Assistant Vice President for Engagement and Belonging

The University of San Francisco (USF), a private, Catholic, Jesuit research university, seeks a collaborative and innovative leader to serve as Assistant Vice President for Engagement and Belonging (AVP). Reporting directly to the Vice President of Student Life, the AVP will serve a pivotal role in assisting the University to enhance student retention, learning, development, engagement, and success. In collaboration with colleagues across campus, the AVP will have the opportunity to leverage USF’s vision, mission, history, and location to provide an environment of holistic development that encourages all students to pursue on- and off-campus engagement, meaningful social connection, and leadership training as critical parts of their university experience.

USF is well positioned to address the challenges facing today’s students and prepare them to have a positive impact. Established as San Francisco’s first institution of higher education in 1855, USF instills Jesuit values in its graduates and these timeless values, especially cura personalis or care of the whole person, recognition of the human dignity of all people, and changing the world for the better, are more relevant than ever. USF serves approximately 5,800 undergraduate and approximately 3,400 graduate and professional students in Arts and Sciences, Education, Law, Management, and Nursing and Health Professions. The USF community is home to 1,127 faculty and librarian members, 963 staff members, and has an operating budget of over $515 million.

The AVP will join the Core Leadership Team of the Division of Student Life at an exciting time of reimagination after recent leadership shifts within Student Life and a new President joining USF in Fall 2025. The AVP will play a vital role in helping to shape new strategy as the team member responsible for the overall vision, leadership, direction, assessment, evaluation, and coordination of services and programs for Cultural Centers, New Student and Family Programs, and Student Leadership and Engagement. They will also play a critical role in both curricular and co-curricular student experiences. The AVP role has been newly renamed to include belonging, emphasizing the division’s longstanding commitment to fostering a sense of inclusion for every student and increasing campus engagement and student retention. The AVP also plays a key role in the administration’s efforts to ensure a safe environment in which to engage challenging and complex topics. The AVP will partner with the administration to foster a community where all voices are valued and heard, proactively build relationships with students and administrators to facilitate conversation around current events and difficult topics, and thoughtfully manage free expression and peaceful assembly on campus. By encouraging creativity around student activities, cultivating belonging through co-curricular programs, and shaping ongoing dialogue and relationship building, the AVP will ensure that all students are able to find their place at USF.

The AVP will have the opportunity to address a number of opportunities and challenges, including:

• Realize a shared vision for student engagement and belonging rooted in USF’s values and responsive to its diverse urban environment.
• Increase the visibility of the Student Engagement unit among the student and campus community to cultivate proactive and cohesive partnerships for even greater impact. 
• Inspire the Student Engagement team and manage resources effectively.
• Work closely with the Core Leadership Team to enhance campus culture by integrating co-curricular activities, guiding constructive dialogue, and supporting retention efforts.

The salary range for this position is $140,000-160,000 annually, commensurate with related experience and qualifications.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. For more details, including the full position profile and to submit inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications, please see below. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Lindsay Gold is leading this search with Aku Ammah-Tagoe and Julia Hochner.

The University of San Francisco is a Jesuit Catholic University founded in 1855 to educate leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world.  Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to work in a culturally diverse environment and to contribute to the mission of the University.

USF is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to affirmative action and workforce diversity.

The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.