The unique nature and mission of community colleges directly shapes the role and function of a senior student affairs officer (SSAO). Broadly, the community college mission is shaped by a vision of fulfilling several commitments to local communities. This includes admitting all applicants through an open access admissions policy and providing comprehensive educational programs leading to associate's degrees, career and technical education, basic skills education, certificates, and the transfer pathway to baccalaureate-granting institutions, as well as lifelong learning courses. This chapter will discuss the role of the SSAO within a community college organizational structure. Career paths will be explored including competencies needed in this role. Implications include promising practices for aspiring SSAOs as well as recommendations for search committees who must no longer neglect SSAOs as potential presidents.