Position Title: Vice President for Student Services

Employee Classification: CC Chief Student Affairs,I

College/Division: GRCC Grants CC

Department: 950850-GRCC STUDENT SERVICES CTR

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Grants Community College

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $85,000 - $105,000 commensurate with education and experience.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

Classification Summary:
Responsible for providing leadership and oversight for one or more major functional areas within the Student Affairs division of a community college. This position ensures the effective planning, coordination, and delivery of services and programs that support student access, engagement, retention, and success while fostering a collaborative campus environment.

Classification Standard Duties:
Interprets and enforces academic and student policies and procedures as they pertain to a community college; monitors and administers processes associated with individual student academic progress, as appropriate, to include probations, suspensions, and/or promotions. Directs and oversees enrollment management activities to include admissions, registration, financial aid and scholarships, student records, veterans’ services, and data collection. Directs and oversees academic advisement, career counseling, testing and tutoring, student accommodations, and student discipline programs; provides guidance and support as appropriate for various student life activities. Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness. and effects changes required for improvement. Oversees all facets of the daily operations of the Student Services unit, ensuring compliance with university, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations. Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance. Develops and manages annual budgets for the Student Services unit and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses. Oversees and directs the planning and development of student recruitment and promotional materials. to include student handbooks and college viewbook. Represents the organization at various community and/or business meetings, committees, and task forces; promotes existing and new programs and/or policies. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Master's degree in a related field; Required Experience:Five (5) years of related professional experience.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge and understanding of data and financial analysis techniques to support data-driven decision-making and effective resource allocation. Knowledge of curriculum processes, including the preparation and distribution of academic catalogs, student handbooks, related materials. A strong understanding of academic and career advising principles, methods, and procedures at the college level, as well as familiarity with faculty and staff recruitment, hiring, and onboarding practices. Involves addressing a broad range of student life issues and challenges, particularly within a diverse, rural community college environment. Knowledge of the integrated functions of key student services areas, such as enrollment management, admissions, advising, financial aid, and student affairs, along with an understanding of academic policies related to student performance, probation, suspension, and expulsion and student accommodations. SKILLS: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders. Proficiency in using personal computers, student information systems, related software applications & social media. Skills in evaluating and improving operational processes, implementing innovative strategies, and developing policies to enhance student services and outcomes. Effective organizational skills to manage resources, establish priorities, meet institutional goals, as well as experience in employee development, coaching, and performance management to build and sustain a high-performing team. ABILITIES: Additional abilities include designing and maintaining accurate recordkeeping systems and workflows, gathering and analyzing statistical data, and producing comprehensive reports to guide decision-making. The position also involves supervising, training, and evaluating staff while organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments to achieve institutional objectives.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Planning
• Provide leadership and direction for all student services areas, including admissions, recruiting, academic advising, financial aid, veteran’s benefits (VA), tutoring, testing, ADA-related services and accommodations, Clery Act compliance, campus safety, student conduct, student activities, and campus life.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, goals, and initiatives to enhance student recruitment, retention, engagement, and success.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as institutional policies and accreditation standards.
• Collaborate with college leadership to support institutional planning, resource allocation, and student-centered decision-making.
Operational Oversight and Management
• Manage day-to-day operations of the Student Services Department, including supervision of professional and support staff.
• Oversee the use of technology systems that support student services, such as student information systems, recruitment and advisement platforms, and reporting tools.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting related to student enrollment, retention, safety, compliance, and other key performance metrics.
• Establish, review, and update policies, procedures, and protocols to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and consistency across all student service functions.
Student Support and Success
• Lead efforts to create a student-centered culture that promotes equity, inclusion, and engagement.
• Develop programs and initiatives that address the academic, personal, and social needs of students, with particular attention to underrepresented or at-risk populations.
• Oversee services that promote student well-being, including ADA compliance, tutoring, academic support, and crisis intervention.
• Ensure a safe, respectful campus environment through the administration of student conduct policies and procedures.
Compliance and Campus Safety
• Serve as the college’s Clery Act compliance officer, ensuring accurate reporting and dissemination of campus safety information.
• Oversee policies and programs related to campus safety, risk management, and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations related to student services, including Title IX, ADA, FERPA, and other applicable laws.
Financial and Resource Management
• Prepare and manage the Student Services Department budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support student success initiatives.
• Oversee financial aid services, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and equitable distribution of aid.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities or partnerships to enhance funding for student services programs.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
• Work closely with academic affairs, business services, and other departments to ensure seamless support for students across all aspects of the college experience.
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including K-12 schools, community organizations, workforce partners, and state and federal agencies.
• Represent the college at community events, state and regional meetings, and professional organizations to promote the college’s mission and services.
Staff Development and Supervision
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff within the Student Services Department to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Provide mentorship, professional development opportunities, and leadership training to build a cohesive and skilled team.
• Promote a positive, collaborative work culture focused on continuous improvement and student success.
Assessment and Continuous Improvement
• Use data-driven decision-making to assess program effectiveness, identify trends, and implement improvements.
• Prepare and present regular reports to college leadership and governing bodies on student services performance, challenges, and achievements.
• Lead ongoing efforts to enhance processes, systems, and programs to better meet the evolving needs of students and the college community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of data analysis techniques to support strategic decision-making.
• Understanding of curriculum development processes, including academic catalogs and student handbooks.
• Comprehensive knowledge of academic and career advising methods and student development principles.
• Familiarity with staff hiring, onboarding, and performance management practices.
• Awareness of a broad range of student life issues, particularly within diverse and rural populations.
• Knowledge of the integrated functions of admissions, registrar, financial aid, student conduct, and student affairs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies.
• Skill in policy development, process improvement, and implementing innovative student success strategies.
• Proficiency in using student information systems, data management tools, and other related technology.
• Capacity to design and maintain effective record keeping systems.
• Commitment to fostering a supportive work and learning environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Doctorate in higher education leadership, administration, or related field.
Experience working in a rural community college setting.
Knowledge of state and federal compliance regulations, including Title IX, Clery Act, FERPA, Federal Financial Aid, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Experience with grant writing and securing external funding.

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Janie Gutierrez, 505-287-6625, janieg61@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.