Director of Student Affairs

American International University

Job Purpose:

Serve as a senior member of the Student Affairs Department; incumbent leads the supervision, administration, and evaluation of all student affairs services and student activities programs, spaces and operations, and associated personnel, including gym, student engagement, and career services. All programs and activities are in support of the academic goals of the university and are designed to assist in increasing student persistence, satisfaction and retention. Also responsible for all student discipline for non-academic violations and the Student Handbook.

Duties:

• Serve as a member of the senior staff, participating in discussions, decision-making, and policy making.
• Provide overall direction, leadership and evaluation of student services, staff, activities and development programs including but not limited to: New Student Orientation, Gym, Career Services, student organizations, leadership and volunteer programs, student publications, entertainment programs, major campus events and celebrations, weekly all campus newsletter, and traditions (new student and homecoming activities); all programs are intended to foster a sense of belonging and impact student success.
• Provide overall management and strategic direction for usage of the student commons facility and all student associated programming spaces.
• Provide supervision and evaluation of the Gym programs, staff and facilities, working closely with the Vice President for Academic Affairs on all credit bearing gym courses.
• Provide supervision and evaluation of the Career Services programs and staff.
• Provide supervision and evaluation of Student Affairs programs and staff.
• Direct work load and task assignments of all departmental staff to ensure successful and timely completion of all work.
• Oversee initiatives, processes, trainings and other resources that educate student leaders, student organization participants and advisors, and the general campus population on conduct, risk management, annual recognition, health and wellbeing, and other policies & procedures as appropriate.
• Cultivate cross departmental and cross divisional collaborations to support program and facility initiatives targeted to achieve student and faculty engagement goals.
• Oversee the AIU student employment program, working closely with the Director of Human Resources, including the training and evaluation of student staff, hiring department program participation and handbook development.
• Provide advising and/or oversee advising to student organizations and professional staff members, effectively managing sensitive/confidential information and issues with diplomacy and respect.
• Communicate effectively to a wide variety of audiences including senior administrators, faculty, staff, parents, students, and community members.
• Work closely with the Academic Advisors for smooth and successful integration of new students into the University and to ensure strong support for any student experiencing academic difficulty.
• Work closely with Testing Office to ensure full integration of remedial services and testing function into student life and a smooth transition for those students requiring academic remedial work prior to acceptance for academic credit coursework.

Skills:

• Must possess skills to be able to explain and demonstrate the essential functions of the position; demonstrated knowledge and experiences within all facets of the Student Affairs.
• Ability to communicate ideas and information clearly and effectively at all levels within the AIU in English; must possess effective presentation skills.
• Ability to negotiate and reach mutual points of understanding among peers and colleagues.
• Demonstrated understanding of University structure, policies and procedures, particularly as it impacts the engagement and success of students.
• Demonstrated knowledge and competence as it relates to student development programing and services.
• Demonstrated competency and experiences in the application, implementation and delivery of technology in Student Affairs.
• Demonstrable high ethical standards especially as it relates to the implementation of policies and procedures associated with the personal growth and development of students.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple complex projects.
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgement in decision-making, problem solving, organizational and time management skills.
• Must be capable of maintaining confidentiality of work related information and materials.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and problem-solve broad strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse group of students, peers and campus and community constituents.
• Ability to lead, inspire, supervise and evaluate team members in an effort to meet institution and department goals and objectives.
• Ability to work varied hours including evening and weekends.

Experience and Education:

• Master's degree required in Higher Education Administration/Student Personnel or related field; based upon professional experience, Bachelor's degree plus significant experience may be considered.
• Three to five years of experiences in Student Affairs/Development programs: student activities, student organizations and student government required.
• Experience in the supervision of department staff.
• Experience in the management and oversight of departmental budgets including experiences with student organization fiscal management.
• Experience with research, analysis and use of data in higher education or Student Affairs.