Job Summary:
Hawai’i Pacific University (HPU) is a private, non-profit student-centered institution of approximately 4,200 undergraduate and 700 graduate students. Founded in 1965, it is Hawai’i’s largest private university with its core campus in the heart of Honolulu’s business district. In recent years, the University has experienced year-over-year enrollment growth at the undergraduate and graduate levels in existing and new on-site, hybrid, and online programs. Expanding student success is a strategic priority for HPU, and as an institution with federally-designated Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander serving status, the University is leveraging federal grant funds, foundation grants, and internal resources to expand support student learning and success.
To assist in efforts to support student learning and success, the SVP and Provost invites nominations and applications for the position of Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students (AVP/DOS). The AVP/DOS serves as a senior-level administrative position responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of the student experience. The successful candidate will also play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment that promotes student success, personal growth, and engagement.
Specifically, the AVP/DOS will provide visionary leadership in the areas of student affairs, student life, and student development. The successful candidate will collaborate with student success units to develop comprehensive support services that address the holistic needs of students. The AVP/DOS will also foster an inclusive and diverse campus culture that celebrates the unique backgrounds and experiences of students. Additionally, the AVP/DOS will oversee the student conduct process, including Title IX, ensuring fairness, consistency, and adherence to HPU policies and regulations. The AVP/DOS will also serve as a point of contact for student concerns, grievances, and emergencies, and will collaborate with campus partners to address student needs effectively. The successful candidate will promote a vibrant campus community by encouraging student involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, professional development, and leadership opportunities. Finally, the AVP/DOS will oversee residence hall operations and manage the budget for areas within the incumbent’s span of care.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by August 25, 2025.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Ph.D. or Ed.D. from an accredited university in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, or related field
• Strong knowledge of current trends and best practices in student affairs, student development, and higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ten years of progressive experience in student affairs or a related field, including administrative and leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience in leading initiatives that serve diverse student populations, including adult, online, hybrid, and dual-credit learners.
• A consultative, collegial style and the ability to inspire trust in others.
• A demonstrated management style that builds confidence in staff, promotes teamwork, enhances creativity and motivation, and builds consensus in a high-energy and high-task environment.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions and work within established priorities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Title IX and experience with resolving Title IX related cases.
• A tolerance for ambiguity and a willingness to manage diverse and frequently changing assignments, particularly the ability to do so with a positive attitude and a sense of humor in a high-task environment.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Report to work obligations to support the department and may require work during HPU’s winter break, if necessary.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy.
• Able to work all shifts and extended hours.
• Upon hire, candidate must have reliable transportation to all HPU worksites and other locations as required by the position.
• Successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that utilize excellent time and stress management skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide strategic leadership and oversight to HPU’s Student Life departments (70%)

• Provide leadership to the following departments: Title IX, counseling and behavioral health, first year experience, health services, international students and scholars, student activities, student conduct, student housing, and study abroad and international exchange programs.
• In conjunction with the Senior Vice President and Provost, establish a long-term strategic plan that supports HPU’s mission, vision, and goals.
• Provide supervisory oversight to department staff. Set goals, evaluate their performance, meet with staff on a regular basis, and provide general supervision to these areas to ensure the provision of effective and appropriate programs and services.
• Oversee programs, services, and resources that facilitate the transition, acclimation, engagement and success of students.
• Oversee the budgets, expenditures, and prepare funding proposals to support departmental initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff on curricular and co-curricular initiatives that improves the student experience at HPU.
• Find increasingly effective ways to help students manage curricular and co-curricular commitments; to identify students with challenges and provide them with appropriate support; and to increase visibility and student awareness of all available resources, helping students to take proactive responsibility for their own educational experiences.
• Developing more systematic ways to assess, improve, and renew programs, benchmarking them against best practices and gathering the data necessary for informed decision-making.
• Serve on various related task forces and committees designed to positively impact student persistence and increase student satisfaction at HPU.

3. PERFORMS OTHER RELATED DUTIES AS ASSIGNED (10%)

• Actively participates as an effective member of team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.
• Serve as the chief housing officer.
• Serve on the Senior Leadership Team.This description is not designed to list all activities, duties or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time.Hawai’i Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawai’i Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.