The Assistant Director for Student Engagement is responsible for contributing to the development of: (1) a collaborative, intentional, and personalized on-boarding process for all incoming new students and (2) a retention- and development-driven engagement and activities structure that fosters community, belonging and educationally-purposeful engagement; a rich and vibrant co-curricular environment; activities and experiences that contribute to the ongoing transition of students through and beyond the first year as they develop, explore and grow their skills, knowledge and capacities in pursuit of the attributes of a Juniata graduate.
The Assistant Director works individually and with colleagues to design, promote, implement, and assess programs and services that contribute to and support student learning and personal development. Efforts of the student life team are collaborative, critical and constructive, and align with the division's mission:
We foster inclusive campus learning environments where Juniatians thrive and engage with purpose and meaning in citizenship practices characterized by empathy, empowerment and respect for all.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
Contributes to the development and implementation of a vision for the holistic student experience that reflects the mission, strategic plan and values of the College.
Fosters inclusive excellence with a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and the valuing of marginalized people. Support development of self-efficacy, identity and leadership through individual, policy and institutional influence.
Develops, coordinates, and assesses a comprehensive on-boarding strategy for all incoming new student cohorts in collaboration with the enrollment office, registrar's office, and center for international education.
Develops and implements new student orientation and academic registration for all incoming new students.
Executes Juniata's signature experiential, retreat-based Inbound on-boarding program for new students.
Collaborates with campus stakeholders to develop and execute a consistent communication strategy for new students and families.
Provides vision and administrative support for faculty-led matriculation and retention programs for incoming new students.
Develops and implements a strategic engagement strategy for all Juniata students through campus activities, traditions, organizations, and leadership experiences.
Advises and supports Juniata's activities board JAB to ensure student leadership development and a holistic and inclusive social programming and engagement model.
Facilitates, develops, and mitigates risk for Juniata's robust Registered Student Organizations (100+ RSOs)
Plans and executes campus-loved traditions, including Mountain Day, Storming of the Arch, Tenting, Madrigal, Springfest, and May Day Leadership Awards.
Provides oversight, vision, and support for student leadership developments.
Participates in the student life on-call after-hours rotation; handle scrises and hospitalization of students, including contact with parents, and medical and public safety personnel.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Juniata College is committed to cultivating an equity-minded and equity-engaged campus culture, one that is inclusive and supportive of its students, faculty, and staff. We believe that all members of the College community share the responsibility to engage, sustain, and leverage an interconnected learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and a sense of belonging is explicit. Juniata's strategic mission promotes diversity in every expression, and amplifies the College's commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access. We aim to evolve into a more global, equitable and ethical community, where all Juniatians live a life of inclusive belonging needed for becoming leaders who value and embrace human interconnectedness and dignity. Juniata invites and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
AA/EOE
Qualifications:
Master's degree in higher education administration, college student personnel, or related field preferred
2-4 years of progressive leadership experience
Must work collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse individuals and groups including administrators, faculty, staff, students, and parents
Energy and enthusiasm especially in terms of working with traditional-age undergraduates
Experience with, and a commitment to, the residential liberal arts experience
A collaborative, inclusive and transparent management style
Must live within a reasonable distance from campus and be available to respond to periodic emergencies and student crises
A willingness to work nights and weekends as program and college demands dictate
Founded in 1876, Juniata College is a cohesive community of interesting, inquisitive, hardworking, and fun individuals who think deeply about who we are meant to be. The College has a strong reputation for excellent academics, personal attention, and state-of-the-art technological resources. Juniata students enjoy small classes, a challenging, flexible curriculum, collaborative student-faculty relationships, countless chances to learn by doing, and a lively campus offering lots to do and great new friends.