Job Details

Vice President for Student Development

Position Number: 6933211
Location: Wayne, NJ
Position Type: Student Affairs and Services

Vice President for Student Development
William Paterson University

William Paterson University seeks an experienced, visionary, and student-centered leader to serve as its next Vice President for Student Development (VPSD). The ideal candidate will bring strategic, data-centric, compassionate, and forward-thinking leadership to a large and multifaceted division that plays a central role in the University's mission of access, opportunity, engagement, and student success. The expected start date is July 1, 2026.

William Paterson University is a public regional university located in suburban Wayne, New Jersey. One of the largest universities in the state, with over 12,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, the University has nearly 92,000 alumni, more than 70 percent of whom reside in New Jersey. The University is among the most diverse universities in New Jersey and the region and approximately 40 percent of its students are the first in their families to attend college. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with approximately 30 percent of students indicating Hispanic heritage, and a Minority-Serving Institution with 59 percent students of color.

Reporting to the President, the Vice President for Student Development is responsible for the planning, development, and administration of the following student-centric departments and services: Residence Life, Career Development Center, Accessibility Resource Center, Counseling, Health and Wellness Center, Athletics and Recreation (Div. III), Student Conduct, University Commons, Parent and Family Relations, new student orientation programs, Campus Activities, Service and Leadership, Veteran and Military Services, University Police, Educational Opportunity Fund program, academic achievement/advisement, TRIO Student Support Services, Academic Success Center, Social Worker for Student Support and Resources, Testing, First Year Foundations and Commencement ceremonies. The Vice President works collaboratively with the Provost to ensure student academic progress and timely graduation, and to ensure that co- and extracurricular experiences will enhance career opportunities and/or graduate work.

For a full list of principal responsibilities, required and preferred qualifications, and leadership agenda challenges and opportunities, please visit the institutional profile, available at this link: https://www.academicsearch.org/WPUVPSD

How to Apply
Applications should consist of:

A detailed cover letter, addressed to the search committee, expressing your interest in this position and addressing how you meet the specific qualifications and expectations outlined in this profile.
A current curriculum vitae that includes relevant responsibilities and accomplishments.
A list of five professional references, including their names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses; indicate the perspective on your work that each reference could provide. References will not be contacted until later in the search process and only with the candidate's permission.

These documents should be sent in three separate PDF documents to WPUVPSD@academicsearch.org.

The position is open until filled, but full consideration can only be guaranteed to those applications received by March 23, 2026. Academic Search is assisting William Paterson University in this search. Confidential discussions are encouraged and may be arranged by contacting Maria Thompson, Managing Director. More information about William Paterson University is available at https://www.wpunj.edu/

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts and Division of Student Development