Director of Student Involvement

University of Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Director of Student Involvement to provide strategic leadership for Campus Programs, SORC, Leadership Development and Experience Pitt, serving 800+ student organizations. You will oversee a team of 25 staff and 85 student employees, guiding initiatives that shape the co-curricular experience.

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Student Engagement, you will align budgets, programs and policies, advise the undergraduate Student Government Board, and partner

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs, campus activities, student engagement, leadership development, student organizations, residence life, orientation, student success, or related areas.
• Experience supervising and developing professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience managing departmental operations, budgets, and strategic initiatives.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive environments where all students can thrive.
• Ability to utilize assessment, data, and outcomes to support continuous improvement.

Education

Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Education, Organizational Leadership, Counseling, Public Administration, or a related field

Job description

Executes strategic alignment, long-term planning, operational planning, and management oversight of major college, campus, or University-wide student affairs functions. Establishes the direction, goals, implementation strategy, evaluation means, student initiatives, and policies of the department. Maintains responsibility for budgetary matters. Directs effective communications, promotions, and public relations for the department.

Involvement & Student Unions

This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the University's most visible and impactful student-facing departments. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Student Engagement, the Director of Student Involvement provides strategic leadership for a department that shapes the co-curricular experience for thousands of students each year.

The Director will oversee a talented leadership team responsible for Campus Programs, the Student Organization Resource Center (SORC), Leadership Development, and Experience Pitt—the University's student engagement platform. Together, these areas support more than 800 registered student organizations, signature campus traditions, leadership programs, student media, and countless opportunities for students to build community and develop lifelong leadership skills.

Leading a team of 25 professional staff, 5 direct reports, and approximately 85 student employees, the Director will play a pivotal role in advancing student engagement while partnering across the University to foster an inclusive, vibrant campus community.

The Director will also serve as the primary advisor to the University’s undergraduate Student Government Board, providing leadership, guidance, and coaching, and assistance navigating University partners and resources.

Essential Functions

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Education, Organizational Leadership, Counseling, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs, campus activities, student engagement, leadership development, student organizations, residence life, orientation, student success, or related areas.
• Experience supervising and developing professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience managing departmental operations, budgets, and strategic initiatives.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive environments where all students can thrive.
• Ability to utilize assessment, data, and outcomes to support continuous improvement.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising student government or comparable student leadership organizations.
• Experience leading complex student engagement programs at a large college or university.
• Experience navigating complex student issues, campus partnerships, and organizational change.

Physical Effort

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category

Full-time regular

Job Classification

Staff.Director - Student Affairs

Job Family

Academic & Student Services

Job Sub-Family

Student Services

Campus

Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years Of Experience Required

7

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience?

Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The Division of Student Affairs supports flexible work arrangements with a combination of in-person and remote work days each week. This role will require in-person presence on campus for some weekend and nighttime events, including weekly student government board meetings.

Work Arrangement

Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range

TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered

Yes

Visa Sponsorship Provided

No

Background Check

For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances

The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents

Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Not Applicable