Director of Student Engagement and Community

The Director of Student Engagement and Community is a dynamic leadership role that serves on the Campus Life executive team. This position leads the college’s efforts in creating a vibrant culture of student engagement, programming, and community building from orientation to graduation, fostering a campus environment where all students feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection. The Director oversees a comprehensive portfolio including student activities, leadership development, orientation, Greek life, commuter services, and community building initiatives while embedding APEX (Applied Professional and Experiential Learning) principles throughout all programming. This role offers exceptional growth opportunities through broad exposure to various aspects of student development, crisis management, and institutional leadership.

What Sets This Opportunity Apart

This position offers a unique opportunity for a highly motivated professional to gain broad experience across multiple functional areas while making a significant impact on student life at Ursinus College. The Director will play a pivotal role in shaping campus culture, developing innovative programs, and preparing students for post-graduate success through the APEX initiative. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment where creativity, strategic thinking, and student-centered approaches are highly valued. We are looking for an enthusiastic colleague who values collaboration, thought-partnership, strategic problem-solving, and is a positive contributor to a healthy work environment.

Strategic Direction & Team Leadership

• Lead a team of three full-time professional staff members, providing mentorship, professional development, and performance management
• Serve as a key strategist in aligning student engagement initiatives with the college’s commitment to community, belonging, and inclusion for all students.
• Integrate APEX principles throughout all programming, ensuring students gain valuable applied professional experiences
• Participate in the leadership duty rotation, serving as crisis response manager
• Develop and implement assessment strategies to measure program effectiveness and student outcomes
• Serve as a conduct officer and case manager for students of concern

Community Building & Belonging

• Spearhead initiatives that foster a welcoming campus community and embed inclusive best practices throughout the organization’s operations
• Create innovative approaches to building community among residential, commuter, and online student populations
• Establish partnerships with academic departments to develop co-curricular programming that complements classroom learning
• Provide visible leadership and connection with students during community programs and events.

Student Development & Experiential Learning

• Oversee comprehensive student leadership development programs that incorporate APEX principles
• Coordinate Orientation and Senior Week activities in collaboration with campus partners
• Supervise the management of 60 student clubs and organizations, including Club Sports and Greek Life
• Advise the Student Government Association, class councils, and the Activity Fund Allocation Committee
• Design programs that help students connect their co-curricular experiences to career readiness and professional development

• Master’s degree in Higher Education/Student Affairs Administration or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience in Student Affairs
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all students
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing budgets
• Knowledge of best practices in student engagement, leadership development, and experiential learning
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple high-impact initiatives simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience with assessment and data-informed decision-making
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed to support student programming

Once you create an applicant account, you should upload your cover letter, resume and a list with contact information for three references.