Associate Director, Student Involvement

Vaforestry; Radford, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Radford University seeks an Associate Director for Student Involvement to cultivate student leadership and engagement. You will develop programs, supervise two assistant directors, and coordinate signature campus initiatives such as Quest, Welcome Weeks, and Club Fairs.

The role also advises student media groups and manages funding decisions of $65,000+ to support clubs and organizations, reporting to the Director for Student Involvement and maintaining a strong emphasis on assessments and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated collaboration with diverse groups to advance initiatives
• Understanding of student development theories and learning outcomes
• Strong communication and marketing skills for outreach and training
• Advanced degree or equivalent education/experience
• Post‑masters professional experience required
• Interpersonal and problem-solving abilities essential for community development

Responsibilities

• Support leadership development through programs, workshops and engagement opportunities
• Advise the Highlander Student Media and oversee six student media organizations
• Oversee funding processes for clubs and organizations totaling $65,000+
• Coordinate signature departmental programs such as orientation and Welcome Weeks
• Supervise two assistant directors and provide leadership in the Director's absence

Skills

Collaboration

Organization

Diversity engagement

Leadership development

Assessment strategies

Communication

Advanced degree

Post-masters experience

Interpersonal skills

Creative problem-solving

Education

Advanced degree or equivalent

Tools

Budget management

Job description

Title: Associate Director, Student Involvement

Application Review Date:9/14/2026

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Job Description

Reporting to the Director for Student Involvement, the Associate Director is responsible for supporting leadership development through the cultivation and creation of programs, workshops, and engagement opportunities that promote student learning in the areas of leadership and community engagement.
This position advises the Radford University Highlander Student Media, made up of The Tartan newspaper, the Beehive yearbook, Radio Free Radford, Radford On Camera (ROC) TV, Whim online magazine, and Exit 109 literary magazine and oversees the administrative aspects of these six student media organizations.
The Associate Director also serves as the advisor for the Club Programming Committee and oversee the process of funding $65,000+ dollars to support clubs and organizations.
The Associate Director works closely with the Director to coordinate signature departmental programs and initiatives including new student orientation (Quest), Welcome Weeks, Club Fairs, Family Weekend, and holiday and break special programming.
This position supervises two assistant directors and provides leadership for the department in the absence of the Director.

Required Qualifications

• A demonstrated ability for collaboration, organization, and bold advancement of new initiatives; a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituent groups;
• A strong understanding of the value of the role of student activities within a university environment and the ability to apply student development principles and learning outcomes theories;
• Demonstrated application of effective assessment strategies, strong communication and marketing skills. Expertise in new student training techniques and leadership development;
• An advanced degree or a combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to an advanced degree.
• Professional working experience post-masters;
• Strong interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills as well as community development competence, a collaborative approach, and a learning mindset are a must.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with developing and delivering targeted student programming initiatives. Building relationships and developing program buy-in across both internal and external constituent groups.
• Experience with and knowledge of supervisory practices and principles; experience in recruiting, hiring, training, and managing employees;
• Experience in managing multiple budgets and strong organizational skills in handling multiple priorities within established timelines;
• Demonstrated efficient, effective, and engaging public speaking. Engagement with professional higher education associations (i.e. NASPA, ACUI, NACA, ACPA, AAC&U).
• 3-5 years post-masters experience in relevant areas of Student Affairs or a combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position 100% telework: No

Hours Per Week:40

Months per Year:12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule: M-F 8:00 -5:00, some evenings and weekends

Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer

Department: Student Center Admin

Salary: $49,098 - $58,000, Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Department Contact Name: Jen Rentschler

Department Contact Phone: [phone]

Department Contact Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.