Director of Engagement

University of the Pacific; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

University of the Pacific is seeking a Director of Engagement to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for campus-wide engagement initiatives that foster student involvement, school spirit, and a vibrant campus culture.

The role directs the Volunteer Center, SLIC, Pacific Greek Council, and Spirit and Engagement, partnering with campus colleagues to advance inclusive, developmental experiences and align with the university mission.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in student engagement, student life, or related functional areas.
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing multiple functional areas.
• Strong understanding of student development theory and engagement best practices.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for engagement initiatives that promote student involvement, belonging, leadership development, and school spirit.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term goals that align with Student Life priorities and the University’s strategic plan.
• Oversee the Volunteer Center with community engagement and service programs, ensuring alignment with civic learning and student leadership development.
• Oversee Student Life and Involvement Center (SLIC), including advising, leadership programs, and involvement initiatives.
• Provide strategic oversight of fraternity and sorority engagement initiatives in collaboration with campus partners.
• Oversee Spirit and Engagement programs that promote school pride and campus traditions.
• Establish assessment practices to evaluate participation, learning outcomes, and program effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Higher Education or related field

Job description

Primary Purpose

The Director of Engagement provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for campus-wide engagement initiatives that foster student involvement, school spirit, civic responsibility, and a vibrant campus culture. This role oversees multiple high-impact engagement units and collaborates closely with campus partners to create inclusive, meaningful, and developmentally focused experiences for students. The Director of Engagement directly supervises the Volunteer Center, Student Life and Involvement Center ( SLIC ), Pacific Greek Council ( PGC ), and Spirit and Engagement, ensuring alignment with divisional goals, institutional priorities, and the University’s mission. This position requires evening and weekend availability to support student programs, events, and engagement initiatives.

Primary Purpose

The Director of Engagement provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for campus-wide engagement initiatives that foster student involvement, school spirit, civic responsibility, and a vibrant campus culture. This role oversees multiple high-impact engagement units and collaborates closely with campus partners to create inclusive, meaningful, and developmentally focused experiences for students. The Director of Engagement directly supervises the Volunteer Center, Student Life and Involvement Center ( SLIC ), Pacific Greek Council ( PGC ), and Spirit and Engagement, ensuring alignment with divisional goals, institutional priorities, and the University’s mission. This position requires evening and weekend availability to support student programs, events, and engagement initiatives.

Essential Functions

Leadership and Strategy Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for engagement initiatives that promote student involvement, belonging, leadership development, and school spirit. Develop and implement short- and long-term goals that align with Student Life priorities and the University of the Pacific’s strategic plan. Serve as a key thought partner to the Assistant Vice President for Student Life on engagement strategy, culture-building, and student experience initiatives. Departmental Oversight Provide direct supervision and oversight for the following functional areas: Volunteer Center Oversee community engagement and service initiatives, including large-scale service days, ongoing volunteer programs, and community partnerships. Ensure programs support civic learning, reflection, and student leadership development. Student Life and Involvement Center ( SLIC ) Oversee student organization advising, leadership development programs, and involvement initiatives. Ensure compliance with university policies and support student leaders in effective organizational management. Greek Life Provide strategic oversight of fraternity and sorority engagement initiatives in collaboration with campus partners. Support leadership development, community standards, and engagement programming aligned with institutional expectations. Pacific Gaming Center ( PGC ) Provides a dedicated, inclusive space for students to connect through gaming, esports, and interactive technology, supporting social engagement, community building, and student well‑being. Spirit and Engagement Oversee spirit programming, traditions, and engagement initiatives that promote school pride and attendance at campus events, including athletics-related engagement efforts. Collaborate with campus partners to enhance visibility, participation, and student connection to campus traditions. Program Development and Assessment Ensure all engagement programs are inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to student needs. Establish assessment practices to evaluate participation, learning outcomes, and program effectiveness. Use data and student feedback to inform continuous improvement. Collaboration and Campus Partnerships Collaborate with Athletics, Orientation, Week of Welcome, ASUOP , campus ministries, academic partners, and external stakeholders to enhance engagement efforts. Serve as a liaison to campus committees and working groups related to student engagement and campus culture. Staff Supervision and Development Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and student staff within assigned departments. Foster a collaborative, supportive, and high‑performing team culture. Support professional development and succession planning within the engagement units. Budget and Operations Manage and oversee departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with divisional priorities. Support responsible use of student fees and institutional resources. Ensure compliance with university policies, risk management practices, and applicable regulations. Performs other related duties as assigned. This position serves as Campus Security Authority ( CSA ) as outlined by the Clery Act. CSAs have federally mandated responsibilities to report crimes that are reported them. University of the Pacific recognizes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is foundational to the success of our valued students and employees. We prioritize policy and decision‑making that demonstrates awareness of, and responsiveness to, the ways socio‑cultural forces related to race, gender, ability, sexuality, socio‑economic status, etc. impede or propel students, faculty, and staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or a related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in student engagement, student life, or related functional areas. Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and managing multiple functional areas. Strong understanding of student development theory and engagement best practices. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in fraternity and sorority life, student organization advising, or civic engagement. Experience working at a private, residential university. Demonstrated success in building collaborative campus partnerships and managing complex initiatives.