Director of Student Engagement

Full-time

Southern Virginia University is seeking an energetic and collaborative Director of Student Engagement to join our Office of Student Life. This position provides crucial support to the Vice President of Student Life in managing the daily operations of student engagement programs and initiatives. The Director will play a key role in developing and executing engagement strategies, supporting student leadership initiatives, and fostering student involvement through programming and events. The successful candidate will help lead specific programs and student organizations that contribute to a vibrant campus community.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and student leaders to create opportunities for student participation and leadership.
• Act as advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA).
• Assist in the development and implementation of student leadership training programs.
• Ensure the successful execution of student events, overseeing logistics, coordination, and post-event evaluation.
• Lead New Student Orientation and other engagement initiatives that help integrate students into campus life.
• Assist student clubs, organizations and student government grow and thrive within the framework of university policy.
• Assist in developing and executing the university’s student engagement and retention strategies.
• Oversee and organize the university’s student events calendar to ensure proper scheduling and communication across departments.
• Manage the student engagement budget, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources.
• Attend university events as needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2-3 years of professional experience in student services, student life, or a related higher education field.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple student engagement programs and events.
• Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse range of university stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, parents, and community members.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or equivalent in Student Affairs, Higher Education, or a related field.
• 5 years of professional experience in student services, student engagement, or student leadership development.
• Experience working in a faith-based higher education environment.
• Proven success in advising student organizations and student leaders.
• Experience with budget management and resource allocation.
• Knowledge of student engagement best practices, including student involvement strategies and leadership development models.
• Experience with assessment tools and data-driven approaches to improve student engagement outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement student engagement strategies and programs that support student development and campus involvement.

Applications

Interested candidates should submit a resume/CV, cover letter, and three professional references to hr@svu.edu. Review of applications will begin March 15th, and will be accepted until the position is filled. Southern Virginia University is an equal-opportunity employer. Applications will be reviewed immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.

About Southern Virginia University

Southern Virginia University is a private, faith-based institution of higher education aligned with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a university, we gather faithful Latter-day Saints and those who share our values, lift intellectually, socially, and spiritually, and launch into successful lives and careers. Applicants are invited to learn more about the university at svu.edu/mission.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person