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Executive Director for Student Engagement

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Executive Director for Student Engagement.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division VP Student Affairs

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E14

Posting Close Date May 15, 2025

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and serving as a member of the Vice President’s Senior Leadership Team, the Executive Director of Student Engagement will supervise and provide leadership to the departments supporting student leadership, organizations, student involvement, service and co-curricular activities including fraternity and sorority life. This position will have the primary responsibility to address the University needs of student programming in support of developing the holistic, engaged, involved student population. This position plays a pivotal role in student leadership development, and works closely with students, faculty, and staff to initiate, plan, develop, and facilitate events and activities that support the academic mission of the University and the quality of student life on campus. The programming developed under the leadership of this position should create student life for Southern Miss students that is superior in comparison to other institutions.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Oversees and supervises the day-to-day operations, fiscal and budgeting and programming initiatives for the Directors, Coordinators, and other support staff . Supervise, train, and evaluate professional staff members. Provide leadership for daily administrative functions.

+ Provide overall vision and strategies for departments that fall under direct supervision. Responsible for on-going assessment of Student Engagement support, services and programs as they impact the student experience, retention, recruitment and the University as a whole.

+ Maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders (campus partners, alumni, current students, advisors, etc.)

+ Develop marketing and communication strategies in support of co-curricular activities and the development of a student co-curricular transcript.

+ Monitors budgeting and prepares, with directors, future budgets for all departments under their supervision.

+ Develops and markets student initiatives and programming that will promote high-quality student life experiences and holistic well- being. Create and direct planning and execution of community-wide programs and assist in the oversight of university wide programming for students and alumni. Cultivate leadership development opportunities for students across all campuses.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in student affairs, college student administration or a related area and five (5) years of experience in student leadership development, higher education, counseling and/or related field. Demonstrated experience leading, managing and motivating professional and paraprofessional staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

+ Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of diverse audiences and situations. Listens to understand others. Provides quality instruction and feedback.

+ Relationship Management: Works to build and manage productive relationships with peers, leaders and customer groups. Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances department results and team effectiveness.

+ Change Management: Demonstrates an openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates during times of change. Helps others become more effective through development and coaching. Utilizes candid feedback, knowledge, resources and opportunities to improve the performance of others and to increase their contributions.

+ Business Execution: Leverages professional expertise and University knowledge to assess areas of opportunity, identify solutions and effectively execute the plan.

+ Demonstrates a high level of planning and organizational skills and the ability to move projects forward to completion. Self-motivated and accountable for results. Seeks advice and input from others and recognizes when to escalate issues or seek help.

+ Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently. Thinks strategically and seeks to align department services and goals with institutional strategic goals. Asks critical questions to delve to root cause to identify solutions. Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes and measures.

+ Understanding and familiarity of auxiliary enterprise units as needed.

+ Technical Familiarity: Confidently navigates technical platforms required of the position: student information system, video production, document creation, and other technical tools as needed.

+ Must have the ability to articulate the vision, mission and values of Student Affairs and interpret and implement procedures, processes and policies as this position performs a wide range of duties requiring tact, sensitivity, independent judgment, diplomacy, organizational skills, flexibility, and strict confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

Earned or in-progress doctorate from an accredited college or university. Plus 5-8 years of full-time experience developing student programming including first year and fraternity and/or sorority life as collaborative initiatives in a university environment. The successful candidate should understand faculty culture and have demonstrated experience in partnerships with faculty and academic units or personnel.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.