Director of the Office of Student Involvement

Department Statement

Colgate University, a premier liberal arts university of approximately 3,100 students, seeks an energetic, motivated, and highly visible Director of the Office of Student Involvement to serve as a trusted resource for students on co-curricular involvement. Positioned within the Dean of the College division and reporting directly to the Dean of Students, the director takes an active leadership role in the holistic development of students.

The office’s mission is to provide engaging, dynamic, and inclusive co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities that empower students to build community, discover their strengths, and pursue their interests. The office uses a comprehensive advising approach to support, educate, and develop diverse, well-rounded student leaders to explore and engage with co-curricular involvement as part of their Colgate education.

The director supports the Dean of Students in promoting co-curricular experiences as part of the student engagement team ( ALANA Cultural Center, Max A. Shacknai Center for Outreach, volunteerism, and Education, Office of the Chaplains, Office of Fraternity and Sorority Advising, Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives). The director provides leadership and administrative oversight for all programs and services associated with the Office of Student Involvement. The director is responsible for setting the direction for the department and a strong student activities program informed by Colgate University’s Third Century Plan and the Dean of the College division priorities. This position supervises all staff positions within the Office of Student Involvement.

Learn more about Colgate University and the Dean of the College Division by reviewing A Candidate’s Guide to Colgate . In 2021 and again in 2022, the Dean of the College Division was acknowledged byDiverse Issues in Higher Educationand Inside Higher Ed as one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs.

Accountabilities

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership, direction, support, and oversight for the operations within the Office of Student Involvement.
• Select, train, and supervise department staff, including helping to establish annual goals and conducting regular performance development conversations and weekly meetings, as well as encouraging professional development opportunities.
• Provide oversight for the planning and execution of new student and transfer student orientations and incoming student communications, including supervising the assistant director of new student programs.
• Provide oversight for the management of the late night coordinator, ensuring a robust and engaging schedule of late-night and weekend events and programs.
• Manage and serve as the point person for the campus for the student organization management platform,Get Involved.
• Manage all departmental budgets and supervise department members in their budget management; maintain signing authority for departmental and student organization contracts.
• Negotiate, prepare, review, and amend contracts for performances and services on behalf of student organizations. Assure that such contractual ventures are feasible; staff and financial resources are available; and contracts are in compliance with University, state, and federal policies and/or laws.
• Co-lead the Organization Advisory Committee ( OAC ) in the development and implementation of student organization recognition/registration processes, policies, training, resources, and assessment.
• Explore and propose opportunities to integrate leadership development into the student experience.
  
  

Program Development and Assessment

• Provide strategic direction on the assessment of current practices and help implement a plan (an external review was completed in the 2020-2021 academic year) to improve the overall effectiveness of the involvement and advisement model.
• Develop knowledge of current trends and promising practices related to student government, clubs, organizations, and the allocation of resources.
• Incorporate CAS Standards, NASPA competencies, and other relevant evidence-based practices into department practices and policies.
• Develop and coordinate the department-wide assessment strategy.
  
  

Advising

• Co-advise the Student Government Association and regularly attend senate meetings.
• Oversee the advising of the programming board and class councils, assisting with any relevant training, selection, programming, and ongoing initiatives.
• Serve as an adviser to high-profile student organizations.
• Oversee the design, preparation, and implementation of training programs and resources for student leaders and advisers.
• Serve as the administrative liaison to the student newspaper,The Maroon News,and student radio station WRCU whileoverseeing budgetary expenditures and working closely with students and advisers.
• Institute strategic measures to ensure financial responsibility is accomplished among the student organizations, including the design, development, and implementation of a forward-thinking plan to distribute, evaluate, and provide oversight of the student allocation fees.
• Provide direction and guidance to the Budget Allocations Committee to provide organizations with fair and balanced access to resources and allocations.
• Plan and execute department-wide recognition events, professional development workshops, and initiatives for the student leaders throughout the year.
  
  

Program and Event Management

• Oversee the development, planning, and coordination of University-wide programs for students, including late-night alternative programming and traditions.
• Assist with first and second-year student programming.
• Build student/staff partnerships and collaborations across campus to provide inclusive campus-wide programs and events designed to build community, promote leadership, and foster engagement and retention.
• Meet regularly with each programming committee to develop a diverse offering of programs that vary in size, scope, venue, and target audience.
• Encourage opportunities for collaboration with student leaders, student organizations, and University departments.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and assessment of large, annual events for the campus community involving students, staff, faculty, and alumni; that may include a New Student Orientation, Welcome Week Events, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Springfest, Dancefest, and other student and staff-initiated University-wide events.
• May serve as a primary event staff person and oversee the coordination of all logistics with Facility Services, Campus Safety, etc.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Regular evening and weekend work is required.
• Maintains the O’Connor Campus Center (The Coop), Hall of Presidents, Donovan’s Pub, The Mat at Parker Commons, and student organization offices and storage by arranging repairs, updates, and upgrades.
• Responsible for making capital requests for renovations, as needed.
• Ensure the O’Connor Campus Center (The Coop) is a space that is inclusive and a vibrant programming venue for the University.
• Prepare reports and provide research as assigned.
• May be required to travel with student organizations as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

This position has been designated as a Campus Security Authority ( CSA ), in accordance with the federal statutory requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act. CSAs are required to and responsible for reporting allegations of crimes they receive from students and employees to the Campus Safety Department.

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

• Five years of experience planning large and small events in a college/university setting;
• Demonstrated knowledge of facilities management;
• Experience advising student clubs and organizations;
• Experience supervising professional, graduate, or student staff;
• Attention to detail, including an ability to assess and identify risks;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging;
• Ability to lead and manage a cross-functional, collaborative team;
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of student development theory, student and student organization advising models, and curriculum design;
• Experience developing student leaders, student organizations, and adviser trainings and resources;
• Experience working with student organization management platform;
• Strong knowledge of student affairs practices as applied to a diverse range of programmatic areas;
• Experience with using social media platforms;
• Experience with student learning outcomes, assessment, and data-driven decision-making

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Master’s degree in a related field such as higher education administration, education, social work, or counseling is preferred.

Job Open Date
04/19/2024

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
No

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veterans status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.
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