Director, McDougal Graduate Student Center and Student Life

Overview

The Director of the McDougal Graduate Student Center and Student Life will provide visionary leadership and supervise day‑to‑day management of the Center. This position reports to the Dean of the Graduate School, or the Dean’s designee, and serves as a primary advocate for the graduate student population, working collaboratively with university administration, academic departments, and student organizations to provide resources, community‑building opportunities, and professional development.

In addition, the Director will oversee all large‑scale events such as orientation, matriculation, commencement, and any other events that may be deemed necessary by the Dean of the Graduate School.

• Strategic Direction:
  Develop and implement a long‑term vision and strategic plan for the Graduate Student Center that aligns with the institution’s mission and supports the holistic needs of graduate students.
• Operational Management:
  Oversee all aspects of Center operations, including facility usage, program development, and resource allocation.
• Staff Supervision:
  Work with the associate director of the Center to hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and student hourly employees, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Policy Development:
  Establish Center policies and procedures that comply with university regulations and support students’ needs.

• Recruitment activities:
  Provide GSAS resource information for department or program information sessions and assist with virtual recruitment outreach.
• Professional Development:
  Curate, promote, and deliver programs to enrich the academic journeys, personal growth, and professional development of graduate students, and also coordinate programming with the Office of Career Strategy, the assistant dean for graduate student professional development, and other campus constituencies.
• Student Organization Support:
  Assist with advising graduate student organizations, including the Graduate Student Assembly, to enhance student life and engagement.
• Student Community Building:
  Create a welcoming environment that fosters interdisciplinary networking and belonging, including overseeing family‑friendly events and large‑scale events, such as orientation, matriculation, and commencement.
• Advising & Advocacy:
  Serve as an advocate for graduate students, providing guidance on issues and connecting students with campus resources (e.g., mental health counseling and wellness, career services).

• Budget Oversight:
  Develop and monitor annual budgets, manage internal financial controls, and ensure compliance with university fiscal policies.
• Data‑Driven Assessment:
  Utilize metrics and student survey data to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, identify trends in student needs, and drive continuous improvement.

• Stakeholder
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Function as a key liaison between the Graduate School, university offices supporting graduate student needs, and academic departments to enhance infrastructure and support.
• Representation:
  Represent the graduate student population at national graduate student life conferences and meetings.

• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in student affairs, student success, or related fields, with a significant portion focused on graduate students.
• Leadership
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and supervise staff while fostering a welcoming environment for all.
• Fiscal Management:
  Proven experience managing budgets, financial planning, and compliance.
• Communication:
  Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with the ability to represent the center to various stakeholders.

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ph.D.
• Knowl…