Director of Student Engagement & Leadership

The Director of Student Engagement & Leadership provides management and planning in the area of student activities, clubs and organizations, and student leadership. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Student Life, the Director plays a critical role in the expansion of student engagement opportunities, cultural enrichment as well as the University’s exploration and development of co-curricular activities. The Director leads programmatic efforts to support the student experience with a focus on building community and fostering a sense of belonging for all students. With the support of the Orientation, Advising & Registration (OAR-Day) Team, the Director will coordinate all aspects of student orientation, including online and in-person programing for new students as well as the Peacock Experience (welcome week). Furthermore, the Director of Student Engagement & Leadership collaborates with administrators, faculty, staff and students across Upper Iowa University to develop and promote programs, as well as student leadership opportunities that reflect the student wants and needs, foster a sense of belonging and complement the students’ academic experience. A collaborative spirit and energetic, enthusiastic personality is necessary for the success of this position.

Essential Duties Summary

• Sustain a high level of direct involvement with students and student organizations.
• Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate the success of multi-campus-wide student programming functions to include student clubs /organizations, leadership and service, Peacock Experience (welcome week), student trips, outings and activities with emphasis on support for and connections to immersion, collaborations with faculty, residence life, equity, diversity and inclusion, and mental health and wellbeing. Develop programs to encourage commuter and residential student involvement and participation in campus life.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the engagement of underrepresented and non-traditional students with the goal of increasing retention of stated population using innovative and multi-modal approaches including helping coordinate cultural celebration/DEI programming in collaboration with the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and subcommittees.
• Develop and assess student learning outcomes as they pertain to student engagement. Maintain records, compile data, and prepare reports according to established procedures. Foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making in support of assessment efforts to guide continuous programmatic improvements.
• Develop and employ the use of multiple methods of marketing and technology specific to connecting with students; promote a welcoming and inclusive environment at all UIU locations. Collaborate closely with the office of Communications & Marketing on social media and internal and external marketing strategies to increase student, faculty and staff engagement and participation in activities.
• Oversee community service programming for the UIU Community, including Peacocks for Progress.
• Advise the Assistant Vice President and other campus partners on matters concerning students, student organizations, student services and programs, policy development, priorities and resource allocation, and design of a safe, secure, accessible, and inclusive environment promoting students’ academic success, wellbeing, and personal and professional development.
• Budget oversight. Planning, creation, and maintenance of budgets (Student Government, Student Activities, Student Leadership, Civic Engagement, Orientation and Outdoor Pursuits) including compiling past expenditures and estimating future costs.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a new training model for student organizations, student leaders, and club/organization advisors.
• Serve as a primary contact and resource for student club/organization advisors, particularly in the event that issues arise.
• Review, revise, and enhance all policies and procedures applicable to student organization and student leader opportunities for effective and efficient administration.
• Develop, implement, and collaborate with key campus partners on high-level events, programs, and initiatives focused on community building and fostering a sense of belonging for all students.
• Negotiates contracts with vendors for entertainment, food and equipment rental for programs and student life activities and special events.
• Coordinates the University activity calendar with the academic and athletic programs of the University
• Provides weekly updates of what is occurring at UIU to the UIU community specifying opportunities on campus and virtual.
• In collaboration with Admissions office, oversee the University Orientation Program. Co-chair the Orientation Committee which plans and conducts Orientation, Advising, and Registration (OAR) Days and the Peacock Experience (welcome week). Recruit and train summer orientation leaders.
• Serve as an advisor for the Peacock Entertainment Crew (PEC) and Greek Council. Co-advise the Student Government along with the AVP.
• Oversee events planned by the Student Government, Greek Council and Peacock Entertainment Crew.
• Maintain the leadership center, storage room, and sound room including inventory and control of all equipment, games and supplies.
• Hire, train, lead and evaluate staff including 1.5 Student Life Graduate Assistants. Effectively supervise and motivate Graduate Assistants and work study staff with varying assignments and ensure their compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Initiate, deliver, and participate in departmental, institutional, and personal professional development activities
• Embrace and support constructive change; work efficiently and effectively to improve University operations
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, colleagues within and outside the department and the general public; contribute toward building a positive team working environment.
• Perform other duties commensurate with the functions and level of the position to include participating in committee assignments and the recruitment and retention of students.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Student Personnel or Development, Psychology, Leadership, Communications or related area.
• Demonstrated commitment to increased student success through innovative student engagement & leadership programs and practices; knowledge of college student development theories; applied knowledge of assessment strategies in Student Life.
• Knowledge of program /curriculum design and promotion processes; budget preparation & fiscal management, bid and purchasing procedures and expense control, guidelines and compliance requirements for student activities and programs, emerging technologies and internal communication systems used to promote student activities and programs, negotiating contracts with vendors.
• Self-motivated, energetic, and creative individual with a minimum of two (2) years of proven leadership, planning, and supervisory experience required; 3+ years preferred. Supervisory experience would include supervision of staff, budgets, and programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of computer software applications specifically Google Suite and Microsoft Office programs; ability to learn and develop competency in programming/calendar scheduling within operational systems.
• Excellent communication skills (listening, speaking, writing).
• Strong human relations and interpersonal skills to interact positively and effectively with diverse populations (e.g., low income, first-generation college, individuals with disabilities, ethnic/racial groups underrepresented in postsecondary education). Work effectively on a team, and maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Valid driver’s license with ability to obtain a Class D Chauffer license (Iowa, US).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior work experience in a college/university setting.
• Master’s Degree in Student Development, Higher Education Administration, Organizational Leadership or other relevant area, preferred.

Physical Demands

• The Director of Student Engagement and Leadership must have the availability to work on a basis of “available as work demands” rather than a fixed schedule.
• Lift up to 30 pounds delivering materials, moving boxes, entertainment equipment, etc.

Location Fayette, IA Special Conditions for Eligibility

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Posting Number AS386P

Open Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Close Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

#HEJ

EEO Statement

Upper Iowa University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Upper Iowa University’s policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, furloughs, use of facilities, participation in activities, compensation and training.