Director, Campus Engagement and Student Experience

Gannon University • Erie, PA

6d

About The Position

The Director of Campus Engagement and Student Experience provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for university-wide programs and initiatives that support the successful transition, engagement, belonging, and retention of new and first-year students, as well as the broader student experience. The Director leads Gannon University’s comprehensive First-Year Experience, including development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of Gannon 101, Gannon READS, new student orientation, Welcome Week, and Transition Guides. The Director also leads the clubs and organizations process and fraternity and sorority life initiatives with the Coordinator.

The role ensures that first-year programs help students understand and navigate the university, develop meaningful connections, engage with the University’s mission and community, develop skills for collegiate success, and establish a foundation for persistence and graduation. The Director collaborates with other Student Development and Engagement leaders to align programs with student experience priorities and divisional strategic goals, and coordinates with staff and students involved in the Activities Programming Board and Gannon Student Government Association.

The Director uses student data, assessment results, student feedback, current research, and high-impact practices to guide program development and ensure initiatives respond to the changing needs of Gannon’s student population. The role demonstrates commitment to Gannon University’s mission, Catholic identity, student-centered philosophy, and an inclusive environment in which students can thrive.

Most work takes place in a busy university environment with regular interaction with students, faculty, staff, and University administrators. Attendance at University programs and events outside traditional business hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required, particularly during orientation, Welcome Week, student leader training, and other significant student programming periods. The work schedule is mostly weekdays with occasional weekends.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, education, student development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated commitment to Gannon University’s mission, Catholic identity, student-centered philosophy, and creating an inclusive environment.

Nice To Haves

• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, student affairs, student development, first-year experience, orientation, student success, retention, or a related area.
• Experience with first-year seminars, transition programming, curriculum development, student engagement, or related initiatives.
• Experience coordinating complex programs, supervising staff or student leaders, and managing multiple annual program cycles.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for university-wide programs supporting student transition, engagement, belonging, and retention.
• Lead the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of Gannon University’s First-Year Experience, including Gannon 101, Gannon READS, new student orientation, Welcome Week, and Transition Guides.
• Lead the clubs and organizations process and fraternity and sorority life initiatives with the Coordinator.
• Ensure first-year programming helps students navigate the university, build connections, engage with the University’s mission and community, develop collegiate success skills, and establish a foundation for persistence and graduation.
• Collaborate with Student Development and Engagement leaders to align programs with student experience priorities and divisional strategic goals.
• Coordinate with staff and students involved in the Activities Programming Board and the Gannon Student Government Association.
• Use student data, assessment results, student feedback, current research, and high-impact practices to guide program development and respond to changing student needs.

What This Job Offers

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