The University of Missouri (Mizzou) is seeking a student-focused, collaborative, and experienced leader to serve as the Senior Director for Student Engagement and Leadership. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (VCSA), the Senior Director provides strategic oversight for a range of programs and services that shape the co-curricular experience, promote leadership development, foster student involvement, and support a strong sense of belonging and campus connection. As a key member of the VCSA’s leadership team, the role is expected to align programs, services, and initiatives with both the Division of Student Affairs priorities and the University of Missouri Strategic Plan. This role requires a strong commitment to advancing institutional priorities by integrating strategic goals into day-to-day operations, long-term planning, and student engagement efforts.

The Senior Director leads a robust portfolio that includes:

• Oversight of more than 600 recognized student organizations, campus-wide traditions, and leadership development programs to foster meaningful involvement and a vibrant student community.
• Coordination of student volunteer efforts, partnerships with community organizations, and promotion of civic education and participation.
• Support and advisement of student-run media outlets, including print and digital platforms, to empower student voice and responsible communication.
• Leadership for the fraternity and sorority community, including chapter development, council advisement, and accountability systems.
• Oversight of student-centered spaces designed to enhance connection, engagement, and access to involvement opportunities, with the potential for expanding these spaces within the portfolio.
• Strategic oversight and advising for undergraduate student governance, including student government associations and related bodies, ensuring alignment with institutional values, leadership development, and effective student representation.

This position plays a key role in advancing Mizzou’s T.I.G.E.R.S. learning framework, which articulates core student learning outcomes within the co-curricular experience. The role will also be responsible for contributing to division-wide assessment activities to measure program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership and operational oversight for the student experience portfolio, guiding strategic planning, assessment, and the successful execution of signature programs, events, and divisional initiatives that advance institutional priorities.
• Lead and develop a team of 25 professional staff, and 140 student employees and graduate assistants, fostering a supportive and high-performing work culture while managing a $5 million departmental budget with transparency, efficiency, and strategic intent.
• Promote a vibrant student experience, fostering a culture of student engagement, learning, and success through high-impact programming, integrating the T.I.G.E.R.S. learning framework, and cultivating leadership through direct support of student governance bodies and student leaders.
• Ensure institutional compliance with university policies and federal regulations—including FERPA, Clery, and Title IX—by guiding effective risk management practices that prioritize student safety, legal accountability, and ethical standards.
• Build strong cross-campus partnerships to align student affairs initiatives with broader institutional goals, enhancing the holistic student experience through collaborative innovation and shared leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

A master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 8 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, student affairs, or a related field required.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in student engagement, campus programming, or student life.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing co-curricular programs and supervising professional staff.
• Experience in student organization development, event planning, and leadership education.
• Familiarity with federal laws and regulations impacting higher education and student programming.
• Strong ability to build rapport with students and foster a culture of engagement, connection, and belonging.
• Excellent Communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.