Vice President of Student Development - Governor's School For Science : Job Details

Company/Organization: South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

Location: South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

The South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) seeks an experienced and dedicated professional as its next Vice President of Student Development. The Vice President of Student Development is a full-time, year-round senior leadership position responsible for overseeing all aspects of student life and development, fostering an environment that balances academic rigor with personal growth and well-being. This individual will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and families to create a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing community. The Vice President will lead initiatives that promote emotional, social, and ethical development while ensuring a safe, healthy, and inclusive campus environment during the academic school year and summer programs. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a commitment to student-centered development, and a deep understanding of the needs of adolescents in both academic and social settings.

GSSM's mission is to seek out and advance the state's most talented and motivated students, offering them a transforming education with a special focus on science, mathematics, and engineering that cultivates joy in learning and builds the confidence to engage as ethical leaders with the world's most significant issues.

Key responsibilities of the Vice President of Student Development:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in student affairs, residential life, or student development, with at least three years in a leadership or administrative role at the secondary or post-secondary level, preferably within a rigorous academic and/or STEM environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and developing student support and wellness programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with academic staff and leadership team.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by school events, meetings, and activities.
• Understanding of the on-call nature of this position.
• Occasional travel for conferences and meetings.
• A passion for working with young people, particularly in the context of a high-achieving academic environment.
• High emotional intelligence and empathy for students facing challenges both inside and outside the classroom.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and motivate students and staff.
• Deep understanding of student development theory and best practices.
• Ability to manage and navigate complex situations involving student well-being, academics, and discipline.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements in the context of student development and residential life.
• Ability to think strategically and implement long-term plans for student growth and well-being.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Doctoral degree and experience working in a residential setting is strongly preferred.

Please note that some areas of the Agency may require an official, certified copy of the transcript prior to hiring or within a specific timeframe required by that area after hiring. Failure to produce an official, certified transcript may result in not being hired or termination.

Additional Comments:

The SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions, including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. All applicants must submit a complete application packet that includes the state application, a resume, and cover letter. Applicants who submit an incomplete packet will not be considered for the position.