Director, Student Engagement and Leadership

Summary

Position Title

Director, Student Engagement and Leadership

Department

Student Affairs

Status

Full Time/Exempt

 

Jacksonville University is a premier, small, private university located on the St. John’s River in Jacksonville,
Florida, just minutes from the Atlantic beaches. Jacksonville University (JU) is a residential university with its
academic focus on the traditional liberal arts, as well as selected professional programs. Our diverse student body comes from Florida’s First Coast, 47 states, and over 50 countries. JU’s educational process respects individuality and puts emphasis on leadership development; it is demanding and accountable in that it sets expectations for its graduates which transcend skill training, delivery of information, and exposure to knowledge. The JU vision sees its graduates as leaders with global sensitivity and ethical purpose.

The Division of Student Affairs is responsible for programs, services, and initiatives that support the academic mission of the University, promote retention and student satisfaction, and provide students with opportunities for life experiences and personal development.

Summary


The Director of Student Engagement & Leadership provides visionary leadership for the Center of Student Engagement & Leadership within the Division of Student Affairs. The Director of Student Engagement & Leadership is responsible for providing vision, oversight and management of campus cocurricular events and activities including but not limited to student organizations, Student Government Association, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Dolphin Productions, and student programs. This position should identify and facilitate opportunities to increase student engagement within campus life; expanding opportunities for student leadership; supporting student clubs and organizations; helping identify and support faculty/staff advisors; developing and coordinating various programs and activities; actively contributing to the expansion and transformation of the Jacksonville student experience; and supporting and collaborating with other members of the university.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Students, this position is a 12-month, full-time position with primary responsibility for leadership and management of a comprehensive Student Engagement & Leadership program.


Responsibilities:

  • Effectively lead, motivate, supervise and evaluate assigned staff;
  • Administers advising support to the Student Government Association
  • Oversight and training of student organizations in the areas of event planning, organizational development, contract negotiation/oversight, and budget development, and ensure their knowledge of university policies and procedures. This includes connecting with key university partners that affect student organizations.
  • Coordination of associated budgets and provide guidance and recommendations for budget preparation for assigned areas;
  • Assists in the interpretation and enforcement of University policies and procedures related to student organizations and campus programs;
  • Designs and implements student leadership programs and facilitates and supports services;
  • Makes recommendations and implements University policies and practices that effectively enhance the student experience and student success;
  • Plan and implement major campus events, with special emphasis to establishing and maintaining traditional events such as seasonal campus celebrations and festivities, as well as supporting major campus events (Commencement, PorterFest, Homecoming, etc.);
  • Develop and implement a strategic plan for outreach and engagement of the student body, specifically connecting students with student organizations and leadership opportunities
  • Participates fully in Student Affairs and Student Engagement & Leadership functions, meetings, and programs;
  • Serves as a resource/representative to the university community as requested on topics of Student Engagement & Leadership;
  • Responsible for Student Engagement & Leadership meetings and programs, and representation on various committees or at special events, including those on evenings and weekends;
  • Act as a student advocate, providing guidance and appropriate referrals to students seeking assistance;
  • Participates fully in Student Affairs and Student Engagement & Leadership functions, meetings, and programs;
  • Contribute to departmental, division, and university committees and task forces;
  • Responsible for other duties as assigned.

    Required Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in higher education/student affairs or related field from a regionally accredited
    college or university;
  • A minimum of three years of progressively responsible, full-time professional experience, on a college or university campus;
  • Energetic, student-centered, and team oriented professional who has a demonstrated record of leadership and student organization advising;
  • Demonstrated conceptual knowledge and experience in student leadership development programs;
  • High level of comfort with frequent student contact and ability to advise diverse student groups;
  • Working knowledge of student development theory, leadership development, and experience in programming models, retention efforts, best practices, student organizations and supervision of college-aged individuals.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully balance, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in an active, fast-paced environment, while providing superior constituent service;
  • Excellent oral, written, computer, problem-solving, critical thinking, and fiscal management skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree in the area of Leadership/Education, with 5+ years of higher education or retention
    services;
  • Knowledge of University processes, procedures and regulations;
  • Previous experience with software based organization management systems;
  • Ability and experience to supervise employees.

Work Conditions:

  • Work is primarily indoors, but requires the incumbent to be in an outdoor environment when necessary.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Important Note

Jacksonville University supports the principle of diversity. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Jacksonville University is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be evaluated for employment without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, protected veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristics under applicable Florida and Federal laws.

 

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit cover letters, resumes, and list of references to Terri Bush at tbush3@ju.edu.