Assistant Director, Community Engagement & Leadership

Brandeis University•Waltham, MA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

At Brandeis University, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom. We are seeking an energetic, creative, and collaborative Assistant Director of Community Engagement & Leadership to help students connect what they learn with how they lead, serve, and make a difference in the world. This is an opportunity for a student affairs professional who is passionate about student leadership, community engagement, service, and social justice to design meaningful experiences that inspire students to become thoughtful leaders and engaged citizens. As a key member of the Student Engagement team, you will create programs, advise emerging leaders, cultivate community partnerships, and bring signature service experiences to life, including VolunteerFest, MLK Day of Service, the Commitment to Service Awards, and peer-to-peer mentoring.

Requirements

Have a bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in higher education, student affairs, community engagement, leadership development, service-learning, nonprofit work, or a related field.
Have a demonstrated commitment to social justice, community engagement, and inclusive student experiences.
Know how to build authentic relationships with students and help them turn ideas into meaningful action.
Bring strong program development, event management, organizational, and communication skills.
Are comfortable balancing big-picture thinking with the details required to make programs successful.
Have experience advising, mentoring, or supervising students and/or staff.
Can navigate risk management, policies, procedures, and compliance with sound judgment and a student-centered approach.
Thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy working across departments and with community partners.
Are comfortable managing multiple priorities, budgets, deadlines, and stakeholders.
Bring creativity and a willingness to experiment with new approaches to student engagement.
Hold a valid driver’s license and are eligible to be insured by the University.

Nice To Haves

Grant-writing experience or an interest in developing that skill. Grant-writing experience is preferred.
A master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, community engagement, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop high-impact community engagement and service initiatives that connect Brandeis students with opportunities to serve, lead, and create positive change.
Develop the Next Generation of Student Leaders: Advise student leaders and organizations, develop co-curricular leadership programs, and help students translate their experiences into leadership skills they can carry into their careers, communities, and lives.
Build Bridges Between Campus and Community: Develop strong relationships with faculty, staff, student organizations, and community partners. Serve as a connector who helps students find meaningful ways to contribute while strengthening Brandeis University relationships with the broader community.
Champion Safe, Equitable, and Accessible Engagement: Oversee the policies, processes, and risk-management practices that support student participation in community-engaged experiences. Ensure that programs are thoughtfully designed, inclusive, accessible, and aligned with University expectations, including volunteer compliance, transportation, liability waivers, and other required documentation.
Turn Ideas Into Action: Manage program budgets, support strategic planning, coordinate events and initiatives, and contribute to divisional and University-wide efforts. Bring creativity and innovation to the way Brandeis engages students in leadership and service.
Invest in People: Supervise and mentor professional staff, graduate assistants, undergraduate student employees, and interns, creating an environment where others can learn, grow, and do their best work.