DIRECTOR / STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Central Michigan University; Mount Pleasant (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Michigan University is seeking a Director of Student Involvement to lead student activities, focusing on engagement and holistic development. The position entails strategic planning, fiscal management, and program development aimed at enhancing students' connection to their community.

The ideal candidate should hold a Bachelor’s degree with five years of experience in higher education, demonstrating expertise in crisis management and conflict resolution. This full-time role requires a strong commitment to fostering student success and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible higher education experience.
• Experience cultivating a culture of creativity, care, and concern.
• Understanding of holistic student development in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Lead the department in fostering an environment that promotes student success.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise SAI staff.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive risk management strategy.

Skills

Crisis management

Conflict resolution

Student engagement

Program development

Team-building

Analytical ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related fields

Master’s degree in related fields (preferred)

Tools

Assessment programs

Computer software programs

Job description

Position Title

Director / Student Involvement

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, the Director of Student Activities and Involvement (SAI) provides oversight for the administrative leadership, fiscal management, and strategic planning of the department. The Director aligns SAI priorities with institutional goals related to student engagement, holistic development, wellness, community building, and learning outcomes for registered student organizations (RSO), fraternities, sororities, and campus program student leaders. The Director leads a dynamic team of professional and student staff, fosters a culture of trust and innovation, and ensures students feel supported, empowered, and connected to the broader mission of student success. Key responsibilities include program development, event support, fiscal oversight, external funding acquisition, and representation on university and community committees.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in higher education, educational administration, student affairs, or related fields.
• Five years of progressively responsible higher education experience.
• Extensive experience with crisis management, risk reduction, conflict resolution, and restorative practice.
• Understanding of holistic student development in higher education settings.
• Experience cultivating a culture of creativity, care, and concern using a student‑centered approach.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and implementation skills with proven results.
• Personal integrity, high ethical standards, decorum, and diplomacy.
• Strategic visionary with strong operational focus, analytical ability, and good judgment.
• Proven team‑building and management experience in a large, decentralized environment.
• Experience responding to sensitive inquiries, reports, and concerns.
• Experience with student development, community engagement, event planning, and assessment.
• Ability to publish assessment reports, briefs, and presentations.
• Knowledge of computer software programs and operations.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education, educational administration, student personnel, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Executive leadership experience managing compliance, risk, and student engagement efforts.
• Knowledge and experience with psychological safety, restorative practice, sustained dialogue, and social location theory.
• Demonstrated commitment to holistic student development opportunities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the department in fostering an environment that promotes student success, belonging, and leadership development.
• Advocate for the vital role of student engagement in lifelong success.
• Recruit, hire, and supervise SAI staff; oversee training and performance evaluation.
• Develop and implement an efficient staffing model aligned with strategic priorities.
• Facilitate partnerships across campus and the broader community.
• Establish, review, update, interpret, and administer departmental and university policies.
• Create a structure for ongoing improvement and accountability with the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.
• Serve as an on‑site point of contact for events and crisis response.
• Provide day‑to‑day support to registered student organizations and fraternities/sororities.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive risk management strategy, including hazing prevention.
• Assist with budget development, payroll, and program funding allocations.
• Design and implement rigorous training programs for students and advisors.
• Oversee major campus events such as Mainstage, Homecoming, Greek Week, and Siblings Weekend.
• Collaborate with the Office of Student Conduct on behavioral concerns and investigations.
• Manage the Engage student engagement platform, including vendor contracts and data analysis.
• Assess programs and services to achieve unit‑based learning outcomes and university goals.
• Serve on campus committees, task forces, and steering groups as appointed.
• Represent University Engagement and Student Affairs in meetings with the AVPSA and other stakeholders.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

Supervisors support the Leadership Standards of Central Michigan University and foster a culture of excellence. Leadership standards define how leaders lead and treat others on teams. Leaders seek input, continuously improve leadership abilities, and encourage growth in those they lead. Employees are encouraged to grow personally and professionally, advancing CMU’s culture of excellence.

Pay Range & Location

Pay Range: $60,000 – $75,000

Location: Mount Pleasant, MI

Position Type: 12 month, Full‑Time, FTE 1.0

Weekly Schedule: Mon‑Fri, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; weekends, evenings, and travel as needed.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Central Michigan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex‑based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.

Title IX

CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.

Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Assistant Secretary, or both.

CMU’s Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:

Phone: 989‑774‑3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St., Bovee University Center, Suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: [e-mail]

Contact

Staff postings – Human Resources | Contact HR | (989) 774‑2010 | 109 Rowe
Faculty postings – Faculty Personnel Services | Contact FPS | (989) 774‑3368 | 308 Warriner

Additional Information

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