Associate Vice President of Community Health & Well-Being - Division of Student Affairs

Carnegie Mellon University is pleased to announce the national search for the Associate Vice President of Community Health and Well-Being (AVP).

CMU’s Division of Student Affairs is deeply rooted in an ethic of care and distinguished by its relational, collaborative, and responsive approach to serving students. CMU's commitment to holistic student development creates a vibrant, inclusive environment where students are supported in pursuing both their boldest aspirations and their everyday well-being.

The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of over 20 departments and units, staffed by 240 full-time and 20 part-time positions, 50 seasonal coaches and instructional staff, and students. The Division is widely recognized for its culture of care and accessibility between students and staff. Community members consistently praise the responsiveness of administrators and their willingness to engage directly with student concerns. Collaborative relationships with faculty and academic units further enhance student support, creating an environment where students feel heard and valued. This relational culture is a defining strength of CMU.

The AVP will advance the University’s vision that prioritizes health and well-being as a foundation for lifelong success. The AVP leads a talented team of experts working in Counseling & Psychological Services (CaPS), University Health Services (UHS), and Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs (WMM). Together with their team, the AVP will lead the delivery of programs, services, education, and related resources that advance and support student health and well-being. The AVP will capitalize on the University’s forward progress and share Carnegie Mellon’s core values of dedication, collaboration, and creativity, supporting a campus culture known for an intensive and engaged approach to human development, problem solving, and real-world impact.

About Community Health & Well-Being

Carnegie Mellon University’s Community Health & Well‐Being (CHWB) advances a comprehensive, student‐centered approach to wellness grounded in the National Institutes of Health’s definition of wellness as an active, intentional process of choices that support a healthy and fulfilling life. Serving approximately 16,000 undergraduate and graduate students, CHWB provides high‐quality, cost‐effective medical care, mental health and counseling services, health promotion, and educational outreach that address the full spectrum of student well‐being, from physical and mental health to relationships, community connections, and daily life skills. CHWB is comprised of approximately 70 full and part-time staff and 45 CMU students, interns, and trainees.

Counseling & Psychological Services offers professional mental health care, consultation, case management, crisis response, and education through a highly qualified team with expertise in the diverse psychological needs of college students. As a member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), CaPS also supports a robust American Psychological Association (APA)- accredited doctoral internship clinical training program. CaPS also manages the Higher Education Response Team (HEART), which provides co-response with the CMU Police Department to mental health emergencies.

University Health Services is fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and delivers a comprehensive range of student‐focused clinical and preventive services, including management of a robust student health insurance program, preventive health screenings, nutrition counseling and education, vaccinations, prescription refills, and more.

Wellness & Meaning-Making Programs comprises Wellness Initiatives and Religious & Spiritual Life. Staff in this department work in partnership with campus and community resources to offer a wide array of workshops, personal development opportunities, community-connection events, and services to support the student experience. Holistic health programs are also offered for the entire CMU community, including faculty, staff, and students.

Overview of the Role:

Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, the AVP will advance the University’s vision that prioritizes health and well-being as a foundation for lifelong success. The AVP will lead a talented team of experts working in Counseling & Psychological Services (CaPS), University Health Services (UHS), and Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs (WMM). This senior university leadership role will facilitate a framework for developing a visionary, forward-thinking approach to providing integrated, holistic health and well-being that engenders a common responsibility for individual and community health that will be a cornerstone of the CMU experience.

The AVP will capitalize on the University’s forward progress and share Carnegie Mellon’s core values of dedication, collaboration, and creativity, supporting a campus culture known for an intensive and engaged approach to human development, problem solving, and real-world impact.

In this role, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership and visionary direction of a multidisciplinary team and will champion the directors of Counseling & Psychological Services, University Health Services, and Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs in their successful management of operations and the advancement of programs and services. In addition, the AVP provides co-leadership of the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics that opened in Fall 2024.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership for a center that prides itself on the delivery of care, resources, and programs.
• Supervise and manage department head direct reports: Executive Director, Counseling and Psychological Services; Executive Director, University Health Services; and Director, Wellness and Meaning-Making Programs.
• Lead strategic planning efforts.
• Provide expertise to support the University’s case management and care team that manages behavioral intervention responsibilities through an individual student success and self-advocacy model.
• Assist in fundraising and grant-writing efforts in support of the new facility and ongoing programs.
• Develop and coordinate a strategic campus outreach and communication plan to convey University priorities, resources, and opportunities to support a vision for health and well-being.
• Support campus emergency preparedness and response.
• Develop and maintain intentional collaborative relationships to promote teamwork and advance the priorities of the Division and University.
• Serve as a core member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team; provide counsel on matters related to the health and well-being of students and the campus community to institutional leadership.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELL-BEING

To be successful, the Associate Vice President will address the following key opportunities and challenges:

• Foster a unifying strategic vision for community health and well-being
• Expand awareness of community health and well-being resources
• Champion health and well-being as foundational to student and academic success
• Advance a culture of collaboration related to student well-being
• Steward resources and operations strategically
• Provide inspiring and supportive leadership to a committed and high-functioning team

For additional information on each of these key opportunities, please view the position profile listed on the Isaacson, Miller website.

We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

• An understanding of the differences and commonalities that will be necessary for student engagement that serves both undergraduate and graduate students
• Demonstrated commitment to the fostering of a diverse and inclusive student community
• Proficiency and competence in working in a globally-minded and international campus environment
• Exceptional communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Facility in analyzing data to develop and assess programs to drive change and innovation
• Highest personal and professional integrity
• Adaptable and able to function effectively in a complex environment and work with all stakeholders within and outside of the institution
• Intellectually curious and open-minded; motivated and energized by a talented and high-performing student body
• Strategic leader able to engage with diverse stakeholders

QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTERISTICS

Education:

The minimum educational qualifications include a master's degree in health, counseling, wellness, student affairs administration, higher education, or an appropriately related field. A terminal degree in a related field is preferred.

Professional Background & Experience:

• At least seven (7) years of relevant progressive leadership and a track record of success in management and supervision of health, mental health, health promotion, or a closely related area of health care practice and administration.
• Ability to articulate, integrate, and implement health and counseling models and standards of professional practice and licensure appropriate to a university setting, evidenced by previous experience.
• Knowledge of local, regional, and national issues, trends, and best practice standards in primary health care, health promotion and prevention, mental health, health insurance, and managed care, as well as of national certification and accreditation requirements.
• Proven record of success and commitment to working with a globally diverse student body.   
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic objectives, motivate and develop staff, effectively manage resources, and cultivate strong collaborative relationships with multiple constituent groups.
• Evidence of innovation through partnerships, projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, and critical thinking skills are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and direct experience in a college or university student health, mental health, or health promotion setting.
• Experience in dealing with public health issues, crisis management, and emergency response.
• Experience with behavioral intervention teams.
• Grant writing experience

A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.  Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check, including Child Protection Clearances (Act 153)

NOMINATION & APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Carnegie Mellon University has engaged Isaacson, Miller to assist in this important search.

While this position is posted in Workday for visibility, all applications, nominations, and inquiries should be submitted via the  Isaacson, Miller website.

Applications should include a cover letter and a CV/resume.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

University Administration and Management

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information: