Director of Student Leadership & Belonging at InsideHigherEd

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LEADERSHIP AND BELONGING 

Bridgewater College invites applications for the Director of Student Leadership and Belonging, a critical leadership position dedicated to shaping and supporting an engaging campus experience for all students. This role provides the opportunity to foster student growth, build community, and transform ideas into impactful events that promote a strong sense of belonging.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY  

The Director of Student Leadership and Belonging at Bridgewater College is pivotal in student success and retention, overseeing strategic programming, student leadership development, and providing comprehensive support for clubs and organizations. This position is responsible for supervising the Student Life Events and Engagement Team (SLEET) and co-advising the Campus Engagement and Activity Team (CEAT) with the Coordinator of Campus Enrichment and Belonging. The Director promotes an engaging environment that builds community, fosters connections, and cultivates a genuine sense of belonging for all students at Bridgewater College. 

The Director is charged with: 

• Leading the strategic vision and assessment of student engagement through coordination of student programming through CEAT, BCSA, SAAC, campus-sponsored clubs, and other campus offices. 

• Recruiting, training, and advising the Bridgewater College Student Association (BCSA), which represents the student body and advocates for student needs on campus.  

• Supervising the Student Life Events and Engagement Team (SLEET), coordinating their work with campus events and programming. 

• Providing support and administration for all campus student clubs and organizations.  

• Providing oversight for BCVA Student Life social media platforms. 
• Collaborating with internal and external campus partners to ensure a vibrant and engaging student experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

While not an exhaustive list, the primary responsibilities of this position include: 

• Foster and maintain strong collaborative partnerships with faculty, staff across campus, and community members to ensure the delivery of meaningful and relevant student engagement opportunities.
• Co-advise multiple student organizations, including the Campus Engagement and Activity Team (CEAT) and campus clubs, in close partnership with the Coordinator of Campus Enrichment and Belonging.
• Lead the strategic development and assessment of student programming initiatives, ensuring they reflect the Student Life Curriculum.
• Work effectively with national programming organizations such as the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities, the National Association for Campus Activities, and the Association for Student Unions International.
• Shepherd and follow-up effectively with student organizations by monitoring their status, advisor needs, and budgets to ensure their successful operation and compliance.

The successful candidate will be an experienced, organized, and inclusive leader. For a comprehensive list of qualifications, please visit Job Description.

Bridgewater College seeks an individual who possesses the following: 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• A Bachelor’s degree - A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred, although consideration will be given to a bachelor’s degree and significant administrative and Student Affairs experience. 

• Prior experience with supervisory/advising and campus event planning 

• Minimum of 1-2 years of demonstrated success working in the field of Campus Programming.  

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral. 

• A proven ability to work successfully within diverse student and staff teams. 

• The flexibility to work evenings and weekends to meet student and college needs, particularly during peak times. 

• The ability to develop and maintain healthy boundaries with students while cultivating a meaningful supervisor/mentorship relationship. 

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to creatively and effectively problem-solve. 

• Ability to connect to students and understand their wants and needs through a programming and engagement lens.

• Experience working effectively within interdisciplinary teams and building collaborative relationships with colleagues across departments and within the broader community. 

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and organizational skills that allow multitasking to work with students and other colleagues on day-to-day projects aand future projects. 
• Have a valid Virginia Driver’s license within 60 days of employment a good driving record.

ENVIRONMENT AND EXPECTATIONS:

This role typically operates Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, but flexibility is essential. While the primary hours are typically Monday through Friday, some duties will need to be performed outside of standard business hours to meet the evolving needs of the College community and offer student support to the fullest extent. The position involves occasional medium physical work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting or carrying of up to 35 pounds. Strong sensory abilities (far vision, near vision, hearing, and speech) are important for effective communication and engagement. 

Pay is competitive, and salary is commensurate with experience. This full-time position offers a full benefits package, including paid tuition at the College for eligible dependents.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Bridgewater College was founded in 1880 as a coeducational liberal arts college to serve the local community. Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, just minutes outside of Harrisonburg and within driving distance of Charlottesville, Washington D.C., and Richmond, Bridgewater is home to a total student body of approximately 1,450 from 27 states and 19 countries. Bridgewater students study more than 60 majors and minors, in addition to four graduate programs and 10 pre-professional programs. Bridgewater College is an NCAA DIII school with approximately 40 percent of its students participating in intercollegiate athletics on 25 teams. To learn more about Bridgewater College, visit: bridgewater.edu  

APPLY: Complete the online application.

DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Email Human Resources at [email protected] 

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Bridgewater College, an equal opportunity provider and employer, is a welcoming and vibrant workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Non-Discrimination Notice: https://www.bridgewater.edu/legal/non-discrimination-notice/ 

ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT AND ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT: The Bridgewater College Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report summarizes policies on campus security and personal safety, crime prevention, fire safety, and crime reporting, and includes crime and fire statistics for the past three years: https://bridgewater.app.box.com/s/4ma6tlh30y8cat9un192ugo3dm6n29y9 

To request a printed copy, please call 540-828-5761

E-VERIFY AND RIGHT TO WORK:

https://bridgewater.box.com/s/479yflkelh9xjxi32ekzbre2wer5fsmz 

https://bridgewater.box.com/s/zqyfln3uwpfebahz4drdc37afh4du3im 

Bridgewater College has partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to obtain resources to enhance the College’s facilities, including the recent addition to and renovation of the College’s primary athletic facility. The College is posting the following Notice as required by federal law for organizations which benefit from the USDA’s funding program:

NOTICE

If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html,  or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax at (202) 690-7442, or email at [email protected].