Job description
Oakland University invites applications and nominations for a dynamic Vice President for Student Affairs and Engagement (VPSAE), a senior leadership role central to advancing student success, belonging, and engagement at a thriving public research university in Metro Detroit. Reporting directly to President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz and serving as a key member of the President’ s Cabinet the VPSAE will play a central role in advancing Strategic Plan 2030 and shaping a holistic, inclusive, and engaging student experience aligned with Oakland University’s academic mission and regional impact.
The VPSAE provides executive leadership for the full scope of student affairs and engagement, including student activities and leadership development, multicultural initiatives, veteran and military-connected student services, health and counseling services, disability support, career development and experiential learning, housing and residential engagement, and student conduct and community standards. The role is charged with integrating co-curricular learning with academic and enrollment priorities to improve retention, persistence, graduation rates, equity, belonging, wellness, and career readiness. A central responsibility is to champion a campus culture that supports student success across the entire lifecycle—from access and transition through graduation and alumni engagement—using data-informed and equity-driven strategies.
As a senior administrator, the VPSAE is responsible for divisional budgeting, talent development, operational effectiveness, and compliance, while ensuring that facilities, technology, and infrastructure support a modern student experience. The Vice President also serves as a visible advocate for students, collaborating closely with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and other campus partners. Externally, the VPSAE represents Oakland University in community, corporate, PK–12, veteran, and governmental partnerships, supports alumni and philanthropic engagement, and strengthens ties that advance workforce development and regional impact.
The leadership agenda for the next VPSAE centers on defining and elevating Oakland University’s distinctive approach to student engagement amid changing student demographics, particularly commuters, transfers, adult learners, and graduate students. Key priorities include building a coherent student success strategy, addressing mental health and belonging, fostering cross-divisional collaboration, strengthening assessment and continuous improvement, and leading change with visibility, creativity, and compassion.
To be effective in this senior leadership role, the successful candidate for Vice President for Student Affairs and Engagement must demonstrate all of the following required qualifications:
Earned master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Personnel Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution;
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in student affairs, student engagement, or a closely related higher education field;
Demonstrated success leading complex organizations and managing multi-million-dollar budgets; and
Proven record of advancing student success, equity, belonging, and wellness.
How to apply
For more information about the institution, position, qualifications, and the complete application process, please review the full position profile link at AcademicSearch
Academic Search, led by Dr. Ginny Horvath, is partnering with Oakland University in this search. Potential applicants are welcome to schedule a confidential meeting with Dr. Horvath to discuss qualifications and position details. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest may be submitted to [email protected]< /a>. All information is held in strict confidence.
Although the search remains open until the position is filled, for full consideration by the Search Committee, candidates should submit all application materials by Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Oakland University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and family-friendly environment in which all faculty and staff can excel and achieve work-life balance.
Oakland University sits on traditional and ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabe people, also known as the Three Fires Confederacy comprised of the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi.
