Director of Student Engagement and Events

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Student Engagement and Events provide strategic leadership for the University's comprehensive student engagement program by developing meaningful co-curricular experiences that foster student success, leadership development, school spirit, campus traditions, and a strong sense of belonging. The Director oversees campus programming, major institutional events, student organizations, Student Government Association (SGA), the Campus Activities Board (CAB), leadership initiatives, and student involvement efforts. This position is responsible for creating innovative programming that enhances the student experience while supporting recruitment, retention, persistence, and graduation. The Director collaborates with academic and administrative departments to create a vibrant campus culture that promotes holistic student development.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for all student engagement initiatives.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive campus engagement strategy aligned with the University's strategic plan.
• Establish measurable goals, learning outcomes, and assessment plans for student engagement.
• Serve as a member of the Student Life leadership team.
• Prepare annual reports, assessment data, and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.

Campus Programming & Events

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate a comprehensive calendar of campus events throughout the academic year.

• Lead the planning and execution of major institutional programs including:

• Week of Welcome

• New Student Orientation

• Homecoming

• Leadership Retreats

• Cultural Heritage Month Program

• Late-Night Programmin

• Student Appreciation Events

• Commencement-related student activities

• Oversee event logistics including contracts, vendors, risk management, budgeting, reservations, and event staffing.

• Ensure all events promote student engagement, inclusion, and campus traditions.

Student Organizations

• Oversee the recognition, development, and support of all registered student organizations.
• Advise student leaders regarding organizational management, budgeting, event planning, and leadership development.
• Develop policies and procedures governing student organizations.
• Facilitate annual student organization registration and officer transitions.
• Promote student organization recruitment and involvement opportunities.

Student Government Association (SGA)

• Serve as the primary advisor to the Student Government Association.
• Guide student leaders in governance, leadership, budgeting, advocacy, and programming.
• Assist with elections, officer transitions, constitutional compliance, and leadership training.
• Support SGA initiatives that enhance the student experience and campus community.

Campus Activities Board (CAB)

• Provide direct oversight and advise the Campus Activities Board.
• Support student leaders in planning engaging social, educational, cultural, and entertainment programming.
• Assist in developing innovative programming responsive to student interests.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of CAB budgets and resources.

Leadership Development

• Develop leadership education initiatives for students.
• Coordinate leadership conferences, retreats, workshops, and training programs.
• Create opportunities for emerging and experienced student leaders to develop professional competencies.
• Promote civic engagement, service learning, and community involvement.

Student Involvement

• Develop strategies to increase student participation and campus involvement.
• Utilize engagement assessment tools to identify student interests and participation trends.
• Coordinate involvement fairs and student organization recruitment events.
• Promote engagement opportunities through effective communication and marketing.

Budget & Fiscal Management

• Develop and manage departmental operating budgets.
• Oversee funding allocations for student organizations, CAB, and SGA.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible fiscal management.
• Approve contracts, purchase requests, and vendor payments.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Educational Leadership, Counseling, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in university housing or residential life.
• Minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience.
• Experience managing budgets and housing occupancy.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis management and student conduct.
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and participate in an emergency on-call rotation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising multiple residence halls housing over 1,000 students.
• Experience with housing management software such as StarRez.
• Experience with assessment, accreditation, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of living-learning communities and residential curriculum models.
• Experience in facilities planning and capital improvement projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent conflict resolution and crisis management abilities.
• Knowledge of student development theory and higher education best practices.
• Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
• Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and student information systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout campus and residence halls.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to respond to emergencies during evenings and weekends.

Work Environment

The Director works in a dynamic higher education environment requiring frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, parents, and external partners. The position requires flexibility to respond to emergencies and participate in evening and weekend activities as needed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Director directly supervises:

• Associate Director(s) (if applicable)
• Student Engagement Coordinators
• Campus Activities Board Advisor/Coordinator
• Graduate Assistants
• Student Office Assistants
• Federal Work Studies
• Student Event Staff

Indirect supervision includes:

• Student Government Association Executive Board
• Campus Activities Board Executive Board
• Student Organization Leaders

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Full-Time | Exempt Administrative | Staff