Director

Job Title: Director (Student Engagement)
Location: Valdosta State University
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 283875
About Us As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities' rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgia's Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.

Job Summary This position provides direction and management oversight to one or more departments or units. Plan, direct, and coordinate operational activities.

Responsibilities Department Summary


The Director of Student Life provides visionary leadership and administrative oversight for a comprehensive portfolio that includes Student Life Programming, Campus Activities Board (CAB), Greek Life, Student Organizations, Student Leadership, Campus Communities and Belonging, and major signature events such as Fall Explosion, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Lighting of the Palms, Spring Welcome Week, and the Mayhem Music Festival. The director is responsible for ensuring high-impact, all-inclusive, and student-centered programming that enhances campus life, builds community, and supports student engagement and success.

Typical Allocation of Duties:


Accomplish department/unit objectives - 25%
Direct the human, financial, and other resources needed to accomplish objectives of the department or unit.

Monitor and establish processes - 20%
Monitor and establish processes to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with University and department goals.

Direct operations - 20%
Direct the operations of the department or unit.

Area Representative - 15%
Represent the department or unit to internal and external groups and individuals.

Manage budget - 10%
Manage the department/unit budget.

Compliance - 10%
Ensure commitment to and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.

Supervisor Expectations:

• Provide strategic direction for all areas under Student Life to ensure alignment with institutional priorities around student engagement, belonging, and holistic well-being.
• Maintain active involvement in each functional area, keeping a "finger on the pulse" while empowering staff and student leaders to carry out initiatives.
• Ensure relational rather than transactional programming and events, where students feel a sense of community.
• Oversee the planning and execution of high-impact, large-scale campus traditions such as Fall Explosion, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Lighting of the Palms, Spring Welcome Week, and Mayhem Music Festival.
• Support and guide the Campus Activities Board to deliver vibrant and consistent student engagement opportunities throughout the year.
• Provide oversight and policy guidance for recognized student organizations and Greek-letter organizations, ensuring compliance with university expectations, risk management, and leadership development.
• Foster collaborative relationships among organizations and between Greek Life and the broader campus community.
• Design and support leadership development programs.
• Ensure intentional leadership pathways are built into student life opportunities, including positions on CAB and student organizations.
• Lead efforts to embed empathy, trust, and belonging into all aspects of student life programming.
• Support initiatives that promote identity development, intercultural engagement, and a sense of mattering for all students.
• Collaborate with academic colleges, student support services, athletics, and other units to integrate Student Life into the overall student experience.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader at programs and events, fostering relationships with students and campus partners.
• Regularly assess student engagement trends and needs to inform programming decisions.
• Use data to drive innovation in program delivery and student outreach, adapting to shifting demographics and campus dynamics.
• Supervise staff members and graduate assistants within the Office of Student Life.
• Foster a culture of professional growth, teamwork, and accountability within the department.
• Develop and manage budgets for assigned areas, ensuring responsible stewardship of student activity and institutional funds.
• Seek external funding, sponsorships, or grants to enhance programming when possible.
• Maintain an awareness of risk management policies and procedures and ensure all events are planned with safety and contingency in mind.
• Provide leadership and support in crisis or emergency situations that impact student programs or organizations.
  
  

Required Qualifications Required Experience
Bachelor's degree in a specified field and five (5) years of related work experience in a related field is required. Terminal degree and/or professional licensure, certification, and/or designation may be required in some areas.

Proposed Salary Commensurate with experience.

USG Core Values The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .

Conditions of Employment Applicants are required to provide:

• professional references with current contact information
• documentation of academic credentials
• employment history

Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to:

• ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
• view social media outlets, and
• remove job postings without additional notification.

Employment is contingent upon:

• successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
• reference checks

Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:

• satisfactory credit check
• successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
• pre-employment drug testing
• confirmation of credentials

After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:

• New employee orientation
• VSU's Annual Compliance Training:
  • USG Ethics Policy
  • Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy
  • Drug Free Workplace
  • Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
  • Motor Vehicle Policy
  • Workers Compensation (new hires)
  • Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)
• USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)

Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Worker's Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving

Equal Employment Opportunity Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution . click apply for full job details