Assistant/Associate Director of Student Involvement

Grinnell College • Grinnell, IA

7d

About The Position

The Assistant/Associate Director of Student Involvement and Engagement enhances the first-year student experience, supports transitions for new and transfer students, and fosters meaningful student engagement at Grinnell College. The role designs and implements programs and initiatives for first-year and transfer students as they transition to college life, and is directly responsible for implementing a holistic student experience. The director recruits, trains, and leads New Student Ambassador and Transfer Student Peer Mentor staff and works closely with the Dean of Student Involvement to coordinate transition and engagement processes for new students.

The role supports student participation in co-curricular activities, events, and experiences that promote interpersonal and holistic growth. As an intentional educator, the director collaborates with the Student Involvement and Engagement team, faculty, staff, and students to develop a comprehensive approach to student success, orientation, and retention on a diverse, intellectually rigorous campus. The position contributes to building belonging and community among Grinnell College’s diverse student body.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent.
• One to two years of relevant work experience for the Assistant level, or three to five years for the Associate level.
• Works well with colleagues to reach shared goals.
• Prioritizes tasks and manages time to meet deadlines.
• Works independently and gets results.
• Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in all work.
• Connects effectively with people of different backgrounds and styles.
• Plans and runs successful events from start to finish.
• Supports student growth through meaningful programs and experiences.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including late nights and weekends, depending on the schedule of campus activities.

Nice To Haves

• Higher education or social science background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee summer communication with incoming students and coordinate training and logistics for New Student Orientation, Transfer Student Orientation, and the First-Year Experience.
• Plan and implement Welcome Week and involvement initiatives that connect students with one another and campus resources, contributing to retention, inclusion, and belonging.
• Serve on the First-Year Experience leadership team.
• Recruit, interview, select, and supervise New Student Ambassadors, New Student Coordinators, Transfer Student Peer Mentors, and weekend student staff, providing regular check-ins and educational opportunities.
• Advise student organizations, review requests for student activity funds, and support student organizations’ programmatic efforts.
• Manage seasonal updates to the orientation website and resources, and gather student satisfaction feedback to inform future programming.
• Develop, implement, and assess goals and learning outcomes that support the mission of the department, division, and College.
• Serve as liaison to the Admission Office to support incoming students’ transition.
• Partner with colleagues across the Division of Student Affairs and campus, assist with major departmental programs and events, and perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager