Director of Student Engagement, Belonging, & Leadership

Summary:  

This position reports directly to the Vice President for Student Development & Dean of Students. The Director of Student Engagement, Belonging, and Leadership will assist in the development and implementation of student engagement, belonging, and leadership initiatives for on- and off-campus students. Key responsibilities include facilitating programming that promotes a sense of community and belonging, fostering student leadership development, and assisting with the leadership and supervision of student and graduate-level staff.  This position provides leadership for the College’s Student Senate and peer mentors. The Director has primary responsibility for ensuring that programming and activities are in alignment with the College’s mission, vision, and values, and the department operates within approved budget guidelines. This position requires residence on campus in a college-provided property, serving as an administrator on call for residence life, and requires occasional evening and weekend hours. 

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a member of the Student Development leadership team and support/lead initiatives as assigned by supervisor. 
• Oversee the day-to-day operations for the Office of Student Engagement, Belonging, and Leadership (including the H.U.B., which is a programming space for “Honoring Unity and Belonging”). 
• Ensure thoughtful use of resources, fiscal responsibility, and accountability by coordinating the preparation of an annual budget and maintaining overall budget control.  
• Create a comprehensive yearly unit operating plan for the area of primary responsibility. 
• Serve as a student-focused leader responsible for developing and implementing a student experience that builds community, satisfaction, affinity, and a sense of belonging. 
• Advise Student Senate and provide the leadership development of its Executive Board. 
• Assist with student clubs, organizations, traditions, and other extracurricular activities. 
• Support the creation of clubs/organizations related to belonging by connecting students with appropriate Student Senate leadership and serving in role of advisor, if needed. 
• Coordinate and oversee the peer mentoring program for first- and second-year students. 
• Work with recruiting, training, supervising, evaluating, and developing staff (e.g., graduate assistants, student senators, peer mentors). 
• Partnering with the Assistant Dean of Campus Life, organize and execute new student orientation, including international student orientation. 
• Implement first-year student transition and retention programming (possibly focusing on underserved, low income, first-generation student populations). 
• Develop and implement intercultural programming for the campus community (collaboratively with campus partners and Student Life Graduate Assistants). 
• Assist in the administration of the College's community standards and student intervention processes (including Title VI), including case management, student outreach, documentation, and hearing coordination. Serve as the designated conduct officer when the Assistant Dean of Students is unavailable. 
• Oversee international student support services. 
• ??Serve as a campus designated school official (DSO) authorized to manage international student records in SEVIS and support F-1 visa students. 
• Provide referrals to off-campus resources for students experiencing housing or food insecurity.  
• Participate in the Student Life programming team, Kacey’s Squad. 
• Support interfaith initiatives and work collaboratively with College Chaplain when appropriate. 
• Coordinate and co-facilitate the Emerging Leaders Program for first-and second-year students. 
• On behalf of Student Development, provide leadership over student selection for awards in collaboration with campus partners. 
• Participate in campus, divisional, and departmental meetings, committees, training, development, and mandatory group activities.  
• Maintain high visibility and engagement with the student body and campus community at college events. 
• Serve in administrator on-call rotation for Residence Life (evenings, weekends, breaks/holidays). 
• Consistently demonstrate high standards of integrity by supporting the Keuka College mission, vision, and values and adhering to all institutional policies and federal/state regulations. 
• Complete other duties as assigned by supervisor or as circumstances dictate. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs Administration, or a related field (e.g., multicultural education, counseling, social work, sociology). 
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in higher education within student affairs/development, student engagement, or a relevant field. Residence Life experience preferred. 
• Extensive experience developing and presenting educational and training programs. 
• Clear and demonstrable understanding of the basic goals of a liberal arts-based education preferred. 
• A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience. 
• Understanding of the needs and success of students from educationally and/or financially disadvantaged and/or underserved backgrounds. 
• Knowledge of, respect for, demonstrated ability and skillset to work and support people from various experiences and backgrounds. 
• Effective budget management skills. 
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, writing and speaking skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.  
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to be trained to effectively use College data enterprise systems and other campus software. 
• Consensus building within collaborative, cross-functional teams. 
• Ability to work independently and prioritize work in a time-sensitive environment. 
• Sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs and concerns of all constituents of the College including but not limited to students, faculty, college staff, and the public. 
• Ability to work under pressure with a high tolerance for interruptions. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Some evening and weekend hours are required. 
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds. 

Employee Benefits Overview 

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage 
• Financial assistance for educational expenses, enabling professional growth and development. 
• Protection for you and your loved ones with employer-sponsored life insurance coverage. 
• Generous paid time off includes holidays and sick leave to ensure work-life balance. 
• Retirement benefits eligible on the 1st day of employment and matching contributions after 6 months of employment 
• Access to confidential counseling and support services for mental health and personal matters through the Employee Assistance Program 

Work with Purpose at Keuka College Founded in 1890, Keuka College is a private, liberal arts-based institution located on the shores of Keuka Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Our close-knit lakeside campus fosters collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. Why Keuka College?

• Mission-Driven: Empowering students to lead, serve, and succeed.
• Experiential Learning: A hands-on, immersive educational environment.
• Strong Community: A caring, respectful culture rooted in integrity and leadership.
• Student-Centered: Dedicated to the success of every student.
• Professional Growth & Balance: Support for your development and well-being.

About the Community: Keuka Park offers scenic lakeside living, outdoor recreation, and access to nearby Penn Yan’s small-town charm—all in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Join us and be part of something truly “small on purpose.”