Job description
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Head of Student Development reports to the Vice Provost for Academic Administration and leads the Student Development function, shaping a holistic ecosystem that helps students thrive academically, personally, socially, and professionally at VinUniversity. The position plays a central role in student belonging, retention, growth, and satisfaction.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership, Governance & Institutional Development (25%)
- Set the student development strategy and annual action plan, aligned with University goals and student NPS results.
- Manage the department budget and student funds (scholarships, financial aid, Giving to VinUni) in line with donor intent.
- Lead the organizational structure, staffing, and team development of the five units.
- Ensure compliance, data protection, and readiness for inspection and accreditation.
- Provide data and evidence for inspections, rankings, and student-support awards (e.g., THE Awards Asia), and represent the University with parents, partners, and donors.
Student Services & Operational Excellence (30%)
- Oversee academic records and registration: enrolment, scheduling, grades, graduation, and degree issuance, with accurate and secure data.
- Direct scholarships, need-based aid, and the Work-Study program with transparent criteria and controlled disbursement.
- Manage residence hall operations, the Resident Assistant (RA) team, and off-campus housing contracts.
- Guide library resources, databases, and learning spaces in coordination with the Colleges.
- Align Work-Study placements with student growth and employability through clear guidelines and performance monitoring.
- Oversee virtual and physical service touchpoints, including the campus merchandise store, with clear service-level agreements (SLAs) and continuous improvement based on student feedback.
- Student Experience, Engagement & Success (25%)
- Lead wellbeing, mental health, counseling, and crisis intervention programs, including the residence clinic and external referrals.
- Oversee residential life and sports, recreation, and wellness facilities as safe, inclusive living-learning spaces.
- Foster student leadership and engagement through the Student Council, clubs, leadership training, and fair club recognition and funding.
- Lead student success initiatives – OASIS orientation, advising, PASS, IDP, and the CCT platform – and early interventions for at-risk students.
- Promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and support international students with onboarding, visa services, and integration.
- Administer student conduct, discipline, and non-academic awards, promoting integrity and responsible citizenship.
- Strengthen student voice, intercultural understanding, community engagement, and campus traditions.
Digital Transformation, Data & Service Innovation (20%)
- Oversee the MyVinUni app, student portal, and digital channels for content quality, usability, and accessibility.
- Digitize academic, residential, and financial aid processes on the Digital University platform with IT.
- Lead AI-enabled services, including the 24/7 student virtual assistant (LEXCE AI).
- Use dashboards and analytics (NPS, SLAs, EWS, financial aid) to drive decisions and continuous improvement.
Requirements
- Graduate degree in a relevant discipline (management, education, psychology, or related); doctoral holders may be considered for a concurrent faculty appointment.
- 10+ years in student affairs or academic administration, including 5+ years in leadership roles managing multiple units.
- Proven skills in student development, planning, budgeting, and team management, with data-driven decision-making and crisis management.
- Knowledge of MOET regulations and fluent English.
- Resilience and collaborative problem-solving in a new university environment.
- Commitment to inter-professional education at undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate levels.
- Alignment with VinUni’s core values (EXCEL): Empathy, Exceptional Capability, Creativity, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Leadership Mindset.