Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Orientation

Frederick, Maryland•Frederick, MD

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Student Engagement plays a vital role in enhancing the co-curricular experience at Hood College. This full-time position focuses on supporting commuter students, fostering student leadership development, and strengthening the support for clubs and organizations. This role collaborates with student leaders, faculty, and staff to create meaningful engagement opportunities that contribute to student growth, community building, and leadership development. This position is a 37.5-hour work week. Significant evening and weekend work expected.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., higher education, student affairs, leadership development) and a minimum of 1-3 years of experience in higher education or student development, with a focus on student organizations, leadership, and/or commuter student services.
Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills; a proven ability to collaborate across departments; a commitment to fostering an inclusive, student-centered environment; and experience in mentorship and student advising.
Proficient in MS Office tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), e-mail and Internet.
Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to effectively provide information and positively respond to questions from both external and internal customers both in person and by phone. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Proficient with statistical and financial concepts. Must have the ability to apply those concepts to tracking, projections, goal setting and interpreting reports. Must be able to draw conclusions from reports and make cost effective decisions regarding programs.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a number of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Ability to work independently and as a member of a group in developing and executing project plans. Ability to work in theoretical arena and apply logic as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Experience in experiential training and facilitation; demonstrated effectiveness in training club advisors.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to providing exceptional customer service to students and stakeholders.
Strong business acumen with experience with budget management; financial reporting.
Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and develop a team of professionals, graduate, and undergraduate staff.
Proficiency in database management and computer applications relevant to student engagement.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to student engagement and orientation in higher education settings.

Responsibilities

Commuter Student Services (25%) Serve as the primary coordinator and advocate for commuter students, addressing their unique needs and fostering a sense of belonging on campus. Collaborate with campus partners to develop tailored resources and engagement opportunities for commuter students. Administer surveys and conduct assessments to understand and improve the commuter student experience. Advise the Commuter Council and coordinate events, programs, and initiatives focused on commuter student engagement and retention. Coordinate Commuter Student meal plan.
Leadership Development (25%) Develop and implement a comprehensive student leadership program that aligns with the College’s mission and supports students in gaining leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Work with student leaders to foster their growth, equipping them with best practices in organizational management, event planning, and inclusivity. Provide mentorship to student leaders, supporting them in setting goals, understanding leadership frameworks, and creating inclusive environments within their organizations. Facilitate workshops and leadership retreats for students involved in clubs, organizations, and leadership programs.
Club and Organizational Support (25%) Serve as a primary resource for student organization officers, offering consultation and support in areas such as event planning, budgeting, and campus procedures. Develop strategies for improving the effectiveness of student organizations, including training on inclusivity, team building, and leadership transitions. Work with student organizations to promote campus engagement, assist in designing marketing and publicity materials, and encourage the use of high-impact practices in their initiatives. Assist student groups in collecting and analyzing data to evaluate the impact of their programming.
Campus Partnerships and Engagement (15%) Foster partnerships with Residence Life, Career Services, Alumni Relations, Community and Inclusivity and other campus offices to create holistic, inclusive engagement opportunities for students. Collaborate with faculty and staff to develop community service and volunteer projects for student organizations, enhancing students' engagement with the local community. Participate in planning large-scale events such as Orientation, Family Weekend, and other signature events, providing guidance to student leaders and organizations.
Administrative Responsibilities (10%) Manage the Office of Student Engagement’s social media presence and create regular content that engages students with campus life and leadership opportunities. Assist with assessment and reporting efforts to evaluate student engagement and development outcomes. Provide support for graduation activities including graduation regalia, cords etc. Support the development and management of club/organization budgets and strategic spending priorities.