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Working at Lewis & Clark College

The campus is located on 137 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Portland’s southwest hills. Our strong commitment to sustainability is reinforced through recycling programs, energy conservation, alternative transportation options, and farm to fork initiatives. For benefit-eligible positions, we offer a competitive benefits package that includes options for health, dental, vision, tuition, life insurance, retirement and more.

Lewis & Clark College is committed to achieving a diverse workforce. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status, such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or age.

PRIMARY PURPOSE 

The Associate Director of Student Engagement supports the creation and maintenance of an engaging, vibrant, and transformative student experience.  Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement & Experiential Learning within the Student Engagement office, the Associate Director provides leadership, planning, and day-to-day management of signature programs that encourage student involvement and co-create an exceptional campus experience.

The Associate Director contributes to the development and implementation of strategies that align with retention, persistence, and experiential learning best practices in support of the College’s and Division’s strategic goals. This role supports the adoption of best practices responsive to trends in student success, programming, and administrative operations. The Associate Director collaborates closely with offices across the Division of Student Life, Facilities, Business and Finance, and Faculty to plan, coordinate, and market signature programs and events while fostering a safe, educational, and inclusive campus environment.

The ideal candidate will possess strong relationship-building, organizational, event management, and leadership skills, along with experience coordinating complex programs in a collaborative and student-centered environment. To be successful in this position, the individual must excel at strategic planning, communication across diverse constituencies, supervision and development of student staff, problem solving, operational coordination, and fostering an inclusive, educational, and welcoming campus community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Planning and Coordination of Signature Programs & Events

• Leads campus and external partners in strategic planning, marketing, and execution of  special events and signature programs, including but not limited to: New Student Orientation, Parents Preview, and Welcome Week; CAS Commencement; Peer Leadership Collective Summit; and major student-initiated events. 
• Partners with AVP in budgeting, tracking, and expense allocation for New Student Orientation, CAS Commencement, Student Engagement, Peer Leadership Collective, and other Signature Programs and Events. 

Student Government Support

• Assists AVP with oversight and support of student government, serving as the advisor to multiple student government committees and cabinet positions
• Serves in a rotational support structure with AVP and Graduate Assistant(s) to provide in-person support at student government meetings.

Leadership and Support in the Office of Student Engagement

• Collaborates with AVP to support Student Engagement office operations, including: training of undergraduate and graduate staff; the approval of student organization travel, purchases, reimbursements, and payments; event management, risk management; and administration of policies and procedures in accordance with the missions of the College and the Division of Student Life. 
• Assists AVP in providing leadership and support to recognized student organizations, including: training and support for student leaders and student organization advisors.
• Serves as a college liaison to vendors, agents, artists, and promoters for campus programming, representing the College in contract negotiation and implementation.  
• Assists AVP with the development and direction of the Student Center Advisory Board, Student Center Operations, and Dining Experience Committee.
• Assists with departmental assessment with particular attention to programmatic evaluations, service delivery, and learning outcomes.
• Collaborates with AVP and student staff to analyze and improve departmental service delivery and programming effectiveness. 
• Serves as the office lead in the absence or request of the AVP, Student Engagement. 
• Serves on divisional and institutional committees to represent the Division of Student Life, as directed by the Associate Vice President of Student Engagement.

Supervision 

• Hires, trains, and supervises NSO Student Director and NSO Student Assistant positions to assist with NSO development and implementation.
• Leads recruiting, selection process, and training for New Student Peer Mentors (NSPMs) to ensure an inclusive and welcoming environment for new students that values diversity and aids NSPMs in building supportive relationships that help new students navigate their first-year of college. 
• In partnership with AVP, hires, trains, and supports Student Engagement graduate and undergraduate student workers. 
• Establishes and maintains a diverse, inclusive, and productive team through the encouragement and building of mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among student employees

Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & BEHAVIORS

• Superior relationship-building skills that foster trust, collaboration, and positive engagement across campus communities
• Superior customer service and interpersonal skills grounded in professionalism, responsiveness, and care for others
• Superior initiative and independent decision-making skills while maintaining alignment with institutional priorities and leadership direction
• Superior commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, and supportive workplace and campus environment for individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and follow-through in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent knowledge of event planning, operational coordination, and large-scale program management
• Excellent project management skills that support balancing multiple priorities, timelines, interruptions, and competing demands
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a wide range of students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, vendors, and community partners
• Excellent discretion, professionalism, and judgment when handling sensitive or confidential information
• Strong knowledge of student engagement practices, student development principles, and higher education programming models
• Strong adaptability and resilience while navigating evolving priorities, operational needs, and campus environments
• Proficient knowledge of risk management practices, institutional policy application, and student organization support processes
• Proficient financial and budget tracking skills related to program planning, purchasing, reimbursements, and expense allocation
• Proficient skills using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace applications, and institutional software systems for communication, scheduling, reporting, and operational coordination

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three years of professional experience with history leading student-centered programs, campus events, leadership initiatives, or related community engagement activities
• Experience coordinating complex programs or events involving multiple stakeholders, timelines, and operational priorities
• Experience supervising, training, mentoring, or supporting young adults, peer leaders, or volunteer teams
• Experience building collaborative relationships with external partners
• Experience supporting inclusive communities and fostering welcoming environments for individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences
• Experience managing competing priorities and operational responsibilities in fast-paced environments
• Experience applying professional judgment, problem solving, and decision-making in student-facing or service-oriented settings

PREFERRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling, leadership, education, or a related field
• Five years of professional experience with history leading student engagement programs, orientation programs, campus events, leadership initiatives, or related student-facing operations
• Experience supporting student government, student organizations, or leadership development programs
• Experience coordinating orientation programs, commencement programs, or large-scale campus events
• Experience managing budgets, financial tracking, purchasing, reimbursements, or operational planning processes

WORK SCHEDULE

• Full Time, Benefit Eligible
• Schedule:Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week. This position requires flexibility to support student engagement programming and campus events, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends throughout the academic year.
• Travel: Occasional local travel may be required to support campus programs, events, training, or institutional activities.
• Hybrid/Remote: This position is primarily in person on the undergraduate campus, with limited hybrid flexibility based on departmental needs and College policy.

PAY RATE

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Starting at $65,000 per year, with consideration for experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• General office and campus environment
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation
• Communicate effectively in person, by phone, through email, and during virtual meetings
• Move throughout campus locations to support meetings, programs, and events
• Remain stationary or standing for extended periods during programs, events, and commencement-related activities
• Transport event materials, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis
• Operate standard office equipment and technology
• Work in indoor and outdoor environments during varying weather conditions related to campus events and student programming
• Maintain sustained attention to multiple activities, operational details, and interruptions in fast-paced event and student engagement settings

Directions for Cover Letter

Please include a cover letter describing your interest in joining Lewis & Clark and the ways you can contribute to a culture of inclusion on our campus.

Lewis & Clark College adheres to a nondiscriminatory policy with respect to educational programs, activities, employment, and admission.  We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, the presence of any physical or sensory disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, and local laws.  The Associate Vice President of Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries regarding employment- and disability-related non-discrimination policies.  Title IX inquiries may be directed to the Title IX coordinator or deputy Title IX coordinators

(https://www.lclark.edu/about/title_ix_compliance). 

Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. 

Background Check

Lewis & Clark College will conduct a background check on the finalist, which will include a criminal record check. If a conviction is discovered, a determination will be made whether the conviction is related to the position for which the individual is applying or would present safety or security risks before an employment decision is made. A criminal conviction does not necessarily automatically bar an applicant from employment.

Eligibility to Work

In order to comply with US Homeland Security Department regulations, all employees must complete an I-9 form in Workday prior to or no later than the first day of work and bring originals (no photocopies) of their supporting documentation to Human Resources no later than the 3rd business day of employment. Failure to have a completed I-9 form on file with the College will result in immediate termination of employment.