Associate Director of Student Engagement

Overview

The Associate Director of Student Engagement provides vision and direction for student leadership development, innovative programming, and parent/family engagement. This role oversees comprehensive leadership initiatives—including first-year–focused programs while advising major student organizations such as the Wildcat Events Board (WEB) and co-advising the Student Government Association (SGA). The Associate Director manages the student engagement platform, event registration, and student-run business initiatives; builds collaborative partnerships with LaunchBox, the Makerspace, and other campus/community resources; and coordinates hallmark campus programs and recognition events. Additionally, this position supports New Student Orientation, facilitates parent and family programs through CampusESP, and contributes to budget development in alignment with the College's mission of fostering belonging, innovation, and student success. Some travel may be required. Significant weekend and evening hours will be necessary to support weekend activity programs. Schedule will vary according to needs of students. Summer hours to follow College summer schedule. Travel among College campus buildings and college locations.

 

Full-time Employee Benefits include: medical and dental insurances, retirement plans, paid time off, educational benefits for employees and dependents at Penn College and Penn State University, and more. For additional information, click here.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Master's Degree In a relevant discipline. Required

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid and in State Valid Driver's License. Preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Two (2) years prior experience planning and executing large scale events. Required
• Related work experience preferably in an educational facility in Student Engagement/ Activities, Student Affairs, Residence Life, and/or Student Orientation. Required
• Experience in leading trainings or workshops. Required
• Prior experience advising students organizations Preferred

ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Evidence of creativity and ingenuity in developing programs and solving problems. Required
• Ability to teach/facilitate leadership development. Required
• Developed organizational skills. Required
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form. Required
• Ability to train and motivate people. Required
• Experience in fiscal management. Preferred
• Possession of a valid driver's license. Preferred

 

Responsibilities

Provide continued training and development for registered student organizations to increase awareness of OSE and College policies while enhancing leadership development efforts within the campus community.

Manage the student engagement platform, coordinate event registration process; meet with students planning events to provide assistance with event details, budgeting, advertising, risk management, set-up requests, relevant campus guidelines, etc.

Serve as primary advisor for the Wildcat Events Board (WEB) and oversee the planning process and execution for student-led programs.

Co-Advise the Student Government Association (SGA) with the Director of Student Engagement, including coordinating leadership development of the membership, monitoring the budget, etc.

Design and deliver a comprehensive student leadership program, with special emphasis on first-year initiatives, that cultivates belonging, confidence, and leadership skills to support students’ successful transition and growth.

Assist the Director in the development of Student Engagement budget areas relative to student focused leadership and innovation

Assist the Director with New Student Orientation and Welcome Week including training and supervision of the Orientation Leader Staff

Coordinate the Penn College Youth Leadership Program

Support OSE annual programming (i.e., Wildcat Weekend, Yellow it Out, SGA Silent Auction, Open House/Accepted Student Day)

Develop and facilitate parent and family programs that strengthen their connection to the College and support student success, leveraging the CampusESP platform as a central hub for communication and engagement.

Develop and support events and initiatives that provide students with career development opportunities, professional skill-building, and networking experiences, collaborating with the Office of Career Design and other partners as appropriate.

Facilitate and support the development, operation, and growth of student-run businesses, providing guidance, resources, and mentorship to enhance student learning and entrepreneurial success.