DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND ORIENTATION

About Salem Academy and College

Salem Academy and College is the oldest continuously operating educational institution for girls and women in the country.  Since 1772, the institution has engaged in transformational change to innovate women’s education. Founded with the mission of making education accessible to all, Salem has a rich 254-year-old history and a long-standing track record of educating students who are prepared to make a bold impact locally, nationally and globally through liberal arts education. Our graduates are committed to making the world a better, healthier and more equitable place. Salem College is the nation’s only liberal arts college exclusively dedicated to developing the next generation of health leaders.

Position Summary

The Director of Student Engagement provides strategic leadership for creating a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging campus experience that supports student success, belonging, leadership development, and retention. Reporting to the Dean of Students and serving as a member of the Student Affairs leadership team, the Director develops, implements, and assesses a comprehensive co-curricular engagement program that enhances student life and fosters meaningful connections among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community.

The Director oversees campus programming, student clubs and organizations, leadership development initiatives, orientation, family engagement programs, and the Student Center. This position works collaboratively with campus partners to create opportunities that enrich the student experience and strengthen institutional traditions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Engagement, Programming, and Campus Traditions

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for student engagement that includes measurable goals and outcomes for residential and commuter students.
• Plan, coordinate, and assess a comprehensive calendar of educational, social, leadership, wellness, and recreational programs that support student involvement, campus connection, and traditions.
• Develop and implement off-campus programs and experiences, including opportunities for collaboration and engagement with students from neighboring colleges and universities.
• Create and execute effective communication strategies for student activities using social media, digital signage, institutional calendars, and other communication platforms.
• Assess student engagement initiatives and utilize data to inform decision-making, improve programs, and provide regular reports to campus leadership.
• Collaborate with student leaders and campus partners to coordinate and sustain campus traditions and signature events.
• Chair the College Orientation Committee and lead the planning and implementation of new student orientation programs that foster belonging, engagement, and understanding of Salem College traditions and expectations.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate Student Orientation Leaders.
• Coordinate Family and Friends Weekend and other family engagement initiatives in partnership with the Student Affairs team.

Student Organizations and Leadership Development

• Serve as advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA), Campus Activities Board (CAB), and recognized student organizations.
• Develop and facilitate leadership training programs for student organization officers, including topics such as budgeting, event planning, meeting management, risk management, communication, and organizational leadership.
• Guide student organizations in goal setting, budgeting, program development, event planning, and organizational effectiveness.
• Develop resources, training programs, and best practices for faculty and staff advisors of student organizations.
• Coordinate campus-wide involvement opportunities, including the Student Activities Fair and other initiatives designed to connect students with engagement opportunities.
• Foster an inclusive student organization environment that encourages participation from students with diverse interests and experiences.

Student Center Operations and Management

• Serve as the primary administrator and building manager for the Student Center.
• Supervise student employees assigned to the Student Center, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Information Technology, Dining Services, and other campus partners to ensure Student Center spaces and services remain functional, welcoming, and well-maintained.

Collaboration and Campus Partnerships

• Partner with academic departments, athletics, residence life, admissions, campus ministry affiliates, and other campus stakeholders to support a comprehensive student experience.
• Collaborate with Salem Academy faculty and staff to identify opportunities for shared programming and ensure effective communication regarding events that may impact Academy operations.
• Serve on committees as assigned.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage assigned budgets and resources in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and reports related to student engagement activities, assessment efforts, and organizational operations.
• Participate in the Student Affairs professional staff on-call rotation and respond to student emergencies as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of four years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, student affairs, student engagement, campus activities, leadership development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to create engaging experiences that foster student connection, leadership, and belonging.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop students.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies across campus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming campus environment.
• Sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage sensitive situations.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, occasional holidays in support of campus events, orientation programs, leadership activities, and emergency response responsibilities.
• Ability to travel, including occasional out-of-state travel with students for conferences and leadership experiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Experience advising student government associations, campus activities boards, or similar student leadership organizations.
• Experience supervising student staff and/or managing student-centered facilities.
• Experience with assessment, program evaluation, and the use of data to improve student engagement outcomes.
• Knowledge of current trends, best practices, and emerging issues in student engagement and higher education.

Physical Functions

While performing the responsibilities of the Director of Student Engagement and Orientation, the employee is required to sit for varying lengths of time; bend, reach, lift, push, and pull up to 25 pounds; routinely stand, walk, and kneel and regularly ascend/descend stairs; use hands and fingers to handle or feel and manipulate keys on a keyboard; perform extended periods of work at a computer workstation, view a computer monitor; perceive sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and receive detailed information through oral communication; express and exchange ideas by means of spoken word; and work in an office setting. Must be able to travel with students and staff throughout the campus.

Salem College is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For questions, please contact Jennifer Borrero, Dean of Students at jennifer.borrero@salem.edu