Overview of the department/school (RIC) to include in the posting: (see attached document with sample wording)
The Office of Student Life offers opportunities that honor the whole self and promote the social, professional, and emotional development of our student community. From orientation to graduation, this office aims to create a sense of belonging that fosters advocacy, connection, and leadership across campus and in the community. Working closely with Student Community Government, our student organizations, and student leaders, we prioritize and value student centered learning, student led initiatives, and most importantly, student voice.
Primary Purpose
The Director is a vital member of the college campus and contributes to the development of a vibrant co-curricular life while responsible for coordinating the functions of the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership Development. The Director will lead, direct, and assess all planning, staffing, educational, and budgeting aspects of the Student Union with an intensive focus on student involvement and engagement. The Director will supervise several professionals within the department as well as student workers.
Essential Duties
Supervision:
- Directs and supervises the work of departmental employees including, but not limited to, supervising, training, scheduling, and evaluating employees. Exercises judgment and discretion in advising the Student Community Government and the Programming Board (directly supervised by the Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Leadership Development), including adherence to and revisions of their Constitutions, election and selection processes for officers and executive board positions, training, budget allocation, and financial responsibility.
- Serve as advisor and in a mentorship capacity to Student Community Government executive committee and parliament members, offering orientations and onboarding that incorporate leadership development, job readiness, and institutional information. Attend Student Community Government meetings as needed and appropriate given role of mentor.
- Work with Student Community Government to fill student seats in RIC Council Committees. Host a pipeline program that plugs student leaders into council seats.
- Oversight of all SCG approved campus clubs and student organizations, including development of and adherence to an organization Constitution, selection of an advisor(s), financial records, and fundraising initiatives, creation of a procedure manual/handbook, and general policies and procedures related to these clubs and organizations.
- Oversight of major campus events including Family Weekend, Winter Fest, Spring Weekend, Spring Concert and Senior Week.
- Oversight of hiring, training, supervision and evaluation of a student event staff for the Student Union.
- Supervise the operations and maintenance of Student Activities Marketing, recruit and oversee student employees. Administrative:
- Practice strong organizational and fiscal management skills with departmental budget.
- Manages the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership Development budget.
- Provides recommendations, advice, and support for the programming efforts of other departments such as Residential Life, Unity Center, Military Resource Center, Center for Health and Wellness, the Counseling Center, Athletics, and Campus Recreation.
- Work closely with campus safety and security departments on issues arising from co-curricular and social activities, as well as compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
- Supervise the maintenance and creation of the Student Life master calendar for student events. Guide and direct efforts for scheduling student life and student activities, events, and programs. Work closely with Communications department.
- Design and disseminate weekly events newsletter to campus community with key programs for the week, send through Dean of Students listserv.
- Development of annual learning outcomes with appropriate and tangible measurement methods to ensure goals and objectives for student learning are being met.
- Oversight of Student leadership Development Initiatives (directly supervised by the Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Leadership Development). This includes students in formal leadership roles, as well as the membership of clubs and organizations.
- Oversight of leadership retreats and/or on-going workshops for campus leaders and their faculty advisors (directly supervised by the Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Leadership Development). Assist with College special events such as, but not limited to, move – in, Open Houses, Accepted Students Days, specialty dining events, etc.
- Work collaboratively within the division of student success, as well as fostering partnerships with academic affairs and faculty to broaden the educational experience for our students.
- Ensure department web and portal content is updated and maintained.
- Chair committee on large scale events that includes college partners (Health and Wellness, Residential Life, First Year Programs), service providers (food, facilities, and IT), a representative from Conference and Events, and a representative from Communications.
- Represent OSELD at Orientation, Open House, Accepted Students Day, and other college related events that work toward recruitment and retention.
- Develop and post job descriptions for student employees and graduate assistants, conduct hiring process, and manage applications.
Programming:
- Plan, develop and implement a diverse array of programs and events.
- Manages a vibrant and active weekend programming efforts, which includes the hiring, supervising, training, and evaluation of staff.
- Oversee and serve as lead contact for large scale efforts and initiatives, including: Move In Weekend, Welcome Weeks, Homecoming/ Family Weekend (student facing piece), Positively RIC, and Spring Weekend.
- Responsible for soliciting and gathering other programming initiatives happening during large scale event timelines and include in promotion. Reach out to Athletics, L4L, Center for Scholarship, Library, Rec Center, Disability Services, etc.
- Develop, maintain, and upkeep of Student Programming Policy and Procedures Manual • Identify, evaluate and continuously assess programs, events and departmental services to ensure consistency with mission and division –wide goals.
- Play an active role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and initiates programming that includes social and educational components of multiculturalism.
- Regularly serves on a variety of campus committees, and other ad-hoc committees as assigned. Maintains active membership in a variety of professional organizations to stay abreast developments and innovations in the field of Student Activities.
- Interacts regularly with a variety of student committees and groups, students, staff, administrators, parents, agents, vendors, and performers. Student Union Operations
- Represents the interests of the students regarding utilization and configuration of the campus center spaces that are used primarily by students.
- Makes recommendations which would enhance student space for renovation possibilities, furniture needs and selection, and changes to the aesthetics, such as the paint and carpet needs.
- Notifies appropriate parties for repairs, damages, and general maintenance needs in the Student Union.
- Assists with the evaluation of Beestro hours of operation and makes suggestions based on students’ needs.
- Works closely with Facilities, and Dining Services to coordinate student union operations.
- Work with outside vendors and contractors regarding student activities and involvement.
- Lead and advance social, cultural, recreational, and educational co-curricular efforts in the Student Union’s programs, events, and activities.
- Coordinate programming and engagement efforts with other services housed in the Student Union designed to serve the College community (Bookstore, Beestro, SCG Office, Military Resource Center, New Student Programming).
The college requires that all applicants and employees be able to perform the above essential duties of the job and will explore reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities in accordance with ADA requirements.
Occasional Duties
Occasional Job Functions:
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Dean of Students.
- Pursues professional development opportunities and participates in regional and/or national organizations related to activities (NACA).
- Assist with the delivery of special events and assignments.
- Prepare proposals and reports.
- Engage in research, study, and other developmental activities with the purpose of personal growth and institutional benefit.
- Advocate student needs and viewpoints
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Excellent communication skills and experience with supervision of professional staff.
- Experience supervising and/or advising students and/or student organizations.
- Demonstrated understanding of the value of co-curricular learning experiences.
- Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret the dynamics of Student Development theory in relation to current student needs, as well as institutional policies and goals in a manner which gains the respect and cooperation of students, faculty, staff, and extended community.
- Demonstrated ability to motivate, train, and supervise professional and student staff.
- Excellent organization and planning skills to implement multiple, concurrent projects.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends, and attend student events required.
Required Qualifications
Education:
- Master’s degree in higher education or a related field.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in higher education student activities or closely related field
Preferred Qualifications
Environmental Conditions
The employee is not exposed to known adverse environmental conditions.