Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development

Warren Wilson College is seeking a dynamic and experienced student affairs professional to serve as the Director of Student Engagement & Leadership. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Student Engagement, the Director will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing programs and initiatives that enhance student engagement, leadership development, and community involvement. This role requires a passionate individual who can inspire and empower students to take an active role in their educational journey and campus life. The position will lead a collaborative team of student leaders to develop co-curricular activities, events, and student leadership opportunities. This position has oversight and overall supervision of campus organizations and clubs, including oversight of the process of attaining organizational and club status. The Director of Student Engagement & Leadership works with student organizations to assure collaboration and interactions between organizations. This position is also required to work frequent evening and weekend hours, as a part of their role.

Interested individuals should read further to learn more about the qualifications and job responsibilities for this full-time, 11-month, exempt position. Applicants are required to submit a resume and cover letter, which includes your experience working with a diverse range of identities and experiences including, but not limited to, previous DEI training or initiatives.

First consideration will be given to candidates who apply by Monday, September 16, 2024. Please be aware no relocation assistance is available for this position.

Our mission:

Warren Wilson College, rooted in liberal arts education, is committed to providing educational programs that prepare graduates to engage in groundbreaking scholarship and creative work; pursue meaningful careers with professionalism; and lead purposeful lives dedicated to fostering a just, equitable, and sustainable world. Toward that end, the College utilizes an innovative educational approach that intentionally integrates academics and experiential learning (through campus work and community engagement) for a rich, challenging student experience. Our students matriculate through deliberately scaffolded courses and signature capstone experiences that combine intellectual foundations with experiential skill development and problem solving. In that vein, Warren Wilson College is committed to fostering students’ curiosity, empathy, and integrity by providing them with a variety of perspectives, mentors and role models.

To fulfill this mission, the College, through its Strategic Imperative for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), is embarking on institutional initiatives that infuse DEI into all aspects of its functioning. Specifically, the College is unwavering in our commitment to the dignity of all people – particularly those populations who have been both historically oppressed and continue to experience systemic oppression. While we value the breadth of diversity necessary for a rich campus culture, we also recognize the particular challenge and opportunity for growth and leadership around race, noting that such a focus necessarily intersects with deepening efforts around other aspects of identity. We are committed to a culture of educational access and ensuring that students and employees from a diverse range of identities and experiences will thrive in this community. Fully living out this commitment involves incorporating DEI knowledge, skills, and practices in all academic programs and administrative capacities to advance inclusive excellence at all levels of the College. In alignment with our DEI commitment, we welcome and invite applicants who desire to, and possess the skills and experience to, advance this work. We welcome applications from members of racial/ethnic underrepresented groups (e.g., BIPOC/people of the global majority) and individuals who have experience working with diverse student populations (e.g., racial/ethnic, income, immigration status, sexual orientation/gender identification, etc.).

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or related field.
• One to three years of experience in Student Affairs.
• One to three years of experience working with college aged populations and diverse groups especially LGBTQ+ population, on a college campus.
• One to three years supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and evidence of cross-cultural, multicultural programming and support for BIPOC affinity groups.
• Demonstrated experience of advocacy work for underrepresented groups.
• Experience with graphic design. (Canva, Adobe, or other platforms).

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one year experience managing student activities or student event planning skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate large scale programs and events.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Proven track record of innovative program development and successful implementation.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

EVENTS AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

• Leads the collaborative effort among student groups, residence halls, to provide social, cultural, and recreational programs regularly throughout the academic year and/or summer semesters as appropriate.
• Innovate and implement new initiatives that enhance student engagement, belonging, leadership development, and cultural competency.
• Coordinate evening programming and events during New Student Orientation.
• Coordinate programming for Welcome Week and Senior Week.
• Coordinate at least two signature programs per semester.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student organizations to create a cohesive and vibrant campus life.
• Oversee marketing and promotion of Work Crew programming and events.
• Oversee Student Engagement social media accounts.
• Collaborates with campus departments and initiatives to support Family Weekend, Homecoming, and Commencement.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with performing artists and presenters.
• Evaluate and assess the effectiveness of student engagement programs and learning outcomes, using data-driven insights to inform strategic planning.
• Provides support and training for FYS related programming taking place during the first 8 weeks of the semester.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS

• Develops, implements and maintains all aspects of camps organizations and clubs to encourage new groups formation, opportunities for student learning, and involvement, adherence to campus guidelines, expectations and growth. This includes, but is not limited to maintaining contact information for participants, budget allocations, and written guidelines/procedures that govern student organizations and clubs.
• Coordinate annual Club Fair and provide support, training, advising, and resources to student clubs and organizations.
• Provide equipment training to club leaders and crews as needed.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

• Provides support and training for leaders and potential leaders of work crews, clubs, and organizations to learn specific skills including, but not limited to event planning, logistics, print and social media marketing, campus resources and accessing them, etc.
• Coordination of the Trailhead Emerging Leaders program. Getting nominations in the late fall and selecting new students to participate in a retreat style learning program as well as a number of other campus events.

CREW SUPERVISION

• Collaborate with WPO in the recruitment and selection of student crew members for Student Engagement, Sage Cafe, and Commencement; provide orientation, onboarding and training for all student workers to support professional and educational development.
• Supervise all student crew leaders and members.

FISCAL/BUDGET:

• Manage the budget for student engagement, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation.
• Manages department budget, assuring that department stays within budget.
• Manages contracts to assure timely processing.
• Reconciles credit card statements and submits all paperwork to assure timely processing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Warren Wilson College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.