Assistant Director of Student Activities

UMass Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Boston seeks an Assistant Director for the Office of Student Activities to lead programs and services that enrich student learning and the campus experience on our 24/7 campus. The role oversees the Game Room, SAEC Program Board, budgets, and large-scale traditions, coordinating with campus partners to foster belonging and student success.

The position requires a Master's degree in higher education or a related field and 3–5 years of co-curricular programming experience, with willingness

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in higher education, college student personnel or closely related field preferred; 3–5 years co-curricular programming or related experience.
• Evening and weekend hours, flexible schedule required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative events and activities that enhance retention, engagement and the student experience.
• Coordinate large-scale campus-wide events such as Welcome Week and Beacon Block Party in an inclusive manner.
• Recruit and supervise 3–4 student employees and ~25 program board members.
• Advise the SAEC Programming Board and manage its $500,000 annual budget.
• Collaborate with campus partners to connect students with services and opportunities.
• Assist with data collection for end-of-year reports and program evaluations.
• Represent the department at campus-wide events and committees.

Skills

Leadership & supervision

Event planning

Student engagement

Communication

Public speaking

Budget management

FERPA knowledge

Education

Master's degree in higher education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Campus Groups (Ready Education)

Job description

General Summary

The Assistant Director for the Office of Student Activities, reporting to the Associate Director of Student Activities, will assist with the development, implementation, and assessment of programs, services, and initiatives that enhance student learning and the overall student experience, creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students on a 24/7 campus. The position provides leadership for the University's Game Room as a central student engagement space, overseeing its daily operations, student staff, and programming while creating opportunities that build community and enhance the student experience. Additionally, the Assistant Director oversees the Student Activities and Events Council (SAEC) Program Board, including supervision of student employees and management of the programming budget, and coordinates many of the office's signature campus traditions and large-scale events, including Welcome Week, the Beacon Awards, Beacons @ Night, and Senior Programming. Working collaboratively with campus partners, the Program Coordinator develops innovative programs and services that connect students to the university, foster a sense of belonging, and support student success both inside and outside the classroom.

Examples of Duties

Student Success Services & Programming

• Develop and implement innovative events and activities (both on and off campus) that enhance retention, graduation rates, student engagement, and the overall student experience
• Coordinate and implement large-scale, campus-wide events such as (but not limited to) Welcome Week, Involvement Fairs, Senior Events, "Rec the Halls", Beacon Block Party, and Spring Week that are inclusive, diverse, and align with the University's mission of engaging students holistically
• Recruit student organizations to assist in creating a student involvement presence at the new and transfer student Orientation programs, Open Houses, and Welcome Days
• Collaborate with campus offices, student organizations, and off‑campus vendors to develop a strategy to provide programs and opportunities to increase students’ engagement, spirit, and pride
• Support Academic Affairs initiatives in the areas of student support and campus-wide events and co‑curricular learning (but not limited to) learning community activities and academic support offerings
• Directly oversee the Beacons @ Night programming series to support both residential and off‑campus student engagement
• Coordinate with Community Directors and Resident Assistants to provide programming opportunities in the Residence Hall
• Collaborate with partners in Athletics and Recreation to promote student attendance at athletic and recreation events to enhance the student engagement experience
• Assist with the planning, promotion, and execution of senior class events and senior class gift in conjunction with the University Advancement/Alumni staff
• Provide support for first‑generation student programming initiatives
• Oversee and implement the annual Office of Student Activities Awards Ceremony including (but not limited to) managing award nomination process, ordering food/awards from vendors and working on event logistics with the Campus Center Services Office
• Facilitate the ordering/purchasing of performers, services, tickets, supplies, printing, etc. including the use of contracts, bids, purchase orders, and procurement cards as necessary
• Negotiate contracts with off campus vendors for the Office of Student Activities and student organizations events

Management and Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, and directly supervise 3-4 student employees, who work to plan on-campus events
• Utilize best practices in campus programming to recruit, train, and supervise a diverse group of paid and volunteer program board members, consisting of approximately 25 students
• Serve as the advisor for the Student Activities and Events Council Programming Board, which is responsible for campus‑wide programming
• Develop and maintain a detailed assessment plan for (but not limited to) the Student Arts and Events Council's events, Welcome Week, all large‑scale events, and the Student Leadership Awards
• Create opportunities between academic programs and student organizations where academic and social interests may create partnerships and extensions of classroom experience
• Work with collaboration with the Associate Director and Director to oversee the Student Arts and Events Council Programming Board's annual budget allocation of $500,000.00
• Maintain involvement within the National Student Activities Organization and attend the regional/national conference with students
• Continue to promote and seek out avenues to support students' attendance at regional and national conferences and other professional development opportunities
• Coordinate and manage the fall and spring student organization/student participation in the student involvement fairs, Welcome Days, and Open Houses

General Student Activities Support

• Assist with and support the broader campus utilization of UMBeInvolved, the student organization portal
• Create outreach and marketing materials, both in print and online, to promote knowledge and participation in student organizations, events, the Office of Student Activities, and other engagement opportunities on campus
• Assist with data collection to develop the end‑of‑year reports, program evaluations, and overall assessment efforts of the office and game room
• Utilizing social‑media platforms and the student organizational portal to achieve an engaged and retain university students and community
• Represent the department at campus‑wide events (but not limited to) Family weekend, New Student Orientation, Spring Family Day, Open House, Welcome Day, and Commencement
• Serve on and assist the Campus Program Committee overseen by the Assistant Director of Student Activities
• Serve on relevant divisional and university wide committees, task forces, and projects as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned and are required to adapt to the evolution of the student population

Qualifications

A Master's Degree in higher education, college student personnel or a closely related field preferred and a minimum of 3-5 years experience working with co‑curricular programming, student program boards, late night and campus programming, or a closely related field, preferably in a higher education setting are required. The incumbent will be required to work evening and weekend hours, as well as maintain a flexible schedule, as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience working with Program Boards, creating campus‑wide programming, and working with student organizations and student organization advisors on a college campus is highly preferred. Involvement with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) is highly preferred.
• Experience working with Ready Education (Campus Groups) platform or other student organization software platforms highly preferred.
• Knowledge of student development theory and student engagement/ activities practices preferred.
• Active involvement in state and/or national professional organizations and other forms of professional development in the field of higher education and student affairs preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and familiarity with other standard software programs and databases;
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of best practices in the Student Activities, Student Engagement & Belonging field
• Knowledge of and evidence of sustained collaborative relationships and/or partnerships with other campus offices and programs and with community agencies and organizations resulting in measurable outcomes and tangible deliverables;
• Knowledge of and experience in long‑term strategic planning, assessment and program evaluation;
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of FERPA, Title IX and other student legal issues;
• Ability to work successfully with at‑risk, culturally diverse student populations and a steadfast commitment to the success of students;
• Ability to work on complex and confidential issues utilizing independent judgment, tact and resourcefulness;
• Ability to supervise and train others;
• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills;
• Strong organizational and problem solving skills;
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Salary Ranges

Grade: 32

Salary Ranges

This is an exempt union position.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [e-mail] or 617-287-5150.