About Us:

Located in Georgetown, Texas, Southwestern University is an independent, four-year undergraduate institution offers a top-ranked integrated arts and sciences curriculum that incorporates the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, and natural sciences.

At Southwestern University, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

Position Overview:

Southwestern University has an immediate opening for a Director of Student Engagement. This position will report to the Associate Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students. The Director of Student Engagement provides leadership and oversight for student activities and involvement, supervising the Student Activities professional staff. The Director is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating a wide range of programs, events, and initiatives that encourage student involvement and connection, with particular focus on outreach to first-year and sophomore students, development of student leader programs, and advising of student organizations. The Director coordinates “Pirate Adventures,” a signature series of off-campus excursions that introduce students to the cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities throughout Central Texas and the Austin metroplex. In support of retention and data-driven decision making, the Director develops and maintains robust data collection methods to assess student participation and engagement. This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for our comprehensive benefits program.

Essential Duties:

• Supervise, mentor, and support Student Activities professional and student staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive student life programming model, which includes organizing a calendar of programs, events, and activities that promote student engagement, leadership, and community.
• Develop targeted outreach strategies to increase participation among first-year and sophomore students, while serving the needs of all students.
• Coordinate all aspects of the “Pirate Adventures” off-campus trip series, including planning, logistics, risk management, and assessment.
• Working closely with Institutional Research, develop and maintain systems for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data on student participation and engagement across all Student Life departments.
• Create and facilitate opportunities for student leadership development, engagement, and involvement in campus life.
• Manage budgets, resources, and administrative processes related to student engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a visible, accessible resource for students, providing guidance and support to individuals, student organizations, and student organization advisors.

Additional Duties:

• Collaborate with colleagues from adjacent departments, forming a cross-functional, collaborative student programming team.
• Engage actively with colleagues in Student Life and across campus by serving on workgroups and committees, attending campus events, and supporting special projects or initiatives as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to advance the mission and goals of the university and the Division of Student Life.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in student development, social sciences, counseling, or related field.
• Five years of experience providing student development services in a college or university setting. Three additional years of full-time experience, including supervision of professionals, may substitute for a master’s degree.
• Experience using data analytics methodologies to support continuous improvement of programs and outcomes.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a University van as needed.
• Knowledge, understanding, and acceptance of cultural differences and diversity in the context of a campus and community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience at (or understanding of the culture common to) a residential, liberal arts college or university similar to Southwestern University.
• Formal education or experience in data analytics.

Starting annual salary: $72,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed the starting salary.

Benefits:

Southwestern University offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and welfare insurance (medical, dental, and vision), life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability coverage, generous contributions to a 403(b) retirement account, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), various paid time-off options, undergraduate tuition assistance for you and your dependents, access to athletic facilities, free parking, and discounted meal rates, along with other benefits designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and the name and contact information of three (3) professional references through Interfolio at apply.interfolio.com/171039. Email and paper applications will not be accepted.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

In compliance with immigration laws, proof of work authorization in the United States will be required when employment begins. Southwestern University is an E-Verify employer.

Southwestern University is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at hr@southwestern.edu.

Jeanne Clery Statement: Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report— Southwestern University Annual Safety and Fire Report is available online at https://www.southwestern.edu/life-at-southwestern/safety-security/annual-security-reports/ containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information for the past three calendar years. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call 512-863-1435.