Senior Director for Student Engagement and Leadership

Division of Student Affairs

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) is seeking a student-focused, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as the Senior Director for Student Engagement and Leadership. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (VCSA), the Senior Director provides strategic oversight for a range of programs and services that shape the co-curricular experience, promote leadership development, foster student involvement, and support a strong sense of belonging and campus connection. As a key member of the VCSA's leadership team, the role is expected to align programs, services, and initiatives with both the Division of Student Affairs priorities and the University of Missouri Strategic Plan. This role requires a strong commitment to advancing institutional priorities by integrating strategic goals into day-to-day operations, long-term planning, and student engagement efforts.

The Senior Director leads a robust portfolio that includes:

• Oversight of more than 600 recognized student organizations, campus-wide traditions, and leadership development programs to foster meaningful involvement and a vibrant student community.
• Coordination of student volunteer efforts, partnerships with community organizations, and promotion of civic education and participation.
• Support and advisement of student-run media outlets, including print and digital platforms, to empower student voice and responsible communication.
• Leadership for the fraternity and sorority community, including chapter development, council advisement, and accountability systems.
• Oversight of student-centered spaces designed to enhance connection, engagement, and access to involvement opportunities, with the potential for expanding these spaces within the portfolio.
• Strategic oversight and advising for undergraduate student governance, including student government associations and related bodies, ensuring alignment with institutional values, leadership development, and effective student representation.

This position plays a key role in advancing Mizzou's T.I.G.E.R.S. learning framework, which articulates core student learning outcomes within the co-curricular experience. The role will also be responsible for contributing to division-wide assessment activities to measure program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and operational oversight for the student experience portfolio, guiding strategic planning, assessment, and the successful execution of signature programs, events, and divisional initiatives that advance institutional priorities.
• Lead and develop a team of 25 professional staff, and 140 student employees and graduate assistants, fostering a supportive and high-performing work culture while managing a $5 million departmental budget with transparency, efficiency, and strategic intent.
• Promote a vibrant student experience, fostering a culture of student engagement, learning, and success through high-impact programming, integrating the T.I.G.E.R.S. learning framework, and cultivating leadership through direct support of student governance bodies and student leaders.
• Ensure institutional compliance with university policies and federal regulations-including FERPA, Clery, and Title IX-by guiding effective risk management practices that prioritize student safety, legal accountability, and ethical standards.
• Build strong cross-campus partnerships to align student affairs initiatives with broader institutional goals, enhancing the holistic student experience through collaborative innovation and shared leadership.

40 hours per week. This position may require evening and weekend hours supporting activities and programs within the department. Occasionally division and campus projects may require additional hours outside of your normal schedule.

A master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 8 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

• Master's degree in higher education administration, student affairs, or a related field required.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in student engagement, campus programming, or student life.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing co-curricular programs and supervising professional staff.
• Experience in student organization development, event planning, and leadership education.
• Familiarity with federal laws and regulations impacting higher education and student programming.
• Strong ability to build rapport with students and foster a culture of engagement, connection, and belonging.
• Excellent Communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Salary Range: $92,955.20-$150,000. Final salary offer is commensurate with education and experience.

GGS/PAT Level: 014

University Title: Senior Director, Student Support Services

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Priority consideration provided to applicants received by 7/13/25.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.