Director of Student Engagement

The Director of Student Engagement is responsible for leadership and implementation of retention-focused initiatives that focus on belonging and community, co- and extra-curricular engagement, and personal and leadership development. This person oversees the operations of the Alvin C. Bush Campus Center, supervises Student Engagement Staff, oversees fiscal and budgetary management for various initiatives, programs, and support services provided through Student Engagement. In addition, this administrator supports revenue generation to support key aspects of the operation.

 

Full-time Employee Benefits include: medical and dental insurances, retirement plans, paid time off, educational benefits for employees and dependents at Penn College and Penn State University, and more. For additional information, click here.

EDUCATION

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Higher Education, Student Personnel, Student Development, Student Affairs, or related field. Required

EXPERIENCE

• Five years of successful experience in Student Activities or other related student engagement work. Required
• One (1) year experience with student activities programming, including contract negotiation. Required
• Two - Four (2-4) years' experience with orientation and leadership development programming. Preferred
• One - Three (1-3) years' experience supervising student employees, support staff, and professional staff. Preferred

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Expertise in student retention models, theories, and frameworks; ability to discern and apply retention constructs to student populations. Required
• Thorough understanding of theories of human development and student development theory; ability to apply theories to student populations. Required
• Expertise in leadership and organizational development theory; ability to teach and implement programs focused on leadership and organizational development. Required
• Selfstarter who proactively identifies and solves problems. Required
• Ability to work across multiple stakeholders (internal and external) to implement largescale programs and projects. Required
• Developed organizational, oral and written communication skills. Required
• Ability to develop and manage budgets. Required
• Understanding of state and federal grants and typical requirements and activities associated with grantfunded activities. Required
• Competence in assessment in student affairs, data processing, management, and analysis. Required
• Sense of humor. Required
• Possession of a valid driver's license or willingness to obtain one. Required

 

Support the College’s strategic and retention plans by leading and implementing retention focused initiatives that focus on belonging and community, co and extracurricular engagement, innovation, and leadership development.

Develop, implement, supervise and assess implementation strategies and supervision of student focused events including but not limited to social programming, educational programming, leadership initiatives, community service, student trainings and workshops, cultural celebrations, wellness, and campus recreation.

Develop, implement, supervise and assess parent and family programs, communications, events, and special initiatives.

Develop, implement, supervise, and assess student leadership development through leadership programming and recognition programs including student leadership and involvement awards and the Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour Awards for Leadership and Service to Penn College, etc.

Develop, implement, supervise, and assess a vision for campus recreation that focuses on holistic wellness, lifelong activity, and personal development.

Drive innovation and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration by partnering with the College's makerspace and LaunchBox to develop experiential learning opportunities, entrepreneurial initiatives, and creative programming that empower students to explore, prototype, and bring ideas to life.

Market retention focused initiatives available through Student Engagement through the development of printed, virtual, and media-based material, including third party materials such as social media platforms, Guidebook, CampusESP, and Anthology Engage.

Investigate opportunities for collaborative student focused events and initiatives and secure relationships that best use financial resources.

Act as a contractual agent for office functions and prepare contracts for appropriate approval.

Review, revise and approve appropriate Student Engagement/Campus Center policies and procedures.

Review and recommend changes to collegewide Policies and Procedures relative to and impacting on Student Engagement, Campus Center, and Campus Recreation; implement accordingly.

Coordinate recognition and resources for student organization advisors. Resources including but not limited to education about advisor responsibilities, providing ongoing training opportunities, and communicating regarding advisor liability.

Review and approve all student organization requests for travel, solicitation, fundraising, community & college service, and both on and off campus events.

Lead, develop, implement, and assess New Student Orientation and Welcome Week programming in cooperation with other College departments and offices.

Lead the development, implementation and assessment of major Collegewide programs focusing on retention, including PC3, January Jumpstart, etc.

Support Commencement exercises by serving on the Commencement Awards selection committee and supporting each student Commencement speaker with development of their speech.

Review and approve all Student Run Business requests in cooperation with other College departments and offices.

Review and approve all new student organization creations in cooperation with other College departments and offices including the Student Government Association.

Support retention efforts focused on the engagement and support of students from underrepresented groups and other identified special populations from the recruitment and matriculation process through enrollment and graduation.

Ensure collaboration with existing offices, internal and external constituencies, to meet the College’s strategic goals related to retention, diversity, and inclusion.

Stay current on national community and college service trends and issues, specifically related to diversity and multiculturalism, leadership, community service/service learning, student focused events/programming, student organizations, and campus center operations.

Support the College’s marketing and community engagement efforts related to summer conferences and summer programming.

Participate in College committees appropriate to Student Engagement/Student Affairs.

Represent the College in communications and liaison activities; establish and foster a rapport with community groups to coordinate and develop co-sponsorship of mutually beneficial programs where appropriate.

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend hiring Student Engagement staff under their supervision.

Serve as cost center administrator for Student Engagement auxiliary enterprises.

Develop the Student Engagement, Campus Center, and Campus Recreation budgets for appropriate approval.

Ability to move around campus.

Based on minimum education and experience qualifications the yearly salary range is $84,000 - $93,000.

This is not a complete itemization of all facets of this position. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The College has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without prior notice.

Penn College is committed to equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

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