Director of Student Engagement, Belonging, & Leadership

About the Role

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. This role requires residence on campus in a college-provided property, serving as an administrator on call for residence life, and occasional evening and weekend hours.

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., 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.
• Develop and implement a student experience that builds community, satisfaction, affinity, and a sense of belonging.
• Advise Student Senate and provide leadership development for 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 as an advisor if needed.
• Coordinate and oversee the peer mentoring program for first- and second-year students.
• Recruit, train, supervise, evaluate, and develop staff (e.g., graduate assistants, student senators, peer mentors).
• Partner with the Assistant Dean of Campus Life to organize and execute new student orientation, including international student orientation.
• Implement first-year student transition and retention programming, with a possible focus on underserved, low-income, and first-generation student populations.
• Develop and implement intercultural programming for the campus community in collaboration 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 and 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, and support interfaith initiatives in collaboration with the College Chaplain.
• Coordinate and co-facilitate the Emerging Leaders Program for first- and second-year students.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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, and demonstrated ability to work with and support people from various experiences and backgrounds.
• Effective budget management skills.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, writing, and speaking skills, with 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 students, faculty, 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.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage.
• Financial assistance for educational expenses, enabling professional growth and development.
• Employer-sponsored life insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays and sick leave, to ensure work-life balance.
• Retirement benefits eligible on the 1st day of employment, with 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.

About the 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.

• 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.”