Director for BSC Programming and Graduate Engagement (Student Life)
About the role
We are seeking a Director of Student Center Programs & Graduate Student Engagement, a dynamic, multifaceted position with two interconnected areas of responsibility.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Program Development (35%): Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for engaging undergraduate and graduate students from across the university in the Bloomberg Student Center, and support graduate student engagement at Homewood and university-wide. Work collaboratively with the Student Engagement Team, university partners, Student Center Operations Team, and Scheduling and Events to identify opportunities to maximize building utilization during peak and off-peak hours, including evenings and weekends. Monitor and analyze building usage data and program participation to inform strategic decisions and identify emerging opportunities. Conduct ongoing needs assessments to understand how students want to use and experience the Student Center and what programs and services would best support student engagement. Establish goals, benchmarks, and key performance indicators for Student Center engagement, graduate student programming, and student organization support. Stay current on best practices and trends in student engagement.
Program Development, Implementation & Assessment (20%): Lead the design, planning, and execution of a diverse calendar of programs, events, and activities that draw students into the Student Center and foster a sense of belonging among all students. Develop passive programming and ambient engagement strategies that make the Student Center a desirable place to socialize and connect. Host programs in the Bloomberg Student Center and other Homewood campus locations that are accessible and welcoming to graduate students from all schools. Plan a robust schedule of active and passive programming, including evenings and weekends, that accommodates a diverse set of interests, experiences, and schedules. Develop assessment strategies and learning outcomes for all programs and services and collect and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement. Prepare regular reports on programs, participation, and outcomes for departmental leadership.
Collaboration & Partnership (25%): Build and maintain collaborative relationships with student affairs professionals at all Johns Hopkins schools and divisions to ensure a cohesive student experience. Convene regular meetings with colleagues, at Homewood and beyond, to share information, identify collaboration opportunities, and reduce duplication of efforts. Convene regular meetings with graduate school governance groups to ensure programming and activities are meeting student needs. Coordinate with the Student Engagement Team, BSC Operations Team, and Scheduling and Events to ensure optimal use of Student Center spaces and that the building environment supports student engagement goals. Represent the office on departmental, divisional, and university committees as assigned.
Student Organization Advising & Support (20%): Serve as the primary advisor and resource for registered graduate student organizations on the Homewood campus. Provide guidance to student organization leaders on event planning, program development, leadership transitions, achieving organizational goals, and navigating university policies, procedures, and resources. Meet regularly with student organization leaders to ensure they understand and comply with university policy, and provide support, mentorship, and problem-solving assistance. Develop and facilitate training programs, workshops, and resources for graduate student organization leaders on topics such as event planning, financial management, marketing, member recruitment, and inclusive leadership practices.
Administration & Operations (15%): Manage the registration and recognition process for graduate student organizations on the Homewood campus. Maintain accurate records of registered organizations, leadership rosters, and organizational status. Oversee funding allocation processes for graduate student organizations in collaboration with relevant governance bodies. Supervision & Budget Management (20%): Directly supervise one full-time professional staff member, providing regular feedback, mentorship, and professional development support. Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of undergraduate and graduate student employees. Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and team meetings to ensure alignment with goals and priorities; complete performance evaluations and support the ongoing development of all team members. Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture grounded in student-centered service. Ensure appropriate staffing coverage for programs, events, and daily operations. Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating budgets for programs, personnel, and operations. Allocate budgetary resources strategically across Student Center programming, graduate student engagement initiatives, and student organization support. Ensure responsible stewardship of university resources and compliance with financial policies and procedures. Track expenditures and prepare regular budget reports and projections for departmental leadership.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
Understanding of graduate student development, needs, and experiences.
Knowledge of best practices in student engagement, program planning, and community building.
Ability to think strategically while also executing programs and initiatives effectively.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Strong supervisory and team leadership skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Superior organizational and project management skills with keen attention to detail.
Able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Creative and innovative approach to program development.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with event management and student engagement platforms.
Commitment to creating welcoming environments for all students.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed for programs and events.
Experience developing and implementing student programs and events.
Experience advising student organizations.
Experience working with graduate and/or professional student populations.
Experience supervising staff, including professional staff, graduate assistants, or student employees.
Experience managing program or operational budgets.
About JHU
The Johns Hopkins University was America’s first research university, founded for the express purpose of expanding knowledge and putting that knowledge to work for the good of humanity. Today, Johns Hopkins has approximately 6,500 faculty, 6,200 undergraduate students, and 17,600 graduate students across 230 degree programs at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. JHU has multiple campuses in Baltimore and campuses serving graduate students in DC, Italy, and China. Johns Hopkins stands alone among top research universities in its extraordinary commitment of attention and resources to ensuring student success and particularly those from first-generation or limited income (FLI) backgrounds, making bold, sustained, and dramatic investments in the student experience over the last 15 years. Student Affairs at JHU educates beyond the classrooms, helping students to deepen their self-awareness, develop relationships, nurture inclusion, and find fulfillment in the collegiate experience to ensure lifelong success and meaningful contributions to our global community. Our culture is defined by our commitment to the “Aspirations for Student Learning,” which play a critical role in helping us fulfill our mission. We challenge, encourage, and support students to: Live with curiosity Deepen self-awareness Engage in meaningful collaboration Grow in confidence Practice responsible leadership Student Affairs enjoys a close relationship with Academic Affairs at JHU, and with shared responsibility for delivering on one of the University’s highest priorities: ensuring that highly talented students from a wide range of backgrounds, regardless of their ability to pay, thrive during and after their time at JHU. We work closely with our colleagues in Student Health and Well-Being, Academic Affairs, Integrated Learning and Life Design, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to ensure students can take full advantage of all that JHU has to offer. Our team is seeking student-centered, success-oriented professionals who want to make a difference in students’ lives. Ideal candidates in Student Affairs are curious, solution-seeking, have a can-do attitude, and are committed to the dignity and equity of all persons. If you enjoy student-centered work, we invite you to apply.