Associate Director for Student Leadership & Development – Student...

University of Utah - Associate Director for Student Leadership & Development – Student Services

The Lowell Bennion Community Engagement Center at the University of Utah is an international leader in community engagement and public service. The Bennion Center inspires and mobilizes people to strengthen communities through learning, scholarship, and advocacy. Our programs, initiatives, events, and partnerships with academic units and community organizations provide dynamic and compelling opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community partners to collaborate on issues and projects that improve health, quality of life, and foster justice in the community, while educating students about their civic and social responsibilities. In 2020, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning classified the University of Utah as a Community Engaged Institution. The Bennion Center is a critical part of the University’s experiential and educational strategy and serves as a hub for campus-wide community engagement efforts. We are committed to equity and justice in all we do.

The Bennion Center seeks an Associate Director to oversee operations and ensure quality learning and community outcomes. This position is part of the Bennion Center’s leadership team will also support the work of two Program Managers who oversee community engagement programs (Alternative Breaks and Community Partner Programs).

The Associate Director will supervise a team of staff members and student leaders as well as forge partnerships with community organizations and campus departments to support strong learning outcomes and positive community impact. The Associate Director will work to increase student participation, enhance program/project quality, and conduct staff and student trainings, mentorship, and assessment.

The Associate Director is part of a dynamic and interconnected team of staff and students, and reports directly to the Bennion Center’s director. The Associate Director is also expected to participate and engage as an active member of Bennion Center and campus-wide committees, task forces, and work groups as necessary and/or requested.

The Associate Director must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description. The Bennion Center strongly encourages diverse applicants (please circulate widely), especially those who self-identify as Black, Native or Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA, non-binary, living with disabilities, neurodivergent, young, speak English as a second language, and others from overlooked / underestimated communities.

Priority review deadline January 8, 2024. Review of applications may end at any time after January 8, 2024.

About Student Affairs

Student Affairs is comprised of over 20 departments and is focused on supporting student well-being and success with the ultimate goal of assisting students in discovering their passion, people, and purpose. To that end, we aim to foster an environment that encourages employees to embrace innovative service delivery methods to best meet the needs of our students. As a result, students have the opportunity to participate in the creation of campus culture, collaboratively working alongside professional staff, student leaders, and academic partners.

Student Affairs is committed to grounding our programs, procedures, and policies in the tenets of anti-racism and inclusion. We recognize the continued importance of education and accountability that promote equity and social justice. Our expectation is that all employees are engaged in this work to create a welcoming environment that supports the success of both students and staff and ensures they have the opportunity to be fully incorporated into university life.

Responsibilities

• Leadership
• Administration
• Student Development and Programmatic Leadership
• Bennion Center – General

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, a related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Six years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Master’s degree in Business Administration or related area preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Advanced Degree (Ex: MPA, MA, PhD, EdD)
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with administrative effectiveness including supervision and support of students, implementation of training, and tracking outcomes
• Commitment to community engagement and demonstrated life and professional experience that embodies the values of hope, integrity, collaboration, and action

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary Priority review deadline January 8, 2024. Review of applications may end at any time after January 8, 2024.

Additional Information

• The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.
• Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. The report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

Posting Specific Questions

• Do you have a related Bachelor's degree or equivalency? (2 years related work experience may be substituted for 1 year of education)
• How many years of progressively more responsible management experience do you have?