What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice Chancellor for Student Life position at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Posting Description
VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT LIFE, (Full-time) Division of Student Life , serves as the senior leader responsible for shaping the student experience outside the classroom and advancing a holistic, “whole student” vision of student development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); oversees a broad portfolio of student-facing programs and services, including residential life, dining, student organizations, wellness and support services, athletics and recreation, and shared campus spaces; articulates and executes a forward-looking vision for student life that aligns with MIT’s mission and evolving student needs; modernizes key auxiliary services such as housing and dining; strengthens student support and integration; fosters inclusive, supportive campus communities grounded in well-being and belonging; and ensures co-curricular programs contribute meaningfully to students’ intellectual, social, and personal development.
Reporting to the Chancellor, works closely with senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, and alumni in a highly collaborative and shared governance environment; oversees crisis management, student safety, and emergency preparedness; ensures coordinated, compassionate, and effective responses to student needs; manages complex operational units and financial resources; strengthens fiscal sustainability across dining, residential, and other auxiliary enterprises; partners with advancement to align philanthropic investment with student priorities; and builds strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Heads of House and student leaders, to ensure alignment and effectiveness across the Division of Student Life.
The anticipated salary range is $475,000 - $570,000 and will be commensurate with experience
Job Requirements
REQUIRED : Bachelor’s degree; significant senior leadership experience in student affairs, higher education administration, or a related field; demonstrated success developing and executing strategic vision in complex organizations; experience managing large-scale operations, budgets, and auxiliary services such as housing and dining; ability to lead collaboratively within a shared governance environment; strong crisis management experience and commitment to student well-being; demonstrated ability to build inclusive communities and support diverse student populations; financial acumen; and excellent written and verbal communication skills. PREFERRED : Advanced degree; experience in a research-intensive university environment; demonstrated success integrating academic and co-curricular experiences; experience working with undergraduate and graduate students; familiarity with emerging trends in student development and higher education; and experience engaging in fundraising or advancement activities.
All inquiries, nominations/referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be sent electronically and in confidence to Isaacson, Miller at https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/massachusetts-institute-technology/vice-chancellor-student-life
4/9/2026
VICE CHANCELLOR FOR STUDENT LIFE, (Full-time) Division of Student Life , serves as the senior leader responsible for shaping the student experience outside the classroom and advancing a holistic, “whole student” vision of student development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); oversees a broad portfolio of student-facing programs and services, including residential life, dining, student organizations, wellness and support services, athletics and recreation, and shared campus spaces; articulates and executes a forward-looking vision for student life that aligns with MIT’s mission and evolving student needs; modernizes key auxiliary services such as housing and dining; strengthens student support and integration; fosters inclusive, supportive campus communities grounded in well-being and belonging; and ensures co-curricular programs contribute meaningfully to students’ intellectual, social, and personal development.
Reporting to the Chancellor, works closely with senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, and alumni in a highly collaborative and shared governance environment; oversees crisis management, student safety, and emergency preparedness; ensures coordinated, compassionate, and effective responses to student needs; manages complex operational units and financial resources; strengthens fiscal sustainability across dining, residential, and other auxiliary enterprises; partners with advancement to align philanthropic investment with student priorities; and builds strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Heads of House and student leaders, to ensure alignment and effectiveness across the Division of Student Life.
The anticipated salary range is $475,000 - $570,000 and will be commensurate with experience
Job Requirements
REQUIRED : Bachelor’s degree; significant senior leadership experience in student affairs, higher education administration, or a related field; demonstrated success developing and executing strategic vision in complex organizations; experience managing large-scale operations, budgets, and auxiliary services such as housing and dining; ability to lead collaboratively within a shared governance environment; strong crisis management experience and commitment to student well-being; demonstrated ability to build inclusive communities and support diverse student populations; financial acumen; and excellent written and verbal communication skills. PREFERRED : Advanced degree; experience in a research-intensive university environment; demonstrated success integrating academic and co-curricular experiences; experience working with undergraduate and graduate students; familiarity with emerging trends in student development and higher education; and experience engaging in fundraising or advancement activities.
All inquiries, nominations/referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be sent electronically and in confidence to Isaacson, Miller at https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/massachusetts-institute-technology/vice-chancellor-student-life
4/9/2026
Salary : $475,000 - $570,000