Assistant Director, Student Government Engagement and Success

Job Details

Assistant Director, Student Government Engagement and Success

Department: SGES/Student Life

Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing

Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 per year

Compensation Band: OS-OA06-Fiscal Year 2025-2026

FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

April 6, 2026 (updated); position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

A complete application will include both of the following:

1. A resume with months and years
2. A cover letter explaining how applicant's meet or exceed the qualifications

Department Summary

The Division of Student Life supports the university's academic mission and strategic plan through comprehensive programs and services that promote and advance student learning and success while fostering an inclusive and vibrant campus community. Student Life includes four major portfolios, the Office of the Dean of Students, Experiential Learning & Engagement, Health & Wellbeing, and Division Administration. Key programs and departments within the division include but are not limited to University Health Services, Erb Memorial Union, Physical Education & Recreation, Parent and Family Programs, Major Student Events (Commencement, Homecoming, University Day), Fraternity and Sorority Life, Counseling, Health Promotion, Multicultural and Identity Based Support Services, Student Government Engagement & Success, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and Support for Students in Crisis and Students of Concern. Student Government Engagement and Success (SGES) coordinates the operations, support and continuity for the university's student government, the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO), and for student leaders within ASUO-Recognized Student Organizations. The ASUO serves as the "dive-in" point for student leadership and engagement at UO and in the greater community. ASUO's Legislative and Executive Branches are responsible for recognizing and serving over 230 student organizations whose members interact with ASUO officials, SGES staff, UO departments, and ASUO/UO policy on a regular basis. In addition, ASUO officials recommend the allocation of approximately $14 million in student incidental fees through an annual budget process that requires the approval of the University President and Board of Trustees. This position works collaboratively across academic and student life units to align engagement and experiential learning initiatives with the university's strategic plan and the AVP/ELE's vision for enhancing student success and flourishing.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Student Government Engagement and Success (SGES) provides leadership and strategic support for initiatives that strengthen student engagement, student organization success, and student leadership development across the university. Reporting to the Director of SGES, this position helps guide the department's vision and operations, contributes to decisions affecting programs and services, and assumes the Director's responsibilities when needed. The Assistant Director oversees key service areas related to student leadership and financial advising, develops assessment and communication strategies, and ensures that services align with university expectations and best practices in co-curricular learning. A central part of this role is developing student centered programs that inspire and equip student leaders, enrich the campus environment, and support an inclusive and welcoming community. The position collaborates closely with campus partners, participates on committees, and helps create service models that enhance the student experience and advance departmental goals. The Assistant Director supervises two professional staff members as well as student employees, providing guidance, training, and support to strengthen program delivery and organizational performance. The role advises elected officers within the Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) and student organizations recognized by ASUO, offering day to day leadership, problem solving, and interpretation of policies and regulations. They coordinate educational initiatives, guide student leaders through decision making processes, and support risk management and compliance efforts for student organization activity. The position helps facilitate the incidental fee allocation process, partners with advisors who support ASUO's committees and senate, and contributes to campus wide events and recognition programs. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, the ability to evaluate programs and use data to inform decisions, and a commitment to working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The Assistant Director must balance multiple priorities in a fast paced environment, build effective relationships, and exercise sound judgment to support students, staff, and the broader campus community.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three years' experience in co-curricular development within a higher education environment.
• Experience with program evaluation and strategic decision-making.

Professional Competencies

• Understanding of student leadership development in higher education - including ability to provide day-to-day leadership, advice and support to students and employees in a student-centered, student development-focused manner.
• Ability to measure and evaluate programs and services, using a variety of techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical and planning skills with proven ability to prioritize and multi-task.
• Experience with or ability to improve organizational performance and utilize outcome-based decision making skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, in support of an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Ability to facilitate trainings for students and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree with emphasis in leadership, organizational development or assessment.
• Advising experience, preferably in a college or university setting.
• Experience coordinating program evaluation, including the design of survey instruments, collection of data, and reporting of results.