Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Engagement

The University of California (UC) Merced, the youngest campus in the world-renowned University of California system, seeks an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as its next Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and Engagement (VCSAE). Reporting to the Chancellor, the VCSAE will join an institution in rapid ascent as it grows enrollment and implements an ambitious strategic plan that aims to establish UC Merced as a national hub for transformational research with a substantial impact on the Central Valley, the state of California, and the world. The VCSAE will work with a very diverse, academically gifted and driven student body, many of whom are first-generation and Pell-eligible students, as well as highly dedicated and passionate faculty, staff and campus leadership to achieve UC Merced’s mission of promoting learning, discovery and engagement. The VCSAE will ensure all students are engaged and feel they belong at UC Merced.

A top research university and the fastest-growing public university in the nation, UC Merced is on the cutting edge of sustainability in campus construction and design and supports high-achieving students from the underserved Central Valley and throughout California. The university community comprises more than 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students across three schools and has close to 500 tenure-track faculty members and lecturers teaching across approximately 60 majors and minors. More than 99% of undergraduates are from California, and approximately 70% are first-generation college students. UC Merced is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) recognized with the Seal of Excelencia for its efforts in promoting Latinx student success, and also rates as an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), based on enrollment and engagement of students from these groups. UC Merced promotes and celebrates its rich diversity and is ranked fourth nationally for social mobility of students by U.S. News & World Report, and in the top 10 for economic mobility.

The new VCSAE will join UC Merced at a significant inflection point for even greater impact with the implementation of the strategic plan underway and the recent appointments of a new Provost, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education, an inaugural Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, and multiple other new deans and campus leaders who will be strong partners in evolving students’ engagement and co-curricular experiences. Working closely with a talented team of student affairs professionals, the VCSAE will have a tremendous opportunity to reimagine how the Division of Student Affairs proactively partners with faculty and staff across the campus to provide more compelling programming and a more comprehensive and engaged student experience. As the student body continues to grow, the VCSAE will ensure the infrastructure and programming necessary for all students to feel a deep connection and sense of belonging to UC Merced, their classmates, faculty and staff. This includes development of a range of high-level strategies to support and retain both undergraduate and graduate scholars. The VCSAE will provide leadership on several exciting upcoming institutional initiatives to assist with UC Merced’s evolution and growth, including the construction of a new 400-bed residence hall designed to house a growing population of transfer students, and will aid the Department of Athletics as it transitions from NAIA to NCAA Division II. 

The VCSAE will also be expected to address the following opportunities and challenges:  

• Create and implement a vision that promotes a more vibrant campus life, increasing student engagement and success
• Serve as a highly visible and approachable champion for all students on campus, in the Merced community, in the UC system and beyond
• Provide inspirational leadership for a complex administrative unit
• Advance a culture of inclusion, proactive student services, crisis management, assessment and data-informed decision-making
• Broadcast UC Merced students’ stories widely for increased visibility and fundraising

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $300,000 - $340,000.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and applications should be sent below. 

Applications must be complete to be reviewed for consideration. A complete application includes the following four items: resume, cover letter, statement of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and completion of the confidential self-identification form found here. Please note that while the self-identification form must be completed, you may decline to self-identify. Electronic submission of materials is required.

Lindsay Gold is leading this search with Drew Nichols and Julia Hochner. 

UC Merced is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disability/Minority Employer.