Director for Student Leadership and Programming

Company Description:

Founded in 1887, Clark was one of the first all-graduate institutions in the United States. Today the University is a highly-ranked, student-centered institution educating approximately 2,350 undergraduate and 1,150 graduate students to be imaginative and contributing citizens of the world and to advance the frontiers of knowledge and understanding through rigorous scholarship and creative effort. This commitment to scholarship and inquiry reflects the University's commitment to "challenge convention and change our world" and to address issues of critical importance to society. It is also reflected by Clark's many national and international distinctions, including recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, innovation, community engagement and impact, as a top green campus, and for having a distinguished geography and international development program. Clark has also been included in the groundbreaking Colleges that Change Lives guide since it was first published in 1996.

Clark is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, a dynamic, diverse city "on the rise." The second largest city in New England, Worcester is home to 11 institutions of higher learning and is increasingly recognized for its growing healthcare and biotechnology communities, its thriving cultural scene, and as a vibrant food hub.

Job Description:

The Director of Student Leadership & Programming (SLP) provides vision and oversight for developing and implementing comprehensive, intentional, and vibrant student experiences.  This position is responsible for signature programs and events, club management and governance, leadership development, and the on and offboarding of undergraduate students (including orientation and Senior Week).  The Director is an energetic, motivated, and highly-visible position that supports Clark's diverse students through their co-curricular involvement and participation and actively leads in the holistic development of students.  Reporting to the Associate Dean of Students overseeing student engagement and belonging at Clark, the Director will work closely with SLP staff, the Engagement Team, Student Affairs, and cross-campus partners to create and sustain a culture of campus engagement, leadership development, and co-curricular learning that is inclusive and all-encompassing. 

The Director will also play a key role developing and maintaining key relationships with other campus departments, such as Admissions, Alumni & Friends Engagement, the Graduate Schools, the Dean of the College, Accounts Payable, Facilities, Information Technology Services, Community Engagement & Volunteering, Dining Services, Media Services, Human Resources, and others. The successful candidate will take a student-centered, inclusive, and innovative approach to their work with a diverse, engaged, and intellectual student population.

Departmental Leadership

• Provide leadership, vision, direction, and management of Student Leadership & Programming
• Provide supervision, feedback, training, and direction for the Associate Director, Assistant Director, Administrator & Bookkeeper, Craft Studio manager, and student employees and interns, including UC Building Managers and Information Desk, Tech & Photo Team, and front desk employees
• Establish annual goals, key performance indicators, and student retention strategies for SLP, and develop and coordinate department-wide assessment strategy
• Manage all departmental budgets, including all club budgets, and supervise department members in their budget management
• Provide leadership in the development of campus-wide policies and procedures and the implementation of services and policies that best serve students and student organizations
• Serve as the Director of the Higgins University Center from a policy management and space usage perspective. As such, work closely with the SLP staff to manage and support student usage of spaces such as Tilton, the Grind, Red Square, the Craft Studio, and the Green
• Serve as a member of the Engagement Team and Division of Student Affairs, providing insight and leadership where applicable, supporting campus, division, and engagement goals
• Remain cognizant of the University's mission and identity, the constant promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the importance of student voices
• Work collaboratively with leaders from affiliated institutions (WPI, College of the Holy Cross, Assumption College, Becker College, MCPHS), as well as local community resources to support students engaging in the Worcester community
• Oversee, direct, and maintain marketing and webpage efforts to reach and provide resources for helping the broadest audience (current and prospective students, family members, Clark faculty and staff, etc.).
• Support key initiatives and experiences within Student Affairs and the University, such as opening weekend, orientation, commencement, family weekend, traditional events, etc. 
• Other duties as assigned

Signature Programs and Traditions

• Oversee the development, planning, and coordination of University-wide programs for students, including signature events such as Halloweekend, Late Night Breakfast, International Gala, Spree Day, and Senior Week
• Provide support to signature University-wide events such as Wellness Days, heritage and identity celebration months and days, mental health and wellness programming, Family Weekend, Last First Day of School, 100 Days to Graduation, Constitution Day, Clark Votes, and Commencement
• Build student/staff partnerships and collaborations across campus to provide inclusive campus-wide programs and events designed to build community, promote leadership, foster engagement, and support student retention
• Maintain the student-focused campus calendar of events, working proactively to ensure robust offerings and signature community experiences

Club Management & Governance

• Provide oversight, support, and advising to over 130 clubs and organizations through event planning support, policy development, strategic planning, and risk management. Attend and staff events as necessary
• Oversee the design, preparation, and implementation of training programs and resources throughout the year for club leaders and advisers
• Manage student club travel, including financial processes, reimbursements, and risk management
• Co-advise the Clark Undergraduate Student Council, including training, elections, and financial oversight of committees and subcommittees allocating funds
• Serve as advisor to student clubs and programming boards tasked with developing regular programming across campus and in the Grind
• Negotiate, prepare, review and amend contracts for performances and services on behalf of student organizations. Assure such contractual ventures are feasible; staff and financial resources are available; and contracts follow University, state, and federal policies and/or laws

Student Onboarding and Offboarding

• Coordinate new student orientation, including a robust summer/winter engagement and communication strategy, summer webinars, online modules, and in-person activities for incoming undergraduate first year and transfer students
• Partner with various offices to support community volunteer move in day activities and welcome initiatives for incoming students and families through orientation and the first six weeks of the semester
• Liaise and provide strategic vision and support for pre-orientation programs such as Advancing Clark Excellence, Connections, Student Accessibility Services Early Orientation, International Welcome, and graduate student orientation programs
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of the Orientation Coordinators and Peer Mentors
• Oversee Senior Week and senior-class programming for an off-boarding experience from spring break to commencement in coordination with various offices

Leadership Development

• Provide strategic vision for leadership competencies and student leader development through various programs, activities, training, and SLP services
• Oversee leadership initiatives such as the Emerging Leaders Institute, Identity Leader Retreat, and trainings for elected and selected student leaders
• Plan and execute department-wide recognition events, workshops, and initiatives for the student leaders throughout the year.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Student Development, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or similar strongly preferred.
• 2-4 years progressive experience in orientation, student activities, student government, or similar field
• Awareness of best practices and current trends in the fields of student engagement, orientation and new student programs, and leadership development
• Possess a high level of intercultural competence, including demonstrated experience working with students of color, international students, and LGBTQIA+ students
• Strong understanding of student development, advising student organizations, multicultural competence, and leadership development
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with students, campus partners, faculty, and the community
• Willingness to maintain a flexible schedule to support student programming needs  
• Experience developing large scale events, including a good understanding of risk management as it relates to student events and travel
• Experience in supervising student and professional staff
• Experience managing multiple budgets, including advising student organizations through budget process, developing financial processes, etc.
• Experience with technology preferred, including MS Office, Engage, EMS Event Management System, Qualtrics, social media, and familiarity with Banner
• Ability to manage key areas of responsibility and serve as the key decision maker for those areas
• Ability to think critically, strategically, and collaboratively to set departmental goals that contribute to the University's mission, LEEP, the Engagement Team and Division of Student Affairs

Clark University currently requires all employees and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Exemptions will be made for medical or disability reasons or religious beliefs, and could be made, at the sole discretion of the University, for other well-documented reasons.

Additional Information:

Clark University embraces equal opportunity and affirmative action as core values: we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees and our community. This commitment applies to every aspect of education, services, and employment policies and practices at Clark. Our commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring and retention. All positions at Clark share in the responsibility for building a community that values diversity and the uniqueness of others by exhibiting integrity and respect in interacting with all members of the Clark community to create an atmosphere of fairness and belonging. We strongly encourage members from historically underrepresented communities, inclusive of all women, to apply.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a Clark University Careers Account by clicking on the APPLY NOW button below. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration:

• Resume
• Cover letter

See the FAQ for using our online system. Please contact us if you need assistance applying through this website.

Already have a Clark University Careers Account? Login to your account to add documents or update your account.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

HR to select: A successful background check is required upon acceptance.

Apply Online