The University of Washington (UW), a top-ranked public research university and the flagship institution among Washington state’s six public universities, is seeking a visionary and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the Assistant Vice President for Student Life and Executive Director of Housing & Food Services (AVP). With extensive experience in residence life, campus dining, and retail operations, the next AVP should demonstrate a deep commitment to fostering students’ holistic development through innovative and responsive housing and dining programs that align with UW’s mission and goals.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader with outstanding team building and communication skills, an adaptable approach to higher education’s evolving needs and opportunities, and a proven track record in managing complex operations, including budget oversight, staff management, and facilities operations. This position requires a student-centered leader who will thrive in developing strong partnerships across campus and will show a deep respect for and dedication to fostering an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity.

About the University of Washington

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Driven by a mission to serve the greater good, students, faculty, and staff tackle today’s most pressing challenges with courage and creativity, making a difference across Washington state—and around the world. The UW comprises campuses in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma, as well as a world-class medical center serving the state and the region. Each year, the UW inspires more than 60,000 students to learn from renowned experts in their fields. As a “best buy” public university, the goal is to make higher education accessible for all. The UW has been recognized as the #1 most innovative public university in the world and is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.

About the Role

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Life, the AVP provides enterprising leadership for the University of Washington’s on-campus student housing and dining programs. Housing & Food Services (HFS) is a $170M auxiliary operation, supporting 9,500 students across approximately 3.6 million square feet of housing accommodations and operating 18 dining venues that serve both residential and campus communities. This position establishes the strategic direction, philosophical foundations, and operational framework for HFS, ensuring program efficiency, financial sustainability, and high satisfaction rates. As part of the Division of Student Life, the AVP will drive impactful contributions to the university’s mission and enhance the overall student experience; leading HFS in providing pathways for student success and purposefully confronting and dismantling existing physical, social, and psychological barriers for minoritized students and communities, while learning and demonstrating cultural humility.

Key responsibilities include: providing strategic leadership and representing HFS in key university and community engagements; driving organizational effectiveness through budget oversight, compliance, program assessments, and resource development; supervising and developing HFS functional unit leaders across diverse areas such as dining, housing, facilities, financial services, and IT; and leading strategic planning to support long-term departmental health and alignment with university enrollment and operational goals.

Required Qualifications

• A master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education, Student Personnel Administration, Higher Education Leadership, MBA, or related field
• A minimum of seven years of experience providing leadership to a multifaceted student housing organization, including occupancy management, facilities management, budget development, and supervision of full-time professional staff
• Demonstrated commitment to student engagement and leadership development
• Demonstrated success in developing productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in higher education or related field and 10 years of experience leading a multifaceted campus housing program
• Experience at a R1 public university
• Experience with major facilities renovation or new construction
• Experience interacting with executive leadership

Benefits Overview

The anticipated hiring range is $195,000 – $210,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience. The University of Washington offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including a variety of health option plans and generous retirement options.

Application Process

The University of Washington has partnered with Keeling & Associates in this search process. Application materials should include a resume/CV and a cover letter and must be sent, preferably as PDFs, to recruiting@keelingassociates.com. The subject line of the email should read “UW – AVP, HFS.” The review of applications will be ongoing with those materials received by January 7, 2025, receiving full consideration. The search will continue until the position is filled.

Confidential inquiries and nominations are welcome and should be directed to LeAnna Rice at lrice@keelingassociates.com.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.