Director, Campus Engagement and Student Experience

Gannon University; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannon University in Erie, PA, invites applications for the Director, Campus Engagement and Student Experience. This leadership role develops and guides university-wide programs to support new student success and belonging, retention, and the overall student experience.

The Director leads the First-Year Experience, including Gannon 101, Gannon READS, orientation, Welcome Week, and Transition Guides, and oversees clubs/organizations and fraternity/sorority life initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, education, student development, or a related field is required.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, student affairs, student development, first-year experience, orientation, student success, retention, or related initiatives is strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating complex programs, supervising staff or student leaders, and managing multiple annual program cycles.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for university-wide programs to support new and first-year students and the broader student experience.
• Lead the First-Year Experience (Gannon 101, Gannon READS, new student orientation, Welcome Week, Transition Guides) and oversee clubs/organizations and fraternity/sorority life initiatives.
• Collaborate with LDCE staff and students; use data, assessments, and best practices to inform program development and respond to student needs.
• Ensure alignment with the University's mission and inclusivity goals while supporting persistence and graduation.

Skills

Higher education experience

Student affairs

First-year experience

Curriculum development

Education

Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, education, student development, or related field

Job description

Position Details

Posting Summary

Position Title

Director, Campus Engagement and Student Experience

Posting Number

AS1181P

Subdivision

Leadership Development and Campus Engagement

Division

Student Development & Engagement

Department

Leadership Development and Campus Engagement (LDCE)

Location

Erie, Pa

Position Summary

The Director of Campus Engagement and Student Experience provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for university-wide programs and initiatives designed to support the successful transition, engagement, belonging, and retention of new and first-year students, as well as the broader student experience.

The Director provides leadership for Gannon University’s comprehensive First-Year Experience, including the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of Gannon 101, Gannon READS, new student orientation, Welcome Week, and Transition Guides. The Director also leads the clubs and organizations process and fraternity and sorority life initiatives (with the Coordinator). The Director ensures that the first-year experience is intentionally designed to help students understand and navigate the university, develop meaningful connections, engage with the University’s mission and community, develop skills necessary for collegiate success, and establish a strong foundation for persistence and graduation.

The Director works collaboratively with other Student Development and Engagement leaders to ensure that these programs support the University’s student experience priorities and the strategic goals of the division. Specifically, they will coordinate with the staff and students who compose the Activities Programming Board and the Gannon Student Government Association.

The Director uses student data, assessment results, student feedback, and current research and high‑impact practices to inform program development and ensure that first-year initiatives and student engagement programs respond to the changing needs of Gannon’s student population.

The Director demonstrates a commitment to Gannon University’s mission, Catholic identity, student-centered philosophy, and commitment to creating an inclusive environment in which students can thrive.

Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, education, student development, or a related field is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Preferred: five years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, student affairs, student development, first-year experience, orientation, student success, retention, or a related area. Demonstrated experience with first-year seminar, transition programming, curriculum development, student engagement, or related initiatives is strongly preferred. Experience coordinating complex programs, supervising staff or student leaders, and managing multiple annual program cycles.

Physical Demands

Physical Requirements

Must be able to meet the physical demands associated with a busy academic environment and regular interaction with students, faculty, and staff.

Working Conditions

The majority of work is performed in a busy university environment with regular interaction with students, faculty, staff, and University administrators. Attendance at University programs and events outside of traditional business hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required, particularly during orientation, Welcome Week, student leader training, and other significant student programming periods.

Exempt Status

Exempt

Position Classification

Managerial

Position Type

Staff

Employment Status

Full-Time

Position Length

12M

Hours per Week

40

Work Schedule

Mostly week days with occasional weekend

Shift

1st