Program Director - Student Senate

Utah-Valley-University; Orem (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Valley University is seeking a Program Director–Student Senate to influence student voice, leadership, and academic engagement across the campus. This role guides student government initiatives within the academic senate and helps students represent peers in meaningful institutional conversations.

The position offers cross-campus collaboration, training coordination, and leadership development for student leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher with related experience.
• Experience in student leadership or higher education preferred.
• Strong organization and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to mentor and develop student leaders.
• Knowledge of campus processes and governance structures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all student group requests for campus activities; track budgets and deposits; develop learning outcomes and promote programs.
• Mentor student leaders through regular meetings and feedback; supervise participation in scholarship programs and events.
• Maintain and train users on the department database; develop forms for events and communications; coordinate with staff via Teams.
• Perform additional duties to support the Department of Student Leadership and Involvement.

Skills

Group dynamics

Mentorship

Leadership development

Project management

Public speaking

Communication

Diplomacy

Event coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Join Utah Valley University in a role where you can directly influence student voice, leadership, and academic engagement. As the Program Director–Student Senate, you will play a central role in guiding student government initiatives within the academic senate branch, helping students represent their peers and engage in meaningful institutional conversations. Your work will empower student leaders to develop confidence, advocacy skills, and a strong sense of connection to the university, while contributing to a campus culture that values collaboration and participation.

This position offers the opportunity to work across campus, building partnerships and coordinating trainings, events, and programs that support student success. You will mentor and develop student leaders, manage program operations, and help ensure effective participation in student governance processes. Ideal for someone who is organized, diplomatic, and committed to student involvement, this role provides a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact while continuing to grow your own leadership and program management expertise in a supportive higher education environment.

• Program Oversight: Processes all student group requests related to campus scheduling, purchasing, catering, signage/marketing, fundraising, etc. Tracks allocated budget use and reconciles monthly purchases and deposits. Contributes to the development of program learning outcomes by participating in group conversations with department leadership and assisting in the implementation of teaching activities. Directs the implementation of programming, events, and activities dedicated to the advocacy efforts related to student needs and issues within specific schools, colleges, and majors. Conducts assessment to evaluate the effectiveness of programs/events. Builds campus partnerships by collaborating with other Student Life programs and university units. Promotes the program to the student community by distributing program information to university units and tabling at events such as orientation and fairs. Directs the recruitment, interview process, selection, and onboarding of student leaders. Facilitates the creation of design assets for marketing/branding and distribution of promotional materials related to sponsored events and activities (when applicable).
• Student Mentorship: Maintains a regular in-office presence and availability to advise and support student leaders. Conducts one‑on‑one meetings and provides constructive feedback for progression. Evaluates student skill development. Creates teaching activities and facilitates regularly held student trainings. Supervises and tracks the participation of scholarship student leaders and volunteers. Guides students in planning and executing activities, conducting group meetings, developing partnerships, completing projects, etc. Attends student events sponsored by the program to provide staff presence and assistance when needed.
• Department Systems: Utilizes internal department database, ensuring student information is up to date for current use, archive purposes, and alumni interactions. Provides training on database use and functionality to student users. Develops forms to collect necessary information from events/activities. Regularly communicates with staff and student leaders via Microsoft Teams.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned, necessary to the success of the program and Department of Student Leadership and Involvement, including assistance in executing departmental projects/events.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and directly related experience to the summary of duties; OR a combination of education and experience totaling four years.

For Example:

• Bachelor's degree + related experience
• OR an associate degree + 2 years of related experience
• OR at least 60 college credit hours + 2 years of related experience
• OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) + 4 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline.
• Work experience within higher education, specifically student life and/or student leadership.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of and commitment to student involvement.
• Knowledge of methods and practices of effective leadership principles and techniques, including mentoring and supervision.
• Knowledge of planning, developing, and coordinating student programs.
• Knowledgeand understanding of common university services.

Skills

• Demonstrated skill set centered on group dynamics, mentorship, and leadership development.
• Project and program management skills, including conception, development, implementation, management, and evaluation.
• Technological skills, including but not limited to word processing, email communications, spreadsheets, etc.
• Skilled in public speaking and presentation to small and large groups.

Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop, and sustain relationships with others, such as campus departments, students, staff, and faculty, and contribute to a collaborative environment as a team player.
• Ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and follow policies and procedures and apply them in the appropriate settings.
• Ability to effectively facilitate one‑on‑one and group meetings, including the navigation of sensitive subject content and the introduction of new ideas.
• Able to adjust to a variable work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and occasional travel.