Director of Civic and Community Engagement

Nevada System of Higher Education

101d • $86,445

About The Position

Nevada State University invites applications for the position of Director of Civic and Community Engagement. The Director provides dynamic leadership to advance the university’s mission of preparing students to be civic-minded community members and leaders. This position oversees the strategy, budget, policy, and program development that drive Nevada State’s vision for civic engagement and collaborative partnerships. As a member of the university’s leadership team and participant in Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) councils, the Director leads initiatives that connect students with civic education, service-learning, and community-based opportunities. The role is central to shaping a culture of engagement where students, faculty, and staff work together with public, nonprofit, and private organizations to create lasting impact. The Director designs and implements innovative co-curricular programs, develops and assesses policy recommendations, and strengthens campus-community partnerships through creative problem solving and bold ideas. This role also manages grant-funded programs, oversees The Collective (a hub for student and community engagement), and ensures that initiatives are aligned with institutional priorities and student success goals. Because of its visibility, this position plays a critical role in shaping the university’s reputation at the local, state, and national level. The Director represents Nevada State in public forums, higher education networks, and through media engagement, serving as a key ambassador for the university’s civic engagement mission.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree.
• Five (5) years of related work experience in higher education.
• Leadership experience in student development, program management, or community engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with diverse groups of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and external partners.
• Strong supervisory skills with the ability to delegate, provide feedback, and manage professional staff and student employees.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including business writing and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with technology tools and software, including Microsoft Office (Excel) and web-based applications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, track financial data, and use standard accounting methods.
• High professional and ethical standards with the ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
• Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree and progressively responsible experience in higher education, civic engagement, community partnerships, or related fields.
• Master’s degree in higher education, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Experience with program assessment, data collection, and both quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Experience developing policy and procedures and implementing effective operations management techniques.
• Knowledge of long-term planning and short-term execution strategies with the ability to anticipate challenges and develop contingency plans.
• Experience motivating volunteers and building constituencies across campus and community groups.
• Familiarity with alumni relations, advancement trends, and community fundraising.
• Knowledge of personnel policies and experience managing HR operations within higher education.
• Understanding of the intersection between business operations and academic goals.
• Creativity and ingenuity, with a demonstrated ability to introduce innovative approaches to engagement and programming.
• Experience with social networking systems and emerging technologies for engagement.
• Human behavior research certification and/or relevant research experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead civic engagement programs that connect students with opportunities for public service, civic learning, and meaningful community partnerships.
• Supervise, mentor, and inspire professional staff and student employees, fostering an environment that encourages leadership development and innovation.
• Oversee operations of The Collective, guiding programming, partnerships, and strategy to make it a vibrant space for student, faculty, staff, and community collaboration.
• Design budgets, timelines, and assessment tools to track impact and continuously improve programs and initiatives.
• Facilitate workshops, trainings, and policy development that expand student engagement and strengthen pathways to student retention and success.
• Build and sustain partnerships with community organizations, nonprofits, local governments, NSHE institutions, and national networks to create civic and community-based initiatives.
• Represent the university publicly in media, at state and national higher education forums, and through key partnerships as a visible leader for civic engagement.

Benefits

• Budgeted salary for this position is $86,445.
• 19.25% retirement match.
• 24 annual leave days.
• Beginning balance of 30 sick leave days.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Educational benefits.
• Three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: Master's degree