Associate Vice President, University Housing Services (APPLY VIA SEARCH FIRM)

Job Summary

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The Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Housing Services (UHS) serves as the chief housing officer and senior strategic leader responsible for the vision, direction, and administration of the comprehensive residential life and housing operations at San José State University. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the AVP provides executive oversight for residential life, housing operations, capital and facilities planning, residential safety, fiscal management, student success initiatives, and strategic alignment with university and CSU system priorities.

The AVP provides leadership for a dynamic and growing $72M+ housing enterprise that serves over 5,000 students across seven residential communities, including traditional residence halls, student apartments, suite-style housing, and dedicated faculty/staff residences. The AVP oversees a comprehensive organizational structure comprising 15 managers, 70+ professional staff, and 350+ student staff. This executive role sets the long-term strategic vision for University Housing Services and ensures operational excellence across all major functional areas, including residential life and learning communities, administrative operations, business and financial services, occupancy and assignments, conference housing, health and wellness initiatives, student conduct, and housing communications.

The AVP leads the development and implementation of inclusive and equity-minded policies, programs, and community standards that promote student engagement, academic success, wellbeing, and retention. The AVP also ensures that residential initiatives are closely aligned with divisional and institutional goals, particularly in areas of student success strategies, student engagement and community development, a safe living and learning environment, and campus-wide collaboration.

As the senior executive for housing, the AVP leads all facilities and capital improvement planning, in partnership with Facilities Development and Operations, including renovation, construction, deferred maintenance, and emergency preparedness. The AVP ensures compliance with CSU, state, and federal policies and serves as a primary liaison for campus partners in Risk Management, the University Police Department, Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and University Communications.

The AVP provides direction for the department’s assessment and data strategy, including the development of learning outcomes, program evaluation, benchmarking, and the integration of systems and technologies that support evidence-based decision-making. The AVP also oversees the implementation and management of all housing information systems and databases to optimize service delivery and business operations.

In support of staff development and organizational leadership, the AVP is responsible for the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of the UHS leadership team and broader professional and student staff. The AVP fosters a strong, inclusive workplace culture grounded in equity, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership in the design and implementation of a comprehensive residential experience that advances student learning, identity development, and social connection.
• Integrate equity-minded practices and student development theory into all aspects of residential programming, staff training, community standards, and student engagement.
• Champion a culture of inclusion, belonging, and cross-cultural understanding through policies, programs, and leadership development opportunities that reflect the diverse needs and experiences of the campus community.
• Guide the development of intentional living-learning communities and high-impact practices that support academic persistence, wellness, civic engagement, and career readiness.
• Cultivate strong, reciprocal relationships with student leaders, including the Residence Hall Association, and Associated Students.
• Ensure student voices are actively engaged in shaping residential life policies, facilities, and initiatives.
• Oversee a $72M+ annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal integrity, long-term financial planning and sound reserves for repairs & maintenance, capital renewal, and emergencies.
• Develop and implement strategic financial models that align with campus growth, housing affordability, and CSU mandates.
• Lead strategic contract management, risk mitigation, and vendor negotiations related to housing operations.
• Serve as a senior leader and advisor on campus housing policy and