Director of Student Engagement

Kenyon College is conducting a search to fill the position of Director of Student Engagement.

Position Summary

The Director of Student Engagement has specific responsibility for supervision of professional and support staff, social events policy administration, administration of student organization management/support, Greek system oversight, programming coordination, and leadership education and development. The Director is a key member of the Kenyon College Student Affairs team and reports directly to the Dean of Students. In cooperation with other Student Affairs staff members, the Director shares an awareness of and concern for all aspects of each student's academic, residential and co-curricular life. The work of the Director of Student Engagement includes evening and weekend responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise professional and support staff, including an Assistant Director, a Coordinator, and jointly supervise an Administrative Assistant and a Graduate Assistant.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations of the team in Student Engagement in keeping with the College’s professional development program.
• Lead efforts in review of office workflow, policies, and procedures to ensure they are student-centered with clear expectations and provide exemplary customer service.
• Manage the implementation, training, and overall administration of the student organization management system and partner with Library and Information Services (LBIS) where appropriate.
• Manage campus programming facilities, including the Gund Commons game room and ballroom, Craft Center, Black Box Theatre, Colburn Hall, Weaver Cottage, Horn Gallery, WKCO radio station and recording booth, R-17 Collegian office and student organization resource center.
• Serve as the primary administrator for Kenyon College Greek Life, comprising one governing council, seven inter/national fraternities, four sororities (three local, one national), and one local co-ed service society.
• Advise Greek Council by attending weekly executive and general meetings as well as other committees and events affiliated with the Council.
• Oversee and manage the student organization advisor process to ensure every group is in compliance with our advisor requirements and has support in acquiring/preserving their advisor.
• Oversee through delegation program coordination efforts for programs such as Homecoming, Newman Week, Late Night Breakfast, and orientation welcome events.
• Provide leadership on office social media strategy.
• Oversee Greek programmatic efforts including, but not limited to: formal and informal membership recruitment, new member education programming, community alumni initiatives, Greek Weekend, and Greek Day of Service.
• Manage and evaluate the budget of the Office of Student Engagement.
• Facilitate opportunities for learning, mentorship and development among student leaders and advisors of recognized student organizations.
• Assist in the strategic growth and development of the campus programming board, known as Social Board.
• Hire, train, and supervise one or more student interns on work ranging from general office assistance to long-term special projects, as well as the Sound Technicians of the Horn Gallery.
• Assist Greek Council in the management of the Standards of Excellence chapter accreditation process.
• Partner with campus offices such as Student Rights and Responsibilities, Residential Life, Alumni and Parent Engagement, Community Partners, Athletics, and Academics to best serve students.
• Participate in activities and events as a member of the Division of Student Affairs.
• Participate in the “on call” rotation for Student Affairs.
• Conduct other duties as assigned by the Dean of Students

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Lead and mentor a team of colleagues in the Office of Student Engagement.
• Knowledge of student development theory to support students with learning and development outcomes.
• Must be able to effectively advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion for student organizations and within the office of Student Engagement.
• Knowledge of best practices in student leadership education and development.
• Knowledge of best practices in fraternity and sorority advising and risk management. 
• Able to create and administer assessment plans and effectively analyze data.
• Must be able to use evidence from assessment to inform decision-making and planning.
• The ability to advocate for representation in strategic planning processes at the divisional and institutional levels.
• Have outstanding, meticulously detailed organizational skills.
• Willingness to earn student trust through authentic engagement.
• Have excellent written, oral and listening skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The following positions report directly to the Director of Student Engagement

• Assistant Director of Student Engagement
• Coordinator of Student Engagement
• Administrative Assistant for Student Engagement
• Graduate Assistant

Working Conditions

Work is generally performed in an office environment but may also require being able to navigate between and within campus facilities including up and down stairs and being outside in various weather conditions.  Valid driver’s license and meet campus requirements to drive campus vehicles.  Ability to lift and carry 20 lbs. regularly and move tables, chairs, and other furniture.  Evening and weekend work is frequent and required.    

Qualifications

Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field and five to seven years of professional experience in higher education required.  Supervisory experience as well as experience working with student activities, Greek life and programming boards preferred.  Committed to and familiar with the values and needs of a small, private, liberal arts college.  Sensitivity and commitment to issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Strong sense of organizational and administrative skills.  Effective verbal and written communication skills.  Demonstrated interest in working with and mentoring college students.   

Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with background and experience.

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 85% tuition waivers at fifteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health and dental insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.

Kenyon is a unique place to live and work. To discover why it should be your next home, click here.

Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.