Director of Student Engagement and Student Union

The Opportunity

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Prescott is seeking a dynamic and student-centered leader to serve as the Director of Student Engagement & Student Union during an exciting period of campus growth. As a member of the Leadership Team within the Division of Student Affairs, the Director plays a key role in shaping the student experience through leadership development, campus traditions, student involvement, and community building.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape student life at a growing institution, including participation in the anticipated opening of a new Student Union designed to serve as the heart of campus life. With a growing student population, the Director will have the opportunity to strengthen programs, build traditions, and create meaningful engagement opportunities that foster student belonging and success.

The Director provides strategic oversight for Orientation, Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), fraternity and sorority life, leadership programs, campus-wide events, and Parent & Family Programs, while also overseeing the daily operations of the Student Union. The role supervises two full-time staff members and approximately 60 student staff, providing leadership in recruitment, training, supervision, and program development.

This is a full-time, twelve month, exempt position.

Job Duties

Administrative Oversight

• Provide vision, mission, and purpose for the Department within the Division of Student Affairs, the Dean of Students leadership team, and the ERAU-Prescott Campus.
• Provide supervision, leadership, and administrative oversight to Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs), student events that fall within the purview of the department, Fraternity and Sorority Life, student leadership programs, Parent and Family Programs, and fall and spring Orientation programs for students.
• Oversee the advising of all Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs); meet with and train student leaders and advisors as necessary.
• Create and present workshops for students, organizations, and advisors.
• Assist with the administration of the student organization conduct process in collaboration with the Dean of Students Office.
• Serve as the campus administrator for the university’s student organization management software, currently CampusGroups, which serves as the database for student organizations and events.
• Plan and schedule activities throughout the year to create social and developmental learning opportunities for students.
• Serve as a key member of the Campus Events Committee.
• Create, manage, and adjust operational budgets for the Department and Orientation programs.
• Serve as the Budget Manager for the Department.
• Responsible for departmental and divisional assessment efforts.
• Review and update departmental policies and procedures; assist in the periodic review and update of relevant campus policies and publications including the Student Handbook.
• Stay current on regional and national trends in student affairs, student engagement, and student activities in higher education.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Responsible for the recruitment, selection, and training of all departmental staff, including two full-time, master’s-level assistant directors and numerous student staff.
• Meet regularly with the department and individually with professional staff to provide guidance and supervision.
• Conduct evaluations regularly with professional staff, including annual formal evaluations; oversee and implement the evaluation process for student staff.
• Create and implement individualized and department-wide professional development opportunities for professional and student staff.

Orientation Programs

• Responsible for leading, conceptualizing, developing, and implementing fall and spring Orientation programs for students.
• Recruit, select, train, and supervise over 40 student Orientation Leaders (OLs).
• Coordinate effectively with various campus stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of Orientation programs, including stakeholders from academic affairs, the campus events committee, facilities, the Chancellor’s Office, and ROTC.
• Participate in planning in the Campus Opening Committee for planning the start of the fall and spring semesters.

Student Leadership Development

• Serve as an advisor to specific student organizations, including the Student Government Association (SGA), as assigned.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement campus-wide leadership development programs for students.
• Plan, organize, manage, promote, and host an annual campus-wide leadership awards/recognition ceremony.

Student Union Operations

• Responsible for Student Union desk operations, including the selection, management, training, and scheduling of student employees.
• Manage building operations, usage, Capital and Work Order requests to ensure appropriate facility quality and welcoming student environment.
• Ensure that Student Union services are provided effectively and within operational budgets.
• Oversee the management of Student Union games, game systems, and other entertainment equipment.
• Maintain open communication with other stakeholders (e.g. Sodexo) who operate programs and services in the building.
• Maintain Student Union and Department controlled bulletin boards.
• Provide leadership for the building in emergencies.
• Provide leadership as needed in the development, building, and opening of new Student Union facilities on campus.

Additional Support to the Division of Student Affairs, Campus, and University

• Ensure Departmental participation on the conduct committee.
• Serve as a conduct officer hearing low, medium, and high-level cases in accordance with the student conduct procedures set forth in the Student Handbook.
• Ensure Departmental participation on the CARES/Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT); utilize staff to carry out interventions assigned by CARES/BIT and update the database in a timely manner.
• Ensure that staff properly address and document student conduct and student of concern cases; following up appropriately and providing case oversight as needed.
• Serve on and/or provide leadership for relevant campus or university committees as assigned.
• Assist the Dean of Students and other officials as needed with relevant projects or tasks as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise two full-time professional staff.
• Directly and indirectly supervise over 60 paraprofessional staff, including Orientation Leaders (OLs) and student employees.

Please note the following:

• Long hours, evening, and weekend hours may be required.
• Travel is minimal and typically related to a conference.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree.

Required skills, knowledge, and abilities

• Minimum of 5-10 years experience in student engagement, student activities, and/or working with recognized student organizations.
• Strong organizational, technology, supervisory, and administrative skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of student development theory and leadership education.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across campus.

Preferred

• Experience as a student conduct officer
• Experience supervising full-time professional staff
• Experience with on-line management software (e.g. CampusGroups, Maxient, etc.)
• Involvement in local, state, and/or national professional student activities organization(s)

To submit your application for this opportunity, please visit the Embry-Riddle Career Site and search for requisition number R311626. Please attach all relevant materials to your application when you apply online. Complete submissions include: Cover letter, Full CV, Contact information for at least three professional references (please note that references may be contacted as part of the interview/screening process).