Director, Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL)

University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Maryland; On-site; USD 93,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition remission

Paid holidays

Wellness programs

Job summary

University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites applications for the Director of the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL). This role provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight of the center’s programs, with a focus on student engagement, leadership development, belonging, and success across the campus community.

The director collaborates with academic and administrative units, oversees budgeting and policy development, ensures risk management and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Experience leading a large student affairs or similar unit.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, compliance, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for SEAL operations.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for student engagement and success.
• Manage annual budget, procurement, contracts, and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.
• Supervise staff and support professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Compliance

Risk management

Assessment

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration

Job description

Job Description Summary

Organization’s Summary Statement:
The Director of the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL) serves as the chief administrative officer for the Center and provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the University’s comprehensive student engagement and leadership development programs. Reporting to the Associate Vice President & Dean of Students, the Director advances the mission of the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Experience by creating a vibrant campus environment that promotes student engagement, leadership development, belonging, civic responsibility, and student success.

The Director is responsible for the overall administration of the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (SEAL), including strategic planning, budget administration, personnel management, policy development, assessment, compliance, and risk management. The Director provides leadership for student organizations, leadership development initiatives, campus traditions, major campus programming, student governance, student organization advising, and co-curricular learning opportunities while ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic priorities.

The Director serves as a member of the Dean of Students leadership team and collaborates extensively with academic and administrative departments to create transformative educational experiences that enhance student learning, persistence, and institutional pride.

Salary Range: $93,294 - $95,000

Benefits:

• Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees
  and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits
  Division.
  
• Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision
  coverage.
  
• Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an
  Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement
  Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state
  match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife
  Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance).
  
• Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM
  policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland
  institutions.
  
• Exempt positions start at 22 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per
  year, personal leave 3 days per year), and paid holidays.
  
• Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of
  Maryland wellness programs.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Provide executive leadership for all operations of the Center for Student
  Engagement and Leadership (SEAL).
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that advances
  student engagement, leadership development, and student success
  initiatives.
• Establish annual departmental goals, key performance indicators (KPIs),
  and measurable outcomes that align with divisional and institutional
  strategic priorities.
• Utilize assessment data and national best practices to continuously
  improve programs, services, and student learning outcomes.
• Represent SEAL on university committees, task forces, and institutional
  planning initiatives.

Fiscal Administration and Budget Management

• Develop, administer, and oversee the Center’s annual operating budget.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of institutional resources through effective
  fiscal planning, budget forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and financial
  reporting.
• Oversee all purchasing, procurement, contracts, vendor agreements, travel
  expenditures, programming allocations, and financial transactions in
  accordance with University System of Maryland, State of Maryland, and
  UMES policies.
• Manage student programming budgets, leadership development funding,
  student organization allocations, and special initiative resources.
• Identify opportunities for grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and external funding that support student engagement initiatives.
• Ensure financial accountability through regular budget reconciliation and fiscal reporting.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Policy Administration

• Ensure departmental compliance with all federal, state, University System
  of Maryland, and institutional regulations governing student organizations,
  campus programming, contracts, travel, student activities, and event management.
• Develop, review, and implement departmental policies, operational procedures, manuals, and student organization guidelines.
• Provide executive oversight of event approval processes, risk assessments,
  contracts, and safety protocols for campus activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Clery Act reporting requirements, ADA accessibility standards, Title IX expectations, student conduct policies, and university event management procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support audits, institutional reporting, and accreditation efforts.

Personnel Leadership and Department Administration

• Provide leadership and supervision for all professional staff, graduate assistants, administrative personnel, and student employees within SEAL.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate departmental personnel.
• Promote a collaborative, innovative, and student-centered organizational culture.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and develop professional growth opportunities for staff.
• Ensure efficient day-to-day operations and continuous improvement of departmental services.

Student Engagement and Leadership Development

• Provide leadership and oversight for all student engagement initiatives,
  leadership education programs, and campus traditions.
• Oversee the administration and support of all registered student organizations.
• Ensure comprehensive leadership development opportunities are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Provide executive oversight for advising structures supporting the Student Government Association (SGA), Campus Activities Board (CAB), Imperial Court, class councils, and other student leadership organizations.
• Promote inclusive programming that supports belonging, leadership identity development, civic engagement, and holistic student development.
• Foster innovative programming that strengthens campus traditions and enhances the student experience.

Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness

• Direct comprehensive assessment initiatives to measure student engagement, leadership development, participation, and learning outcomes.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to improve programs and inform strategic decision-making. • Prepare annual reports, dashboards, accreditation documentation, and institutional effectiveness reports.
• Utilize assessment findings to guide budget priorities, staffing decisions, and program enhancements.
• Monitor departmental performance indicators and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.

Campus Collaboration and University Engagement

• Collaborate with academic colleges, Enrollment Management, Residence Life, Athletics, Student Conduct, Counseling Services, Student Accessibility Services, University Police, Conference Services, Alumni Relations, and other campus partners to advance student success.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, alumni, corporate sponsors, and external agencies to expand leadership and engagement opportunities.
• Represent the University at professional conferences, regional associations, and national organizations focused on student affairs and leadership education.
• Serve as a member of the Dean of Students leadership team.
• Participate in divisional strategic planning and institutional initiatives.
• Support crisis response efforts and major university events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President & Dean of Students.

Campus Collaboration and University Engagement

• Collaborate with academic colleges, Enrollment Management, Residence Life, Athletics, Student Conduct, Counseling Services, Student Accessibility Services, University Police, Conference Services, Alumni Relations, and other campus partners to advance student success.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, alumni, corporate sponsors, and external agencies to expand leadership and engagement opportunities.
• Represent the University at professional conferences, regional associations, and national organizations focused on student affairs and leadership education.
• Serve as a member of the Dean of Students leadership team.
• Participate in divisional strategic planning and institutional initiatives.
• Support crisis response efforts and major university events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President & Dean of Students.

Preferences

• Earned doctorate in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Student Affairs, or a related discipline.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education.
• Experience managing large-scale campus events, student governance, and leadership development programs.

Physical Demands

• May require extended periods of standing, bending, stooping, sitting at desk.
• May require lifting.
• Requires communication with a variety of constituents externally and internally.
• Requires operation of a variety of office equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs Administration, Educational Leadership, Business Administration, or a closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student engagement, campus activities, student affairs, or higher education administration.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Knowledge of student development theory, leadership education, and student engagement best practices.

Knowledge of budget administration, fiscal management, procurement, and financial accountability.

Knowledge of higher education compliance requirements, risk management, contracts, and event planning.

Ability to conduct strategic planning, assessment, and organizational effectiveness.

Ability to supervise staff.

Ability to build relationships.

Ability to interpret data and utilize assessment results to improve organizational performance.

Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while exercising sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of names of three current professional references (current or past supervisor) including e‑mail address, and telephone number (current supervisor will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior consent). All applicants must apply using the new online application system. Please visit https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMES to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Best Consideration Date: N/A

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Department

UMES-VPSA-Vice President for Student Affairs

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$93,294 - $95.000

EEO Statement

UMESis an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Diversity Statement

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunityinstitution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation.

Title IX Statement

It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University’s educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliationfor asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.