Assistant Director of Student Development and Engagement

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

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Summary:

The Assistant Director of Student Development and Engagement is responsible for the design, delivery, and assessment of specialized programs that support the successful academic, social, and cultural integration of domestic and international students at Kogod School of Business. This position requires the application of advanced knowledge in student development theory, intercultural communication, student retention, and higher education administration.

Essential Functions:

1.) Specialized Student Engagement and Support

• Design and implement evidence-based programs for student adjustment, retention, and success, applying current educational theories. Utilize assessment tools and data analysis to measure program effectiveness and support strategic planning. Apply specialized knowledge to provide one-on-one and group coaching around academic, social, and cultural transitions. This includes recognizing how students’ identities, backgrounds, and experiences influence personal and academic growth. The ability to translate theory into practice allows KSB’s Student Development Office to design impactful programs, mentor students effectively, and foster environments that prioritize well-being and belonging.

2.) Program Development and Management

• Develop, manage, and assess large-scale student programs and events (e.g., new student orientation, Kogod Case Competition, retention workshops) requiring theoretical and practical application of student affairs, intercultural programming, and leadership development. Lead committees and collaborate with faculty/staff campus-wide. Translate higher education trends and theory into actionable co-curricular opportunities tailored to students’ individual and institutional needs.

3.) Organizational Leadership and Training

• Provide leadership training for student organizations, emphasizing the application of current research in student development, group dynamics, and ethical practices. Supervise and mentor student employees and peer leaders, establishing learning outcomes and employing data-driven evaluation methods. Advise faculty and staff on current best practices for the engagement and success of today’s student populations.

4.) Institutional Strategy and Compliance

• Support university-level strategic initiatives related to retention, institutional excellence, and incorporating best practices from higher education literature.  Assist in budget development, resource allocation, and administration for student-centered programs. Ensure all services and activities comply with institutional, state, and federal policies impacting student support.

5.) Professional Development and Knowledge Advancement

• Maintain ongoing professional expertise through research, conferences, and specialized training in higher education administration, student affairs, and program assessment.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position will directly supervise student workers.

Competencies:

• Displaying Creativity.

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Championing Customer Needs.

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

• Developing Plans.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

• Driving Continuous Improvement.

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Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.

• 35 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $66,000 - $71,000 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education or closely related field.

• 2 - 4 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Higher Education or related discipline.

• 5 - 8 years of relevant experience.

• Lived experience as an international student in a US-residential university degree program preferred.

Travel Required:

• Limited travel may be required for program related activities.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of student development theory, cross-cultural transition, and psychological support in educational settings.

• Demonstrated experience in program assessment, data analysis, and reporting.

• Familiarity with compliance issues affecting international students (e.g., SEVIS, visa regulations).

• Strong oral, written, and intercultural communication skills.

• Experience supervising, mentoring, and training student workers from diverse backgrounds.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.