Vice Provost of Student Life

Job Tracking ID: 85509-363094
Job Location : Interlochen, MI
Job Level: Executive
Level of Education: Masters Degree
Job Type: Full-Time/Regular
Date Updated: 12/19/2024
Years of Experience: 10 – 15 Years
Starting Date: 06/30/2025

The Vice Provost of Student Life is a year-round executive position that provides leadership and management for the student experience, the student affairs division, student policies and all related programs at the Interlochen Arts Academy and Interlochen Arts Camp, and other Interlochen educational programs, as appropriate. The Vice Provost leads and engages in strategic planning and promotes creative ideas that enable the student affairs division and Interlochen as a whole to be as effective as possible. The Vice Provost is expected to hold and promote the attitude that every student can be successful. As well, the Vice Provost embraces the goal of Interlochen–to enable young artists to transform their passion and potential into purpose.

Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the entire Student Affairs team, including residence life, wellness and recreation, health services, and camp life staff
• Develop and implement a strategic vision for student life that enhances the overall student experience and aligns with Interlochen’s mission, goals, and values through the integration of the Interlochen 5 into the residential life program to support these overarching learning outcomes.
• Lead and manage all student life functions, including residential life, student housing, student conduct, health services, student activities, recreation and wellness programs, health services, social and emotional learning, and conduct/behavior program
• Serve as a key member of the Interlochen leadership team, collaborating with academic and artistic departments to integrate student life with educational programs and foster a supportive learning environment
• Responsible for the development and consistent implementation of the student conduct program, including development and implementation of the Student Handbook and student code of conduct
• Work with students, faculty and staff, responsible for the development and implementation of student programming, including student orientation, Community Meetings, Advisory Programming, Student Representative Board, student clubs and other student programming

Residential Life and Student Conduct

• Oversee the residential life program, ensuring it provides a safe, engaging, and supportive experience for both boarding and day students
• Develop policies and programs that promote positive behavior, respect, and accountability within the student community
• Manage student conduct processes with an emphasis on personal growth, addressing issues and conflicts in a constructive and educational manner
• Serve as primary point of contact for parents in relation to student life issues
• Health, Wellness, and Counseling Services
• Oversee health and wellness services and health education, to support the well-being of all students.
• Implement proactive wellness initiatives, resources, and programs that promote mental and physical health and resilience
• Collaborate with health professionals, counselors, and faculty to create an environment where students feel supported in their mental health and personal development

Student Engagement and Programming

• Develop and oversee co-curricular programs that support students’ artistic, social, and leadership skills, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community
• Encourage student involvement in activities that build community, cultural awareness, and life skills beyond the classroom and studio
• Lead initiatives for student leadership development, supporting student councils, clubs, and peer mentoring programs.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
• Champion DEI efforts across campus, and coordinate with the Director of DEI to develop programs and initiatives that promote an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students
• Ensure student life policies, practices, and programs are equitable and reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Interlochen’s student body
• Staff Development and Supervision
• Recruit, develop, and lead a team of student life professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
• Provide training and support for staff in areas such as DEI, student behavior management, crisis intervention, and leadership development
• Lead professional development of Student Affairs faculty and staff

Crisis Management and Safety

• Lead crisis management protocols related to student life, collaborating with campus security and health staff to ensure the safety and well-being of students
• Serve as a senior responder in emergency situations, coordinating with local agencies and ensuring consistent and effective crisis communication with students, families, and staff.
• Lead student supports at the broadest level, including supports for all students as well as students identified as most at risk through the CORE team; also lead student supports tailored for the needs of individual students, working with faculty and staff in Student Affairs and in other departments as appropriate

Assessment and Continuous Improvement

• Develop metrics and conduct regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of student life programs and services, making data-informed adjustments as needed
• Report regularly on student life initiatives, outcomes, and improvements to the Provost and other senior leadership
• Support strategic partnerships across all departments including Education, Admissions, Academic and College Counseling, School Counseling, Safety, Academic and Arts faculty, Health Services,
• Wellness and Recreation, Residence Life and more
• Seek the best use of materials, equipment and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness
• Comply with Interlochen’s policies/procedures and acts as a good steward of Interlochen’s finances
• Prioritize duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth
• Perform other duties as assigned

Experience and Skills

• Master’s degree in education, educational administration, educational leadership or related field
• Minimum seven years of experience in a student services position at a boarding high school
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, and administration
• Demonstrated leadership in campus operations and student services administration
• Leadership with confidential reporting of student issues involving conduct, behavior and personal matters
• Experience with legal, ethical and practical issues involving children and adolescents in a school setting
• Creative and entrepreneurial spirit
• Proven skills in conflict resolution
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral format, to students, parents, faculty, staff,
• professional colleague and others
• Proven track record in strategic planning, program development, and staff management.
• Strong knowledge of student development theories, residential life, and wellness programming.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with experience in DEI programming and initiatives.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect and build trust with students, families, and colleagues.
• Experience managing crises and addressing student conduct issues with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Ability to follow and execute specific verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to promote and maintain positive interaction with all internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and linguistic diversity and values including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices and varying family backgrounds and histories

Personal Attributes

• Empathy and Sensitivity: A genuine commitment to student well-being, with an understanding of the unique challenges faced by young artists and performers
• Collaborative Leadership: Ability to inspire and lead a diverse team, working effectively with academic and artistic departments to support holistic student development
• Resilience and Adaptability: Capable of navigating and leading during times of change, maintaining calm and focus in high-pressure situations
• Passion for the Arts: An appreciation for the arts and an understanding of the impact of arts education on personal and artistic growth

Application Materials Required:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Job Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation, Sick, Holiday and generous winter holiday time off
• Life insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short and long-term disability
• Employee development & tuition reimbursement programs
• Defined contribution 401(a) plan, managed by TIAA
• Free or discounted employee tickets to Interlochen performances and events *some exceptions apply
• Early event ticket purchase before general public sales begin
• Free Stone Cafeteria meal on shift
• Dennison Recreation Center accessibility (includes spouses)
• Priority access to Interlochen employees at Pitter Patter Day Care Center (less than one mile from campus)
• Employee Referral Program (cash payments)
• Tuition discounts for employee’s children at Academy, Camp and Interlochen Online
• Parental leave (12 weeks paid for Pregnancy/Maternity/Childbirth leave, 6 weeks paid for Parental leave).

Interlochen is proud to provide priority placement at Pitter Patter Preschool & Childcare located in the Interlochen Community Center, near our campus, for employees’ dependents. In addition, Interlochen employees may be eligible for the MI Tri-Share Program. This program shares the cost of childcare between the state of Michigan, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the employee (The employee will only pay 1/3 of the total cost, if eligible). Income guidelines and more information about MI Tri-Share can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/mwc/initiatives/mi-tri-share-child-care.

Core Values

• Just An Idea reflects Interlochen’s commitment to innovation, honoring its legacy of groundbreaking ideas while continuing to pioneer new advancements in the arts and education.
• Drawn Here emphasizes the passion that unites Interlochen’s diverse community, bringing together students, staff, alumni, and supporters in a shared mission to elevate and inspire through the arts.
• The Artist’s Journey highlights the nurturing environment Interlochen provides, supporting artists from potential to mastery through creativity, discipline, and a dedication to growth.
• Solo e Tutti captures the balance of individuality and collaboration, celebrating both personal artistic development and the power of working together to create meaningful, impactful work.

These Core Values guide everything we do at Interlochen, fostering a workplace that seamlessly marries tradition with innovation; art with nature; and collaboration with personal achievement. Joining our community means making a lasting impact while embracing the unique creative spirit that defines our culture.

Interlochen Center for the Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion (religious creed), age, disability status, genetics, pregnancy, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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