Director, Campus Engagement and Student Experience

Gannon; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannon University in Erie, PA seeks a Director of Campus Engagement and Student Experience to provide strategic leadership for university-wide programs supporting new and first-year students, and the broader student experience. This role leads the First-Year Experience, including Gannon 101, orientation, Welcome Week, and transition initiatives, ensuring a supportive, inclusive campus culture.

The director will collaborate with LDCE and campus partners, use data-driven assessment, and guide

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education or related field required.
• Preferred: five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education or student development.
• Experience coordinating complex programs and supervising staff strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for campus engagement and student experience initiatives.
• Oversee first-year experience programs such as Gannon 101, Gannon READS, new student orientation, Welcome Week, and Transition Guides.
• Collaborate with student government and activities boards to align with division goals.

Skills

Student affairs leadership

Program assessment

Curriculum development

Staff supervision

First-year experience

Education

Master's degree in higher education

Job description

Director, Campus Engagement and Student Experience

Position Title Director, Campus Engagement and Student Experience

Posting Number

Posting Number AS1181P

Subdivision

Subdivision Leadership Development and Campus Engagement

Division

Division Student Development & Engagemt

Department

Department Leadership Development and Campus Engagement (LDCE)

Location

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 Status Exempt

Position Classification

Position Classification Managerial

Position Type

Position Type Staff

Employment Status

Employment Status Full-Time

Position Length

Position Length 12M

Hours per Week

Hours per Week 40

Work Schedule

Work Schedule Mostly week days with occasional weekend

Shift

Shift 1st

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Erie, Pennsylvania Campus
109 University Square
Erie, Pennsylvania 16541
1-800-GANNON-U or 814-871-7000

Ruskin, Florida Campus
105 Commercial Center Dr.
Ruskin, Florida 33573
1-800-GANNON-U or 814-871-7000