PRIMARY PURPOSE

The Associate Director of Student Engagement supports the creation and maintenance of an engaging, vibrant, and transformative student experience. Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement & Experiential Learning within the Student Engagement office, the Associate Director provides leadership, planning, and day-to-day management of signature programs that encourage student involvement and co-create an exceptional campus experience.

The Associate Director contributes to the development and implementation of strategies that align with retention, persistence, and experiential learning best practices in support of the College’s and Division’s strategic goals. This role supports the adoption of best practices responsive to trends in student success, programming, and administrative operations. The Associate Director collaborates closely with offices across the Division of Student Life, Facilities, Business and Finance, and Faculty to plan, coordinate, and market signature programs and events while fostering a safe, educational, and inclusive campus environment.

The ideal candidate will possess strong relationship-building, organizational, event management, and leadership skills, along with experience coordinating complex programs in a collaborative and student-centered environment. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at strategic planning, communication across diverse constituencies, supervision and development of student staff, problem solving, operational coordination, and fostering an inclusive, educational, and welcoming campus community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Planning and Coordination of Signature Programs & Events

Leads campus and external partners in strategic planning, marketing, and execution of special events and signature programs, including but not limited to: New Student Orientation, Parents Preview, and Welcome Week; CAS Commencement; Peer Leadership Collective Summit; and major student-initiated events.
Partners with AVP in budgeting, tracking, and expense allocation for New Student Orientation, CAS Commencement, Student Engagement, Peer Leadership Collective, and other Signature Programs and Events.

Student Government Support

Assists AVP with oversight and support of student government, serving as the advisor to multiple student government committees and cabinet positions
Serves in a rotational support structure with AVP and Graduate Assistant(s) to provide in-person support at student government meetings.

Leadership and Support in the Office of Student Engagement

Collaborates with AVP to support Student Engagement office operations, including: training of undergraduate and graduate staff; the approval of student organization travel, purchases, reimbursements, and payments; event management, risk management; and administration of policies and procedures in accordance with the missions of the College and the Division of Student Life.
Assists AVP in providing leadership and support to recognized student organizations, including: training and support for student leaders and student organization advisors.
Serves as a college liaison to vendors, agents, artists, and promoters for campus programming, representing the College in contract negotiation and implementation.
Assists AVP with the development and direction of the Student Center Advisory Board, Student Center Operations, and Dining Experience Committee.
Assists with departmental assessment with particular attention to programmatic evaluations, service delivery, and learning outcomes.
Collaborates with AVP and student staff to analyze and improve departmental service delivery and programming effectiveness.
Serves as the office lead in the absence or request of the AVP, Student Engagement.
Serves on divisional and institutional committees to represent the Division of Student Life, as directed by the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement.

Supervision

Hires, trains, and supervises NSO Student Director and NSO Student Assistant positions to assist with NSO development and implementation.
Leads recruiting, selection process, and training for New Student Peer Mentors (NSPMs) to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for new students that values diversity and aids NSPMs in building supportive relationships that help new students navigate their first-year of college.
In partnership with AVP, hires, trains, and supports Student Engagement graduate and undergraduate student workers.
Establishes and maintains a diverse, inclusive, and productive team through the encouragement and building of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among student employees

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

Superior relationship-building skills that foster trust, collaboration, and positive engagement across campus communities. Superior customer service and interpersonal skills grounded in professionalism, responsiveness, and care for others. Superior initiative and independent decision-making skills while maintaining alignment with institutional priorities and leadership direction. Superior commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and supportive workplace and campus environment for individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through in a fast-paced environment. Excellent knowledge of event planning, operational coordination, and large-scale program management. Excellent project management skills that support balancing multiple priorities, timelines, interruptions, and competing demands. Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a wide range of students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, vendors, and community partners. Excellent discretion, professionalism, and judgment when handling sensitive or confidential information. Strong knowledge of student engagement practices, student development principles, and higher education programming models. Strong adaptability and resilience while navigating evolving priorities, operational needs, and campus environments. Proficient knowledge of risk management practices, institutional policy application, and student organization support processes. Proficient financial and budget tracking skills related to program planning, purchasing, reimbursements, and expense allocation. Proficient skills using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace applications, and institutional software systems for communication, scheduling, reporting, and operational coordination.

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree
Three years of professional experience with history leading student-centered programs, campus events, leadership initiatives, or related community engagement activities
Experience coordinating complex programs or events involving multiple stakeholders, timelines, and operational priorities
Experience supervising, training, mentoring, or supporting young adults, peer leaders, or volunteer teams
Experience building collaborative relationships with external partners
Experience supporting inclusive communities and fostering welcoming environments for individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences
Experience managing competing priorities and operational responsibilities in fast-paced environments
Experience applying professional judgment, problem solving, and decision-making in student-facing or service-oriented settings

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling, leadership, education, or a related field
Five years of professional experience with history leading student engagement programs, orientation programs, campus events, leadership initiatives, or related student-facing operations
Experience supporting student government, student organizations, or leadership development programs
Experience coordinating orientation programs, commencement programs, or large-scale campus events
Experience managing budgets, financial tracking, purchasing, reimbursements, or operational planning processes

WORK SCHEDULE

Full Time, Benefit Eligible. Schedule: Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week. This position requires flexibility to support student engagement programming and campus events, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends throughout the academic year. Travel: Occasional local travel may be required to support campus programs, events, training, or institutional activities. Hybrid/Remote: This position is primarily in person on the undergraduate campus, with limited hybrid flexibility based on departmental needs and College policy.

PAY RATE

FLSA Status: Exempt. Starting at $65,000 per year, with consideration for experience