Director of the Belonging Center (52789)

The Director of the Belonging Center is responsible for the leadership, development, and operation of the Belonging Center and provides direction in support of the mission, vision, and goals of the University. The Director leads retention-focused student engagement efforts that strengthen campus connection, belonging, leadership development, persistence, and co-curricular student development through collaborative programming, outreach initiatives, peer engagement efforts, mentorship opportunities, and campus partnerships.
The Belonging Center serves as a collaborative student retention and success resource focused on strengthening student engagement, persistence, campus connection, belonging, and overall student well-being. The Center complements existing academic, cultural, wellness, and student support services across the University and assists students in navigating campus resources, strengthening their connection to the university community, addressing barriers to persistence, and enhancing the overall student experience.
Areas of focus include retention-focused student engagement initiatives, peer mentorship, leadership development, first-generation student support, campus resource navigation, collaborative programming, outreach efforts, assessment initiatives, and student support services. The position works collaboratively across divisions to support persistence, holistic student success, campus engagement, and belonging initiatives.
This position is responsible for the coordination and supervision of assigned staff, student employees, peer mentors, graduate assistants, and volunteers, as well as the development and implementation of initiatives that support student engagement, persistence, retention, and student success. This position is a full-time, 10-month term appointment. Continuation beyond the appointment period is contingent upon institutional need and available funding and is not guaranteed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position will serve as the lead administrator for the Belonging Center.
Provide leadership and oversight for the daily operations of the Belonging Center.
Develop and implement programs, workshops, events, and initiatives that use student engagement, campus connection, belonging, leadership development, and co-curricular student development to support student persistence and retention.
Coordinate peer mentorship, transition, outreach, and community-building initiatives designed to strengthen student engagement, connection to campus life, persistence, and retention.
Support first-generation students and historically underserved student populations through mentorship, outreach, resource navigation, and engagement initiatives.
Collaborate with departments across Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs, Native American Services, Campus Recreation, Student Life, CARES Counseling, Accessibility Services, CPDCR, and other university units to support coordinated student retention, engagement, and student success efforts.
Assist students in navigating campus resources, support services, and involvement opportunities.
Support initiatives that foster a welcoming, connected, inclusive, and student-centered campus environment.
Develop partnerships with campus and community stakeholders to enhance student engagement opportunities and collaborative programming efforts.
Assist with student concerns, referrals, and conflict resolution efforts as appropriate.
Coordinate student leadership development and engagement opportunities.
Assist in the development and implementation of assessment strategies related to student participation, engagement, belonging, persistence, retention, and programming effectiveness.
Utilize data-informed practices and assessment strategies to evaluate student engagement, belonging, persistence, retention, and program effectiveness.
Collect and analyze participation and outcome data and prepare reports related to student engagement, persistence, retention, and program effectiveness.
Manage departmental budgets and operational planning efforts.
Coordinate departmental marketing, outreach, social media, and promotional efforts in collaboration with University Relations and the Office of Student Affairs.
Assist in identifying external funding, partnership, and grant opportunities that support student engagement and belonging initiatives.
Supervise professional staff, graduate assistants, student employees, peer mentors, and volunteers as assigned.
Participate in university committees, divisional initiatives, orientation programs, campus events, and student affairs meetings.
Assist with evening and weekend programming and university events as needed.
Serve as a resource for students, faculty, staff, and families regarding student engagement opportunities and campus resources.
Support campus-wide retention and student success initiatives through collaborative engagement, outreach, referral, and connection efforts.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, families, and community members to support a welcoming and student-centered campus environment.
Attend and support university functions and Student Affairs staff meetings.
Complete special assignments as directed by the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Represent the Division of Student Affairs on assigned university committees.
Participate in institutional committees, task forces, and working groups such as search committees, planning teams, proposal reviews, and governance bodies.
Maintain regular attendance and reliability.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: Masters Degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs Administration, Counseling, Educational Leadership, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience related to student affairs, student engagement, student success initiatives, leadership development, student support services, higher education administration, or related functional areas.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, staff, faculty, and community partners;

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies;

Effective oral and written communication skills;

Ability to work independently and as a member of a team;

Knowledge of student development theory and student engagement best practices;

Knowledge of student success, persistence, retention, belonging, and campus engagement practices in higher education;

Ability to develop and implement student-centered programming and engagement initiatives;

Ability to coordinate mentorship, outreach, and leadership development initiatives;

Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports;

Ability to assess programs and utilize data to improve student engagement, persistence, retention, and student success outcomes;

Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management;

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment;

Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality;

Experience with event planning, outreach, student programming, and campus engagement initiatives preferred;

Experience supervising staff, student employees, or peer mentors preferred;

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule as required by the position;

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Drivers License;

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT:

Walking for extended periods of time;

Extensive indoor/outdoor activity;

Evening and weekend work may be required;

May require physical work related to campus events and programming activities;

Occasional travel may be require