Director of Student Development and Engagement

Job Summary:

The Director of Student Development and Engagement will develop, lead, and coordinate student development and engagement opportunities to enhance student career-readiness, persistence, and success. This role will align, foster, and advance the College’s priorities and initiatives to provide a robust and progressive student experience, from enrollment through graduation, that incorporates mentorship, leadership, career development, community engagement, and other transformative experiences beyond the classroom.

The Director will work collaboratively with college departments and student support programs, acting as a college liaison with university partners (e.g., Career Services, Student Life and Enrollment), to coordinate and develop strategies and leverage resources for CBAT student enrollment, support, and success. The duties will include: program development, implementation, oversight, and assessment; career and professional development coaching; prospective student, alumni, employer, and community networking; and cultivation of student engagement, leadership, and service opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the student experience and development in the higher education setting.
• Demonstrated ability to design, plan, organize, direct, and assess student programs and services.
• Demonstrated ability to energize and develop a strong student-centered atmosphere.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritize responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to engage collaboratively with both internal (students, staff, faculty, administrators) and external (employers, alumni, donors) constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and problem-solve.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and use data to make informed decisions.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Two (2) years minimum of full-time experience in student-facing role(s) in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, business, or another related field.
• Progressive experience in student success, career services, leadership, or related fields at the university level.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships (employers, alumni, campus units) and deliver measurable student outcomes.

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family –Student Services Management 1
• Market Range - 8 Salary Schedules
• For information on benefits, please visit Employee Benefits

Application Instructions and additional details

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check
• Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution’s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer Statement:

The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.