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Academic Director, Student Engagement

Classification Information

Student Engagement
Student Engagement develops, coordinates, and evaluates student programs, groups, or clubs, including special events, orientation, student organizations, and first year experience. Coordinates the planning and facilitation of student programs in accordance with organizational goals and objectives. Promotes student involvement in programs and groups.
Management / Leadership
Manager: The positions work is achieved through the direction of others. Managers have direct accountability for setting goals and using resources. They are responsible for administrative oversight of individuals, including conducting recommendations for hiring and termination, writing evaluations, disciplinary actions, day-to-day oversight as well as long-term goal setting and accountability for the performance and productivity of the employees. Managerial positions are reflected in the M1-M3 career track levels in the management/leadership track.
Level 3
Director: Directs and controls the activities of multiple university units or leads a team of professionals with significant university wide impact. Typically has indirect reports. In charge of overall control of planning, staffing, budgeting, etc. for the unit. Collaborates with executive leadership on establishing strategic goals across the function.
A - Academic Administration
Roles that are student facing or academic in nature.

Position Summary

The Academic Director within Student Engagement is responsible for providing leadership and strategic direction for the university’s student engagement programs. This role is integral to fostering a vibrant campus community by developing, coordinating, and evaluating student programs that enhance the overall student experience. The Director oversees various student-centered initiatives, including student organizations, special events, orientations, and first-year experience programs, ensuring that these activities align with the university’s mission and goals for student learning and development. In this leadership capacity, the Academic Director manages a team of professionals and staff, guiding them in the design and execution of student engagement initiatives. The Director is responsible for setting strategic goals, managing resources and budgets, and ensuring the quality and effectiveness of student engagement programs. By collaborating with other departments within Student Affairs and across the university, the Director ensures that engagement efforts contribute to the holistic development of students, supporting their academic, personal, and professional growth. Additionally, the Director provides mentoring and professional development for staff, ensuring the team’s success and alignment with organizational objectives. The Academic Director also plays a key role in assessing and enhancing the impact of student engagement programs through data collection and feedback. By evaluating student participation and outcomes, the Director makes informed decisions to continually improve engagement strategies and meet the evolving needs of the student population. In partnership with senior leadership, the Director contributes to the long-term vision of student engagement at the university, working to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive campus environment that empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and personally.