College of Engineering Technology, Student Engagement Assistant Director

Rochester Institute of Technology; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Assistant Director at Rochester Institute of Technology will lead signature student engagement initiatives, supervise student leaders, and coordinate scholarship opportunities, aligning with CET priorities and the college’s focus on student success. Hybrid work location with evening/weekend flexibility is expected.

You will collaborate with campus partners, manage program budgets, and help design strategic engagement programs to enhance retention and belonging across CET.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of program management and event planning.
• Knowledge of student advising and coaching.
• Ability to allocate and manage budgets.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Maintains day-to-day operations for the assigned program area, including student engagement activities and event management.
• Ensures operations and activities adhere to grant guidelines.
• Serves as a mentor and advocate to participants with individualized advising and counseling.
• Encourages participation in tutoring, program workshops, and other resources to support student success and retention.
• Performs outreach, meets regularly with participants, and helps resolve academic and personal challenges.

Skills

Program management

Student advising

Budget management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Position Highlights

The Assistant Director will be responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing initiatives that foster student engagement, belonging, and co-curricular involvement across the college. This role will collaborate closely with campus partners to enhance the student experience, retention, and student success outcomes. The Assistant Director will be responsible for the following: Lead and oversee signature student engagement initiatives within CET, including the Women in Technology (WiT) program, CET Cares, and the Peer Mentor program, ensuring alignment with college priorities and student needs. Develop, implement, and assess programs and events that promote student involvement, leadership development, and a strong sense of belonging among CET students. Supervise and support student leaders, including peer mentors and program ambassadors, through training, ongoing development, and performance feedback. Partner with the Assistant Dean of Students to design and execute a comprehensive, strategic approach to student engagement that supports retention and enhances the overall student experience. Manage and oversee program budgets, including allocation of resources, tracking expenditures, and ensuring responsible stewardship of funds. Coordinate and administer scholarship opportunities connected to engagement initiatives, including promotion, selection processes, and communication with recipients. Collaborate with academic departments, faculty, and campus partners to integrate co-curricular engagement opportunities with the academic experience. Establish and maintain relationships with campus offices and external partners to expand opportunities for student involvement, support, and programming. Assess the effectiveness of student engagement initiatives through data collection, student feedback, and program evaluation; use findings to inform continuous improvement efforts. Assist in the planning and execution of college-wide events, including orientation, welcome programs, and community-building initiatives. Maintain flexibility to support student engagement activities that may occur during evenings and weekends, as needed. Maintain a working knowledge of CET academic programs, student populations, and college priorities to effectively align engagement strategies with student success goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintains day-to-day operations for assigned program area, to include student engagement activities and event management.
• Ensures operations and activities adhere to grant guidelines
• Serves as a mentor and advocate to participants and provides individualized advising and counseling services.
• Encourages participation in tutoring, program workshops, and other resources to facilitate student success and retention in the program
• Performs outreach and meets regularly with participants to discuss needs, monitor progress, and assist with the resolution of academic and/or personal challenges
• Develops an action plan for each fiscal year.
• Allocates funds for program activities and monitors budget expenditures for program grants to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Manages the timely submission of financial reporting
• Fosters and develops relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Works collaboratively to develop and implement programs and resources focused on student retention and the elimination of achievement gaps
• Represents the program on and off campus at professional activities and recruitment events.
• Oversees the internal and external marketing of the program through electronic and print communication, partnering with university communications staff to promote the visibility of the program

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of program management and event planning
• Knowledge of student advising and coaching
• Skill in managing and implementing student success programming
• Skill in allocating and managing budgets
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to communicate effectively and engage with a wide range of personalities

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in related field 3 years of relevant experience Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity, and understanding broader sets of issues. May provide assistance to entry level staff.

FLSA Category Exempt

FLSA Category Exempt

Work Location

Hybrid

Compensation

$49,500-$67,000 annually

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis. Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long‑standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall 2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded 21,000. Nationally recognized for its co‑op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than 4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its 1,300-acre suburban campus features cutting‑edge facilities that reflect RIT's strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.