The Placement Exchange Job Board

The Assistant Director for Engagement supports the Housing and Residence Life department in areas of business operations, residence life, facilities/capital planning, and staff recruitment. The Assistant Director will lead and support departmental professional staff hiring and recruitment, develop and lead strategic communications, marketing and outreach strategies to engage and inform students, parents, campus colleagues, and HRL Alumni and serve as primary liaison with University Communications and Marketing to partner with campus communication stakeholders for dissemination of information regarding deadlines, processes, and programs to improve student success, wellbeing and student engagement.

 

The Assistant Director will leverage various platforms to distribute critical housing information to families as needed. Additional responsibilities include oversight of the housing exemption process and departmental procedural support and backup. This position will create innovative approaches to departmental logistics management, including policy and procedure review, annual document maintenance and revisions, as well as organizational development of departmental operations and calendars. This position will be cross trained to provide additional support for all departmental functions in case of high volume or staff absence to ensure continuity of service and care for our students.

Communications and Engagement: Develop a strategic and innovative plan that will create cohesive departmental communications which will enhance residential engagement and logistical clarity for all stakeholders (parents, prospective students, current residents, departmental, and divisional partners). Drive creative marketing and promotion campaigns that engage students, staff, the university community and HRL Alumni. Write and edit customized/targeted communications through communication management systems (EMMA/THD/ErezLife) promoting departmental events, employment opportunities, and key logistical messages to both internal and external persons to the University. Facilitate the planning and production of departmental marketing materials that include flyers, graphics, digital, and social media campaigns. Provide direction and content for the creation of materials for Bobcat Student Orientation and Admissions Events (resource fairs, room viewings, and other sessions functions), working closely with University Communications and Marketing on creative concepts and design needs. Partner with UCM to develop innovative materials and website resources to communicate all departmental needs, which includes, but is not limited to the move in experience for 7,500 students and family members, serious residential facility concerns (heat, mold, bed bugs, floods, electrical outage). Create a cohesive voice to represent the mission and vision of Housing and Residence Life. Assist in the identification and hiring of 2-4 student employees responsible for graphic design and social media content posting, reporting to appropriate units within UCM, and providing ongoing input on their assignments and priorities.

Departmental Operational Administration and Management: Develop and execute the recruitment and hiring of all professional staff job. Create job descriptions and recruitment initiatives and finalize hiring details for incoming professional staff members. Partner with Human Resources and departmental staff to ensure consistent vision and execution of positions. Develop, document, and maintain policies, procedures, and standards of services for Housing and Residence Life which includes, but is not limited to the housing contract terms and conditions, Student Housing Handbook, departmental policies, website and linked documents, student forms, procedural manuals, communications and student service response, professional, graduate, and student staff training documents, etc. Support staffing needs for large-scale departmental and University events such as Bobcat Student Orientation, Fall Semester Move-In, in-state and out of state Admission events etc. Provides back up support for departmental reservations (vehicle and room), web site management, departmental Concur purchasing reconciliation (including travel), email management for housing@ohio.edu, first year and returning student room selection support, etc. Creates and implements annual operational calendars for the departmental units as needed.

Campus Collaborator: Serve as a liaison to the Office of Student Affairs Communication and Media (SACM) and University Communications and Marketing (UCM) to enhance opportunities for growth and program promotion. Facilitate relationships and initiatives with key stakeholders that promote Housing and Residence Life core functions such as student service needs and the Bobcat Living Experience. Develop engaging web content and manage the departmental website through Drupal in alignment with University guidelines and standards set by UCM. Oversight of the housing exemption logistics, which includes communications and process management. Serve as appeal board chair for the housing contract termination and exemption appeal board compromised of numerous stakeholders across the University (Financial Aid, University College, Student Accessibility Services, as well as the Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs). Other key campus collaborations will include Bobcat Student Orientation, Facilities Management, Admissions, Transportation and Parking Services, Mail Services, Culinary Services, and Bobcat Cash.

Student Affairs: Actively contribute as a staff member of the Division of Student Affairs that upholds the framework of equity and social justice and the personal well-being of the university community. Develop initiatives to engage diverse populations and remove barriers to engagement in Bobcat Living Experience programs and initiatives. Provides leadership, promotes collaboration, and facilitates effective communication across all department, divisional, university and community partners. Maintains current knowledge of the University, its environment, purpose, and affairs to be prepared to respond to appropriate issues. Actively participates in professional development opportunities and maintains knowledge of current trends and best practices within area of responsibility. Advocates and promotes diversity and inclusivity through role and responsibilities in support of department, division, and university initiatives. Infuses socially just practices into the work, making sure programming and trainings are inclusive and accessible to all students. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Complete the online application (www.ohiouniversityjobs.com/postings/45172) and attach a cover letter, resume, and names/phone numbers of three current references. One reference must be your current or most recent supervisor. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and position will remain open until filled. For full consideration, please apply by March 19, 2023.

Division of Student Affairs – Statement on Social Justice

In the Division of Student Affairs, we demonstrate effort for all to understand their individual and collective role in creating inclusive environments and use a perspective of Social Justice in their work. We define Social Justice as an active process and commitment to promoting equity through the 1) identification and removal of barriers, 2) facilitation of learning, 3) cultivation of community, and 4) empowerment of people. We work to address needs related to student development and well-being in order to increase retention, academic progress and graduation rates. We dedicate ourselves to advancing cultural competency at Ohio University, the surrounding community, and the world.

 

Ohio University is proud of its rich history, diverse campuses, international communities, and beautiful Appalachian settings. As part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful, diverse, and inclusive workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, ethnicity, national origin, national ancestry, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service or veteran status, mental or physical disability, or genetic information.