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.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

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

Qualifications

• 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

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. 

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job responsibilities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Ursinus Eeo Statement:

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

Ursinus is an EEO employer.  Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Ursinus College is a selective, independent, co-educational, residential liberal arts college of approximately 1500 students located about 25 miles northwest of center city Philadelphia. With a diverse community of students, it is an expectation of all faculty to contribute to the inclusion, engagement, and success of all students. Ursinus is an EO/AA employer.  Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.