Director of Student Engagement and Events
Location: MIAMI GARDENS, FL 33054 · Type: Full Time
St. Thomas University - Student Life
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director of Student Engagement and Events provide strategic leadership for
the University's comprehensive student engagement program by developing
meaningful co-curricular experiences that foster student success, leadership
development, school spirit, campus traditions, and a strong sense of
belonging. The Director oversees campus programming, major institutional
events, student organizations, Student Government Association (SGA), the
Campus Activities Board (CAB), leadership initiatives, and student
involvement efforts. This position is responsible for creating innovative
programming that enhances the student experience while supporting recruitment,
retention, persistence, and graduation. The Director collaborates with
academic and administrative departments to create a vibrant campus culture
that promotes holistic student development.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Strategic Planning
Provide strategic leadership and vision for all student engagement
initiatives.
Develop and implement a comprehensive campus engagement strategy aligned
with the University's strategic plan.
Establish measurable goals, learning outcomes, and assessment plans for
student engagement.
Serve as a member of the Student Life leadership team.
Prepare annual reports, assessment data, and strategic recommendations for
senior leadership.
Campus Programming & Events
Plan, coordinate, and evaluate a comprehensive calendar of campus events
throughout the academic year.
Lead the planning and execution of major institutional programs including:
Week of Welcome
New Student Orientation
Homecoming
Leadership Retreats
Cultural Heritage Month Program
Late-Night Programmin
Student Appreciation Events
Commencement-related student activities
Oversee event logistics including contracts, vendors, risk management,
budgeting, reservations, and event staffing.
Ensure all events promote student engagement, inclusion, and campus
traditions.
Student Organizations
Oversee the recognition, development, and support of all registered
student organizations.
Advise student leaders regarding organizational management, budgeting,
event planning, and leadership development.
Develop policies and procedures governing student organizations.
Facilitate annual student organization registration and officer
transitions.
Promote student organization recruitment and involvement opportunities.
Student Government Association (SGA)
Serve as the primary advisor to the Student Government Association.
Guide student leaders in governance, leadership, budgeting, advocacy, and
programming.
Assist with elections, officer transitions, constitutional compliance, and
leadership training.
Support SGA initiatives that enhance the student experience and campus
community.
Campus Activities Board(CAB)
Provide direct oversight and advise the Campus Activities Board.
Support student leaders in planning engaging social, educational,
cultural, and entertainment programming.
Assist in developing innovative programming responsive to student
interests.
Ensure responsible stewardship of CAB budgets and resources.
Leadership Development
Develop leadership education initiatives for students.
Coordinate leadership conferences, retreats, workshops, and training
programs.
Create opportunities for emerging and experienced student leaders to
develop professional competencies.
Promote civic engagement, service learning, and community involvement.
Student Involvement
Develop strategies to increase student participation and campus
involvement.
Utilize engagement assessment tools to identify student interests and
participation trends.
Coordinate involvement fairs and student organization recruitment events.
Promote engagement opportunities through effective communication and
marketing.
Budget & Fiscal Management
Develop and manage departmental operating budgets.
Oversee funding allocations for student organizations, CAB, and SGA.
Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible fiscal management.
Approve contracts, purchase requests, and vendor payments.
Qualifications
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, College Student
Personnel, Educational Leadership, Counseling, or a closely related field.
Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional
experience in university housing or residential life.
Minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience.
Experience managing budgets and housing occupancy.
Demonstrated experience in crisis management and student conduct.
Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication
skills.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and participate in an
emergency on-call rotation.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supervising multiple residence halls housing over 1,000
students.
Experience with housing management software such as StarRez.
Experience with assessment, accreditation, and strategic planning.
Knowledge of living-learning communities and residential curriculum
models.
Experience in facilities planning and capital improvement projects.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong leadership and team development skills.
Excellent conflict resolution and crisis management abilities.
Knowledge of student development theory and higher education best
practices.
Ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
Exceptional customer service and relationship-building skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and student information systems.
Physical Requirements
Ability to move throughout campus and residence halls.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
Ability to respond to emergencies during evenings and weekends.
Work Environment
The Director works in a dynamic higher education environment requiring
frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, parents, and external
partners. The position requires flexibility to respond to emergencies and
participate in evening and weekend activities as needed.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Director directly supervises:
Associate Director(s) (if applicable)
Student Engagement Coordinators
Campus Activities Board Advisor/Coordinator
Graduate Assistants
Student Office Assistants
Federal Work Studies
Student Event Staff
Indirect supervision includes:
Student Government Association Executive Board
Campus Activities Board Executive Board
Student Organization Leaders
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Full-Time Exempt Administrative Staff
