The program provides an overview of the leadership demands of today's student affairs senior staff member along with strategies for moving up and maximizing options in an evolving higher education environment. The presentation outlines the concepts of intentionality and helps participants develop a road map for advancement, as well as offering concrete, tactical advice on how to professionally navigate the recruitment process, assess offers, and negotiate with success.

1. ADVANCEMENT PLANNING:
Primer for Student Affairs
Professionals
Valerie Szymkowicz
Senior Associate
SJG—The Spelman & Johnson Group
© 2010 SJG —The Spelman and Johnson Group

2. Leadership Demands
--Student Affairs
 Academic Credentials & Institutional Fit
 Critical Skills
 Leadership/ visionary orientation/innovation
 Strategic planning & change management
 Student conduct/legal issues/crisis management
 Staff development/supervision
 Budget planning/management/fundraising
 Knowledge of best practices
 Demonstrated commitment to diversity
 Also: political savvy & ability to engage wide range of
stakeholders

3. Other Critical Skills
 Oral communication & professional writing skills
 Program planning & implementation
 Assessment evaluation
 Ability to relate to multiple constituencies
 Ability to build cross-cultural understanding & cross-
organizational bridges
 Ability to effectively negotiate between competing demands
 Creative problem-solving & entrepreneurial thinking
 Understanding the brand identity of the institution