Director, Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL)

University of Maryland Eastern Shore•University of Maryland Eastern Shore, MD

1d•$93,294 - $95,000

About The Position

The Director of the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) serves as the Center’s chief administrative officer, providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the University’s student engagement and leadership development programs. Reporting to the Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, the Director advances the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Experience’s mission by fostering student engagement, leadership development, belonging, civic responsibility, and student success. The Director oversees SEAL’s strategic planning, budget administration, personnel management, policy development, assessment, compliance, and risk management. The role leads student organization support, leadership development initiatives, campus traditions, major campus programming, student governance, and co-curricular learning opportunities in alignment with University priorities. The Director serves on the Dean of Students leadership team and collaborates with academic and administrative departments to create educational experiences that enhance student learning, persistence, and institutional pride. The position oversees fiscal planning and reporting, procurement, contracts, vendor agreements, programming allocations, event approvals, risk assessments, and safety protocols. It also provides leadership and supervision for SEAL professional staff, graduate assistants, administrative personnel, and student employees; directs assessment and institutional effectiveness efforts; and cultivates campus and external partnerships. The Director supports crisis response and major University events as needed and performs other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President & Dean of Students. The position requires a master’s degree in a related field and five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student engagement, campus activities, student affairs, or higher education administration. The stated salary range is $93,294–$95,000. The role is a regular staff position and is open until filled.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs Administration, Educational Leadership, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
Five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student engagement, campus activities, student affairs, or higher education administration.
Knowledge of student development theory, leadership education, and student engagement best practices.
Knowledge of budget administration, fiscal management, procurement, and financial accountability.
Knowledge of higher education compliance requirements, risk management, contracts, and event planning.
Ability to conduct strategic planning, assessment, and organizational effectiveness.
Ability to supervise staff and build relationships.
Ability to interpret data and use assessment results to improve organizational performance.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while exercising sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Ability to provide acceptable documentation establishing the right to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Submit a cover letter, resume, and names and contact details for three current or past supervisors as professional references; the current supervisor will not be contacted without prior consent.

Nice To Haves

Earned doctorate in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Student Affairs, or a related discipline.
Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education.
Experience managing large-scale campus events, student governance, and leadership development programs.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and operational oversight for all Center for Student Engagement and Leadership operations.
Develop and implement a strategic plan, annual departmental goals, performance indicators, and measurable outcomes aligned with divisional and institutional priorities.
Use assessment data and national best practices to improve programs, services, and student learning outcomes; represent SEAL on University committees and planning initiatives.
Develop, administer, and oversee the Center’s annual operating budget, including forecasting, expenditure monitoring, financial reporting, and reconciliation.
Oversee purchasing, procurement, contracts, vendor agreements, travel expenditures, programming allocations, and financial transactions in accordance with applicable policies.
Manage student programming budgets, leadership development funding, student organization allocations, and special initiative resources; identify potential grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and external funding.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, University System of Maryland, and institutional regulations and requirements relevant to student organizations, campus programming, travel, contracts, and event management.
Develop, review, and implement departmental policies, operational procedures, manuals, and student organization guidelines.
Oversee event approvals, risk assessments, contracts, and safety protocols for campus activities; maintain documentation for audits, institutional reporting, and accreditation.
Provide leadership and supervision for professional staff, graduate assistants, administrative personnel, and student employees; recruit, hire, train, mentor, evaluate, and support their professional growth.
Lead student engagement initiatives, leadership education programs, campus traditions, registered student organization support, and leadership opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Provide executive oversight for advising structures supporting the Student Government Association, Campus Activities Board, Imperial Court, class councils, and other student leadership organizations.
Promote inclusive programming that supports belonging, leadership identity development, civic engagement, and holistic student development.
Direct assessment of student engagement, leadership development, participation, and learning outcomes; analyze data and prepare reports, dashboards, and accreditation and institutional effectiveness documentation.
Use assessment findings to guide budget priorities, staffing decisions, program enhancements, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with campus departments and partners to advance student success; develop partnerships with community organizations, alumni, corporate sponsors, and external agencies.
Represent the University at professional conferences, regional associations, and national organizations focused on student affairs and leadership education.
Serve on the Dean of Students leadership team and participate in divisional strategic planning and institutional initiatives.
Support crisis response efforts and major University events as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President & Dean of Students.

Benefits

Health insurance with multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents.
Prescription drug coverage.
Dental insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Vision coverage.
Retirement plan options, including state pension or an Optional Retirement Plan.
Supplemental retirement accounts, with a $600 annual state match.
Life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
Tuition remission for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland institutions.
For exempt positions, 22 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick leave, and 3 days of personal leave per year.
Paid holidays.
Employee wellness and support resources and access to State of Maryland wellness programs.