Director of Student Experience

Job Description

Job Description

TITLE: Director of Student Experience

DEPARTMENT: Student Success

REPORTS TO: Dean of Students

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION : On-Site Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Student Experience provides leadership, direction, and oversight for student engagement, leadership development, campus programming, and co-curricular initiatives that enhance the overall student experience at Kentucky State University. Reporting to the Dean of Students, this position develops and implements programs that encourage student involvement, leadership, personal development, and student success while supporting the University's educational mission.

The Director collaborates with faculty, staff, student organizations, and external partners to create opportunities that strengthen campus engagement, promote institutional pride, and contribute to student retention and graduation. This position requires a visible on-campus presence to support students, campus programs, and University events.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide leadership and administrative oversight for student engagement programs, campus activities, and leadership development initiatives.
• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate educational, cultural, recreational, leadership, and campus-wide programs designed to enhance the student experience.
• Develop and implement initiatives that encourage student involvement, campus engagement, and institutional pride.
• Lead the planning and execution of major University events, including Welcome Week, Homecoming, Family Weekend, leadership retreats, commencement-related activities, and other institutional traditions.
• Oversee the recognition, registration, advising, and support of student organizations in accordance with University policies.
• Advise and support the Student Government Association, Royal Court, student ambassadors, and other assigned student leadership organizations.
• Develop and facilitate leadership development programs, workshops, conferences, retreats, and recognition activities for students.
• Serve as a resource to students regarding campus involvement opportunities and student engagement initiatives.
• Assist the Dean of Students in addressing student concerns and matters affecting campus life.
• Support student success initiatives that promote persistence, retention, and graduation.
• Collaborate with Residence Life, Campus Safety, Athletics, Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Career Services, and other University departments to coordinate student-centered initiatives.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with alumni, community organizations, and external stakeholders that support student engagement opportunities.
• Serve on University committees, task forces, and working groups as assigned.
• Assess student engagement programs using established performance measures and recommend improvements based on assessment results.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations regarding student engagement initiatives, participation, and program outcomes.
• Assist with departmental planning, budget development, resource allocation, and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Supervise assigned professional staff, graduate assistants, and student employees, including hiring recommendations, training, scheduling, performance management, and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of student development principles and student engagement best practices.
• Knowledge of higher education administration and student affairs operations.
• Knowledge of event planning, leadership development, and student organization administration.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and University policies related to student affairs.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple projects and events simultaneously.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to analyze data and assess program effectiveness.
• Ability to supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate employees.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other software applications commonly used in higher education.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES:

Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.
• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Educational Leadership, Counseling, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education, student affairs, student engagement, student activities, residence life, enrollment management, leadership development, or a related field.
• Experience planning and administering student programs, advising student organizations, and coordinating campus events is required.
• Experience supervising employees and managing budgets is preferred.

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with frequent interaction throughout the campus.
• Regular evening and weekend work is required to support student programs, campus activities, and University events.
• Frequent walking throughout campus is required.
• Occasional travel may be required for conferences, training, meetings, and other University business.
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.