Associate Vice President for Student Success Services
(Administrator III)

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring salary is $150,000 - $165,000 per year and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the Associate Vice President for Student Success Services is responsible for providing vision and strategic leadership and management to services, initiatives, and programs focused on improving student retention and persistence through to timely degree completion. The incumbent is responsible for the research, development, implementation, coordination, and assessment of student success initiatives in the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. The AVP works with a team of directors to intentionally provide a broad base of student support programs, services and other opportunities to maximize students' personal development, academic, and career success. The AVP provides leadership and oversight to the following: Educational Opportunity Program, Learning Center (Tutoring Program, Supplemental Instruction, and Academic Coaching), Renaissance Scholars Program, Career Development Center, TRIO Student Support Services Program, TRIO Student Support Services Veterans, Dream Success Center, and other student success initiatives. The AVP participates in or leads cross-divisional initiatives to achieve the University's desired student success goals.

The AVP is an innovative leader responsible for designing and leading strategies that support the University's strategic plan and the new CSU Student Success Framework. The incumbent is expected to apply the principles of data-driven decision-making to identify, develop, and implement strategies that yield quantifiable and measurable outcomes.

Additionally, the incumbent performs a wide range of executive and high-level academic and operational duties of broad scope and complexity requiring outstanding professional ability, exceptional organizational skills, originality, mature judgment and a thorough knowledge of the academic and organizational structure of the campus. The AVP is a key player in advancing the university's mission to empower students for success.

Priorities the AVP is expected to address immediately:
1. Lead strategic planning and assessment efforts to advance the goals of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, the University, and the systemwide Student Success Framework.
2. Develop and implement comprehensive student success assessment plans that strengthen retention and graduation outcomes. Ensure reporting departments provide measurable, effective services aligned with these plans.
3. Collaborate with Academic Affairs and key stakeholders to research, design, and implement evidence-based strategies that enhance student achievement, retention, and overall success.
4. Oversee the effective use of budget allocations to support initiatives that directly enhance student success and academic progress.
5. Implement innovative approaches to expand student access to high-impact practices that improve course completion, retention, and student success outcomes, both during and after their Fresno State academic journeys.
6. Lead recommendations provided by the Retention Improvement Committee.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • Knowledge of program development, evaluation, budgeting, fiscal management, and human resource management.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective leadership, motivation and performance evaluation
  • Sound knowledge of student development theory and sensitivity to issues and needs of students from low-income, diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of national trends and best practices in student success.
  • Computer office systems and ability to use technology and software packages (Microsoft Office Suite, Google apps).
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Possess leadership qualities including effective motivation, supervision, delegation, planning and assessment skills.
  • Supervision skills with a proven ability to manage and lead a complex Student Affairs unit.
  • Provide leadership in the organization, implementation, and evaluation of programs and activities that support the personal and academic development of college students.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, interpret, evaluate and apply university and CSU rules, regulations and policies.
  • Conflict resolution skills with ability to analyze situations, identify feasible solutions and present recommendations in a concise, logical and systematic manner.
  • Exercise sound administrative judgment and initiative in the development of new methods and procedures and in the solution of difficult personnel problems.
  • Effectively train, mentor and communicate with staff, faculty, students and others.
  • Exercise logical decision-making and execute impactful improvements.
  • Use technology to enhance student services and success.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity with ability to foster an inclusive workplace and promote a positive and service-oriented collegial work environment.
  • Support the mission of the CSU, University, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
  • Develop and implement short and long-term plans and initiatives to meet established goals and advance the vision of the university.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, student service programs and/or teaching.
• Experience with leading a team of managers and student services professionals.
• Experience with program development, evaluation, budgeting, fiscal management, and human resource management.
  • Preferred Knowledge:
    • A doctorate-related field is preferred.
    • Experience in higher education with special student support programs and with program development, evaluation, fiscal management, and supervision.
    • Experience with web-based management systems such as PeopleSoft, Degree Progress Report (DPR), and Bulldog Connect.

Department Summary

The mission of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management is to connect all students with their full potential.
Our divisional mission supports the overarching Fresno State mission to “empower students for success through a transformative education rooted in active service with diverse communities” by implementing the experiential learning model, helping students to expand their perspectives and to prepare holistically for individual, interpersonal, career, and societal success.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by March 29, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)