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Associate Director for Student Engagement

College of Charleston: Human Resources

Associate Director for Student Engagement

Posting Details

POSTING INFORMATION

Internal Title

Associate Director for Student Engagement

Position Type

Classified

Faculty / Non-Faculty / Administration

Non-Faculty

Pay Band

Level

Department

Center for Sustainability

Job Purpose

The Associate Director for Student Engagement plays a vital role in advancing sustainability-focused experiential learning at the College of Charleston. This position is responsible for developing and managing a range of student engagement opportunities—including hands-on paid and unpaid internships, Campus as a Living Lab initiatives, and campus-wide events centered on an annual learning theme—designed to connect students with both the academic and operational aspects of sustainability on campus. The Associate Director will work to embed sustainability into the student experience, fostering inclusive, action-oriented programs that prepare students to be change-makers in a rapidly evolving world.

In addition, this position is instrumental in supporting the implementation of the College’s Sustainability Action Plan (SAP), which outlines strategic core ambitions of climate action, materials management, and empowerment through a foundation of operations, academics, and community. The Associate Director will contribute to the development of pathways and performance indicators that drive progress toward these goals, ensuring that student engagement remains a central force in the College’s sustainability efforts.

Minimum Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree related to sustainability or other directly related fields. Professional experience demonstrating success in planning and executing events and programs for students and / or professional audiences. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, and external partners. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Excellent time management and organizational abilities, with experience managing multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Ability to give and receive constructive feedback, demonstrating a growth mindset. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace. Strong facilitation, collaboration, and team-building skills. Willingness and ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours for events, student programming, and all-hands-on-deck events (ex. Mindful Move-in/-out, Sustainability Week, Graduation, etc.) Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications(in addition to the above minimum qualifications)
Master’s degree related to sustainability, public administration, student affairs or other directly related fields. Professional experience in a higher education environment, particularly in student engagement, program management, or sustainability initiatives. Experience with AASHE STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) or other sustainability accreditation systems and frameworks. Proven ability to analyze and interpret survey data and other assessment tools to inform decision-making, program development, and improvements.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

In-depth knowledge of sustainability principles and practices, with the ability to apply that knowledge to develop and execute student engagement initiatives. Strong project and event management skills, with experience coordinating programs and activities, ideally in a higher education setting. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse student populations, faculty, staff, and community partners to advance sustainability goals at the College. Demonstrated ability to cultivate trust and maintain credibility with a range of stakeholders. Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage and inspire diverse audiences. Experience managing, mentoring, or advising students, providing guidance and support in a way that promotes growth and development in a collaborative setting.

Additional Comments Regarding Position

Evening and weekend event participation is expected. Some overnight travel to professional conferences/meetings required. Expected to perform physical tasks, including but not limited to event prep and set up, breakdown and move cardboard for Mindful Move-in, and helping move donation items from Mindful Move-out. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.

*Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.

All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu

Salary

*$46,782 - $55,000

Posting Date

04/29/2025

Closing Date

05/13/2025

Benefits

Insurance: Health/Dental/Vision
Life Insurance
Paid Leave: Sick/Annual/Parental
Retirement
Long Term Disability
Paid Holidays
Free CARTA Bus Service
Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Full Benefits Package – Click Here

Open Until Filled

Posting Number

2025049

EEO Statement

The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.

Quicklink for Posting

https://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/16599

Job Duties

Activity

1. Lead the development, coordination, and continuous improvement of student experiential learning programs, including but not limited to: paid and volunteer internships, the Campus as a Living Lab program, the Student Sustainability Collaborative, and Honors Engaged service projects. Align program objectives with the College’s Sustainability Action Plan. Foster cross-campus collaboration by partnering with faculty, staff, and community stakeholders to develop, sustain, and promote these programs.

Manage the full lifecycle of the Center’s internship program, including planning semesterly internship roles based on organizational needs and mentorship capacity. Oversee recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of student interns. Facilitate weekly intern meetings and provide consistent support for intern communications and operations. Design and implement intern engagement opportunities and professional development sessions that build skills, foster community, and enhance sustainability competencies.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

Activity

2. Serve as a primary advisor and mentor for student interns and Graduate Assistants to support the responsibilities of this position. Provide consistent guidance, support, and supervision through regular one-on-one check-ins, feedback sessions, and performance evaluations. Create and maintain a supportive, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment that encourages professional development, collaboration, and student success.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

Activity

3. Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of key student-centered events throughout the academic year, including the Welcome Back Festival, Sustainability Week, and other smaller-scale events. Develop and implement an annual event theme aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to guide programming and engagement. Collaborate with campus departments, student organizations, and community partners to create inclusive, impactful, and educational event experiences. Manage all aspects of event logistics, including venue reservations, equipment rentals, catering, marketing and promotions, materials preparation, volunteer coordination, set-up, and breakdown. Serve as the primary point of contact for event partners and vendors, ensuring clear communication, timely deliverables, and high-quality experiences. Track event participation, collect attendee feedback, and analyze success metrics to evaluate outcomes and guide improvements for future events. Maintain detailed records and timelines for all events to ensure consistency and institutional memory across years.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

Activity

4. Contribute to strategic planning initiatives focused on enhancing student engagement and optimizing office operations. Develop and implement assessment tools to evaluate student learning outcomes, program effectiveness, and overall impact. Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and support continuous improvement of student programs and services. Collaborate with the Director to set goals, evaluate progress, and align student engagement strategies with the Center’s broader mission and institutional priorities.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time

Activity

5. Assist the Director of Sustainability with the daily administrative and operational functions of the Center for Sustainable Development. Provide support in managing office workflows, scheduling, internal communications, and general operations to ensure the Center runs efficiently and effectively. Oversee budget planning, tracking, and reconciliation for student programs and events, ensuring responsible financial management and alignment with institutional policies.

Essential or Marginal

Essential

Percent of Time