Director, Student Engagement and Leadership

Job Description Summary

The Director of Student Engagement and Leadership provides leadership for programs and initiatives that strengthen student involvement, leadership development, belonging, and campus life at Saint Leo University. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Student Life, the Director oversees student organizations, Student Government Union, Campus Activities Board, Fraternity & Sorority Life, leadership programs, New Student Orientation, first-generation initiatives, family engagement, and campus activities and traditions.

The Director collaborates with students and University partners to create meaningful co-curricular experiences that support student development, connection, and success.

Job Description

DUTIES AND TASKS:

• Lead the development and implementation of student engagement, leadership development, and campus programming initiatives.

• Oversee Student Government Union, Campus Activities Board, student organizations, Fraternity & Sorority Life, leadership programs, first-generation initiatives, and other assigned programs.

• Plan and oversee campus activities, events, and traditions that promote student involvement and University pride.

• Lead New Student Orientation programs that support the successful transition of new students to the University.

• Develop family engagement programs, resources, and communications that support student transition and success.

• Advise student leaders and organizations and provide guidance to faculty and staff advisors.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate professional, graduate, and student staff.

• Manage departmental budgets and resources in alignment with University policies and priorities.

• Develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and operational practices.

• Collaborate with University departments and campus partners to support student engagement, retention, and institutional initiatives.

• Coordinate departmental communication, marketing, and outreach to promote programs and increase student participation.

• Establish program goals and learning outcomes and use assessment, participation data, and student feedback to evaluate effectiveness and guide improvements.

• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for students and families.

• Support major University and Student Affairs programs, events, committees, and special projects.

• Represent the University at campus, community, and professional events as appropriate.

• Participate in evening and weekend programs and events as required.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of student affairs, student development, engagement, and leadership practices in higher education.
• Knowledge of best practices in student programming, organizations, orientation, and program assessment.

Skills:

• Strong leadership, supervision, program management, and organizational skills.

• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and budget management skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to develop and manage student engagement and leadership programs.
• Ability to supervise staff and advise student leaders and organizations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with students and University partners.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education administration, education, or a related field required.
• Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in student affairs or a related area preferred.
• Experience supervising staff and developing student programs required.
• Experience advising student organizations, managing budgets, or assessing programs preferred.

ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are a representation of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of this position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office and University, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.

NOTICE:

This job description intends to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. Saint Leo University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student, and graduate success.

Why Work at Saint Leo?

What it’s Like to Work Here: Ask our employees and the one word they’d use to describe working at Saint Leo University is “Community.” Our team members all share the Saint Leo core values, positive attitudes, and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to provide excellent student centered service. Our mission is educating and preparing students for life and leadership in a challenging world. Thank you for your interest in joining the Saint Leo PRIDE!

We are committed to providing our employees with the support they need. At Saint Leo, we offer an array of medical, dental, and vision packages as well as several add-on perks to make your benefits package truly customizable to you and your family needs. Available benefits based on employment status (Full Time vs Part Time).

• FREE Tuition - Employee, Spouse, and Dependents*
• Tuition Exchange Opportunity - Dependent of Employees*
• Generous Paid Leave - Sick, Vacation, and Holidays
• Comprehensive Group Health Plan (Medical, Dental, and Vision)
• Group Medical Plan includes Teledoc, Surgery Plus, Wellness Incentive Program and more!
• 100% Employer-Funded Health Reimbursement Account
• 100% Employer-Paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer-Funded Employee Assistance Program (healthcare and dependent options)
• Employer-provided life insurance
• Discounted On-Campus Dining Meal Plans
• Nationwide Pet Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Wellness Center

*Eligibility based on meeting required service period

2025 ICUBA Benefits Guide_St Leo