-overview-40.htm
Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
