Executive Director, Student Development & Experiences

Position Overview

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Executive Director is a senior member of the Division of Student Affairs leadership team and has responsibility for developing and executing the Division’s comprehensive strategy for student development and co-curricular experience.  This includes initiatives and activities that are designed to enhance the overall student experience, foster personal growth, leadership development, and engagement through various co-curricular activities, while promoting student retention and success on campus.  The ED will oversee Fraternity & Sorority Life, Service & Community Engagement, and Student Activities to include financial and personnel management. The ED will lead campus student experience efforts by serving as a guide to implementing best practices of student development through curricular and co-curricular experiences. 

Must exhibit essential leadership skills, with evidence of strategic visioning, planning and execution of student development and experience initiatives. Additionally, should possess effective collaboration with partners across the university, sound judgment and data-based decision-making, innovation and creativity in problem-solving and program development, and ability to prioritize and balance multiple demands in a fast-paced environment. The ED provides essential consultation to the Vice President for Student Affairs regarding the student experience to help guide appropriate resource allocation and efficiencies. 

Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership, strategic vision, and execution of the Division’s approach to student development and experiences based on best practices, CAS Standards, institutional and divisional data as well as goals.
• Provide direction to ensure high-quality, data-informed, efficient, and culturally responsive student experiences are offered by Division of Student Affairs offices, programs and initiatives.
• Supervise Fraternity & Sorority Life, Service & Community Engagement, and Student Activities staff ensuring effective leadership, alignment, and execution of priorities. 
• Facilitate, participate in, and support the development of a cross-organizational culture of collaboration, teamwork, and care focused on providing excellent programs and services to students.
• Serve as a core member of the Student Affairs Senior Management Team; provide counsel to the Vice President on matters related to student development and experiences; respond, with other members of the Student Affairs team, to crises involving students and the campus community.
• Establish, review, and facilitate the updating of policies, practices and procedures associated with student development and experiences to support the Student Affairs strategic plan, Butler’s strategy, General Council guidance and university policies.
• Assess and report on emerging student needs and retention as part of a university-wide initiative to support special and growing campus populations.
• Develop and maintain high levels of communication and intentional collaborative relationships to promote teamwork and advance the priorities of the department, Student Affairs, and Butler University.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with various academic areas to integrate co-curricular and academic learning as well as with other campus and community entities to develop connections, programs, and initiatives to support students, staff, the university, and the community.
• Serve on departmental, Divisional, university, and external committees as required and assigned. 

 Required Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in student, student affairs, higher education, counseling, or related field with an understanding of student development theories and best practices.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration preferred.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing strategies for student development (leadership, personal, social) and experiences (large-scale; campuswide, activities, Fraternity & Sorority life, unique populations – commuter, veteran, etc.)         
• Superior organizational and managerial skills, including communication, recruitment, hiring, coaching, mentoring, staff development, and budget oversight.
• Commitment to advancing the mission of Butler University which includes prioritizing access and inclusivity to all students.   
• Demonstrated use of data, assessment, and program review to inform analy