Administrative Skills, Alliance/Partner Management, Athletics, Background Investigation, Best Practices, Budget Management, Budgeting, Communication Skills, Community Development, Conferences, Conflict Resolution, Customer Support/Service, Data Collection, Disability Insurance, Documentation, Driver's License, Emergency Response, Establish Priorities, Federal Compliance Regulations, Federal Laws and Regulations, Health Plan, Higher Education, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Mentoring, Metrics, Multitasking, On Call, Organizational Skills, Primary School, Problem Solving Skills, Program Evaluation, Project/Program Management, Record Keeping, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Reporting Skills, Retirement Plan, Retirement Planning, Risk Management, SEVIS, Stewardship, Student Housing, Student Services, Time Management, United States Citizen, Visa Applications, Willing to Travel
Wilson College is seeking an energetic, student-centered leader to serve as our Director of Belonging & Connection. This role is ideal for a professional who is passionate about building community, creating meaningful student experiences, and fostering a culture where students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive. From campus traditions and leadership development programs to international student support and cultural engagement, the Director plays a pivotal role in shaping the student experience and strengthening connections across our campus community.
The Director of Belonging & Connection provides strategic leadership for student engagement, campus programming, and international student services. This position is responsible for creating and sustaining a vibrant, welcoming campus environment that fosters student involvement, belonging, leadership development, and institutional pride. The Director develops and implements campus-wide programs and traditions, advises student leaders, oversees international student support services and immigration compliance, and collaborates with campus and community partners to enhance the overall student experience.
As the institution's Primary Designated School Official (PDSO), the Director ensures compliance with federal regulations governing F-1 international students and serves as a key resource for international student success and cultural integration.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Student Engagement and Campus Programming
- Develop, implement, and assess a dynamic calendar of campus events, traditions, leadership opportunities, and co-curricular programming designed to promote student engagement, connection, and belonging.
- Develop creative, vibrant activities that engage students across a variety of backgrounds, life experiences, academic interests, and personal identities, fostering meaningful connections within the campus community.
- Advise the Connection Crew and other student leaders in the planning and execution of campus activities and initiatives.
- Collaborate with Athletics, Orientation, Residence Life, student organizations, and campus partners to enhance student participation and campus spirit.
- Develop initiatives that strengthen student connection to the institution, to each other and contribute to student satisfaction, retention and success.
- Develop and manage programming budgets and resources to ensure effective stewardship of institutional funds.
- Ensure campus events and activities comply with institutional policies, risk management practices, and applicable laws and regulations.
International Student Services and Compliance
- Serve as the institution's Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and maintain eligibility to fulfill federal requirements associated with the role.
- Ensure compliance with all federal regulations governing F-1 international students, including SEVIS reporting, record maintenance, and institutional recertification.
- Advise international students regarding immigration regulations, visa requirements, employment eligibility, travel documentation, and cultural adjustment.
- Coordinate international student orientation, transition programs, and ongoing support services.
- Develop programs and initiatives that promote intercultural engagement and global awareness across campus.
- Support the development and coordination of study abroad opportunities and international partnerships.
Student Leadership Development and Assessment
- Mentor student leaders and organizations in the development of meaningful and inclusive programs and initiatives.
- Facilitate workshops and educational programs related to leadership, engagement, belonging, and community development.
- Assess student engagement initiatives through data collection, participation metrics, and student feedback.
- Utilize assessment results to improve programming effectiveness and support institutional goals related to student success and retention.
Campus Collaboration and Community Partnerships
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and campus departments to support student engagement and success initiatives.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and external stakeholders that enhance student opportunities and experiences.
- Participate in divisional initiatives, institutional events, and special projects as assigned.
- Serve as a member of the Student Development team and contribute to the achievement of departmental and institutional goals.
Student Support and Administrative Responsibilities
- Participate in the Student Development on-call rotation and assist with student crises, emergency response, and after-hours support as needed.
- Maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and provide data related to student engagement and international student services.
- Complete all required federal, state, and institutional training.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
COMPETENCIES:
- Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and assess student programs, events, and engagement initiatives.
- Knowledge of student development principles and best practices in student engagement and leadership development.
- Ability to foster a welcoming campus environment and effectively engage students from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
- Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations related to international student services and immigration compliance.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, student information systems, and related technology platforms.
- Commitment to student success, engagement, belonging, and community-building.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support campus events and operations.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervises a Graduate Assistant supporting student engagement and programming initiatives.
- Provides oversight and direction to student leaders, volunteers, and student workers as assigned.
POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:
- This is a full-time, exempt position.
- Regular evening and weekend work required.
- Participation in the Student Development on-call rotation required.
TRAVEL:
- Occasional travel may be required for professional development, training, conferences, student programs, and partnership activities.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in student affairs, student engagement, campus activities, international student services, or a related field.
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency as required for Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) designation.
Preferred
- Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field.
- Experience serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Primary Designated School Official (PDSO).
- Experience with SEVIS administration and F-1 immigration regulations.
- Experience advising student organizations and developing student leaders.
- Experience managing departmental or program budgets.
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:
- Valid driver's license and successful completion of background checks required.
At Wilson College, we value our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Full-time, on-site employees enjoy:
Robust Health Benefits: Including medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus college-paid basic life and long-term disability insurance.
Spending Account Options: Access to employee-funded Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for both healthcare and dependent care needs.
Retirement Planning: A Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with TIAA to help you plan for the future.
Educational Benefits: Tuition remission for employees and their families for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, as well as access to Tuition Exchange scholarships through a national consortium of colleges.
Wilson fosters a supportive, collegial work environment that prioritizes work-life balance. Employees benefit from:
As a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer, Wilson College employees may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.