Associate Director, Student Community Programs

Position Overview

The Student Engagement Center at the University of Kansas serves as a hub for student involvement, leadership development, impact programs and resources, and community programs. Through the Student Engagement Center, KU students deepen their connection to each other and KU by exploring communities and opportunities to thrive during their Jayhawk experience. Students will engage through registered student organizations, leadership experiences, and professional development workshops.

The Center will impact students by providing for direct needs in the Campus Cupboard, Pregnant and Parenting Pantry, clothing closets, and the Emergency Aid Network. Jayhawks will build community as they connect with peers and engage in student support programs. The Student Engagement Center enhances existing programs by providing greater resources and deeper connections across Student Affairs.

The Associate Director for Student Community Programs is responsible for strengthening the KU student experience through community engagement programs. The Associate Director will supervise professional, graduate, and undergraduate student staff to implement an intersectional range of programs and initiatives that foster community building across all KU students. The Associate Director engages with students, staff, faculty, and the community to extend the reach of the Student Engagement Center.

The Associate Director reports to the Director of the Student Engagement Center and serves as a key member of the center’s leadership team.

• Establish a dynamic, future-oriented mission and vision for student-focused community and educational programs, workshops, and events at the University of Kansas. Ensure all program activities and initiatives align with the unit’s mission, vision, and strategic initiatives.
• Supervise program coordinators focused on student community programs and educational workshops.
• Lead the development and implementation of signature programs and other large‑scale events designed to connect students, staff, and faculty. This includes initiating and negotiating contracts, performing host responsibilities, and managing event logistics.
• Collaborate with campus partners to develop initiatives that support the Student Engagement Center’s mission and goals.
• Build and maintain partnerships with university stakeholders that align with the Student Engagement Center’s mission and strengthen the resources available to students.
• Coordinate with the Student Engagement Center and Student Affairs staff to oversee communication strategies and products to promote student community programs.
• Manage program budgets associated with student community and engagement programs and educational workshops in collaboration with the Director.

• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols for responding to student needs, ensuring consistency and adherence to legal requirements following the student code of conduct.
• Design ongoing training and professional development opportunities for Student Community Program coordinators and student employees.
• Assist the Director of the Student Engagement Center in planning all‑staff meetings, retreats, and training.
• Assist the Director of the Student Engagement Center in efforts to create and standardize staff protocols and operations.
• Gather and assess culture and climate information to identify initiatives that effectively respond to departmental and campus needs.

• Foster a culture of evidence‑based decisions and practices related to student engagement, community programs, and personal development workshops. Oversee the implementation of assessments to evaluate the effectiveness/success of programs within the Student Program Manager for Student Community Programs portfolio.
• Track data‑based trends related to student engagement programs and services within and beyond KU. Identify trends over time and projections for future needs.
• Collaborate with peer institutions and professional organizations to benchmark KU programs with regional, national, and international best practices.
• Develop,…