Who we are:

The University of New Haven, founded in 1920, is a private university whose mission is to prepare students to excel and lead purposeful and fulfilling lives in a global society. The university offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs and has been recognized for academic excellence, nationally and internationally. In addition to its main campus in West Haven, the university has a campus in Tuscany, Italy. Learn more at newhaven.edu.

The Assistant Director provides leadership and oversight for commuter engagement, intercultural engagement, student transition, and leadership development initiatives that promote student belonging, success, retention, and campus involvement. The position leads the development, implementation, and assessment of civic engagement and student engagement strategies; supervises and develops student leaders; advises student organizations; and collaborates across Student Affairs and the University to advance institutional priorities and enhance the overall student experience.

Commuter Engagement

• Lead the development, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive commuter student engagement strategy that fosters belonging, connection, and student success.
• Oversee the Commuter Assistants (CAs), including recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, evaluation, and leadership development.
• Develop and implement initiatives with the CAs to connect commuter students to campus resources, student organizations, leadership opportunities, each other and university traditions.
• Manage the operation, programming, and assessment of the Commuter Student Lounge, ensuring it serves as a welcoming hub that promotes engagement, community building, and student support.
• Assess commuter student needs and engagement outcomes through surveys, focus groups, and program evaluation to inform continuous improvement efforts.

Programming

• Assist in the development, implementation, and assessment of programs and events that foster belonging, connection, and student success.

FIRST & Men of Color Collective Programs

• Lead the strategic planning, implementation, and assessment of the FIRST (Fostering Intentional Relationships for Successful Transition) Program and Men of Color Collective (MCC) to support student success, retention, belonging, and leadership development.
• Develop and facilitate programs, workshops, and initiatives that promote academic achievement, personal growth, leadership development, cultural awareness, and community engagement among participants.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor student leaders who support the FIRST and MCC programs.
• Monitor student participation, engagement, and retention data to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records, prepare assessment reports, and contribute to divisional and institutional strategic planning efforts

Intercultural Engagement

• Leads the design, delivery, and evaluation of student engagement programs that reflect student needs, such as the Black and Latino Weekend (BLAW), Mosaic Reception, End of Year Celebration and other signature campus wide programs etc.
• Serves as the primary driver for program strategy, execution and outcomes for all monthly heritage celebrations.
• Provides direct support and mentorship to student and student leaders, ensuring programs are impactful and sustainable for Multicultural Recognized Student Organizations
• Serve as an advisor for Multicultural Recognized Student Organization (MRSO) Board
• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor Diversity Peer Educators (DPE) student leaders who support the Myatt Center programs

Orientation

• Recruit and manages the volunteers for all new student orientation
• Build content for student-led sessions during Orientation, to include: diversity/inclusion/identity/team building/social activities with orientation leaders

Other Duties

• Hire, train and supervise student employees for Bergami Gameroom and Campus Center.
• Guides the vision and direction of student life experiences, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and student engagement frameworks.
• Other duties as assigned including representing the departments in campus-wide programming to enhance student engagement and retention.

Whats in it for you:

• Health & Welfare Programs: Employees and their eligible family members, including spouses and dependent are eligible for Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Programs.
• Wellness & Fitness: On-campus Recreation and Fitness Center for employees and families; Employee Assistant Program
• Commitment to Educational Excellence: Tuition assistance for employees and eligible dependents; Tuition exchange opportunities
• Employee Discounts on products, services and educational opportunities
• Work/Life Benefits: Generous paid time off programs; progressive paid holiday schedule (including holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s); 4 weeks of parental paid leave; flexible work schedules including summer hours where applicable

*The University of New Haven is not a qualifying E-Verify employer and its use of E-Verify is limited to specific government projects. For that reason, candidates with STEM OPT authorization cannot be considered for employment.