Position Summary

Michigan State University, a top research institution in East Lansing, Michigan, invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for its next associate vice president (AVP) for residential and hospitality services (RHS). This is an on-site leadership role.

Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 169 years. A top global university, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery to make a better world while providing students with life-changing opportunities. MSU ranks among the top ten public universities for education abroad, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Spartans work together as part of a vibrant global campus community, creating partnerships around the world and making a lasting impact from East Lansing to East Africa.

Reporting to the executive vice president for administration (EVPA), the associate vice president (AVP) for residential and hospitality services (RHS) provides visionary leadership for MSU’s integrated residential, dining, and hospitality operations. The role oversees a service portfolio with a $300+ million annual operating budget, housing for approximately 20,000 students and families, and culinary services serving 50,000 meals daily. The AVP will also be responsible for various hospitality and auxiliary services, including the retail outlets, catering services, conferences, and recreational venues such as a student wellness and recreation center, golf courses, tennis facilities, and a student events and sports center.

The salary range for this position: Commensurate with experience. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters

Desired Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

A master's degree in business administration, higher education administration, hospitality management, or a related field and 10 years of progressive leadership experience in housing, dining, or other auxiliary operations are required. The successful candidate must also have proven financial management, strategic planning, and operational oversight expertise. Additionally, a candidate must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and strong leadership skills to manage complex teams and encourage collaboration.

Desired Qualifications

A doctorate in a relevant field, experience at a major research university, and knowledge of trends in sustainable facilities management, digital transformation, and student success and well-being are preferred. A preferred candidate will also have experience leading large-scale capital improvement projects.

Required Application Materials

• CV
• Cover Letter

Special Instructions

Michigan State University has selected Spelman Johnson, a leading executive search firm, to assist with leading this search. Review of applications will begin March 3, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. Submit a resume and cover letter via https://spelmanandjohnson.com/position/associate-vice-president-for-residential-and-hospitality-services/

• Contact Julie A. Leos, at [email protected] or Mark Hall, at [email protected] for confidential inquiries.
• Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email [email protected].

For an extensive overview of the position, visit the Spelman Johnson website at Associate Vice President for Residential and Hospitality Services - Spelman Johnson

Review of Applications Begins On

03/03/2025

Department Statement

Michigan State University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, nondiscrimination and, in the context of employment, affirmative action. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, political persuasion, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, height, weight, veteran status, age or familial status.  The university is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.  In carrying out this commitment, the university is guided by the applicable federal and state laws and regulations and policies adopted by the Board of Trustees.

The university has a comprehensive employment Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) that includes placement goals for academic and support staff employment and an affirmative action policy for the employment of veterans and persons with disabilities.  The Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion oversees the AAP by reviewing individual academic and support staff hiring recommendations and advises the President and other university administrators on equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion matters.

MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.  The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

Connections working at Michigan State University