Assistant Director for Student Government and Engagement - Virginia Commonwealth University

About VCU

In a world of the common, we are the UNCOMMON. VCU is unlike any university you have ever seen. We bring curiosity, passion, and an unrelenting drive to discover the ideas others can’t. We envision a future that is unbound by tradition, and that seeks to disrupt the way things have always been. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It’s a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.

About the Division of Student Affairs

Through our programs, services, and facilities, the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) champions holistic student development by fostering inclusive communities and providing dynamic, integrative learning experiences that prepare our students to be thoughtfully engaged contributors to the global community.

We believe all people are capable of great things. Complete alignment with all criteria is UNCOMMON, and we welcome interested candidates to apply and share their unique experiences and perspectives with us.

The selected candidate will find opportunities for professional growth and will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Division of Student Affairs(DSA), addressing the diverse needs of Virginia Commonwealth University's students. DSA is dedicated to fostering the growth and potential of its employees and is committed to building work environments that are equitable and representative. Studies indicate that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply only to roles where they meet all listed qualifications. However, job descriptions are aspirational; no applicant fulfills every requirement. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. DSA strongly encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply, including but not limited to people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and those from low-income or working-class backgrounds. 

Position Primary Purpose and General Duties:

The Assistant Director for Student Government and Engagement is the primary advisor to the SGA and coordinates with university and campus partners on all matters relating to SGA. The Student Government Association is a mission-critical component of Virginia Commonwealth University and Student Affairs. The SGA Advisor is tasked with upholding the vision and mission of the Student Engagement area by supporting student leaders' growth and development.

The SGA Advisor is primarily responsible for advising and supporting Student Government leaders, leadership development and training programming for student leaders, and supporting the events and activities of the Student Government Association. The SGA Advisor is also responsible for the management and supervision of SGA support staff and graduate and student assistants.
The SGA Advisor oversees the development and maintenance of collaborative relationships in programming efforts within Student Affairs, VCU Student Organizations, and other University/College Student Government entities.

The Assistant Director for Student Government and Engagement is responsible for overseeing the administrative functions of the Student Government Association and providing support for those functions within the Student Government Association. This position reports to the Associate Director for Student Engagement, to ensure a collaboration of vision and mission.

University Slotting 35911Y/Administrator SS 1, State Role Code 29134

Minimum Hiring Standards:

Bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of experience or Master’s degree and some experience advising students or student organizations. Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a diverse, multi-cultural and complex environment, fostering diverse faculty, staff, and students as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

Bachelor's degree in communication, business/management, or other related field and at least five (5) years of professional leadership experience in a higher education setting or a related field OR master's degree in education, business communication, student personnel, higher education, counseling or a related field and three (3) years of professional leadership experience in a higher education setting with some experience.

Mentoring experience, experience with student government, relationship building, developing sponsorships and partnerships for programs, advancement or alumni experience, staff supervision, and budget management experience.

Salary Range: 55,000-57,000

Position Details:

Department: DSA University Student Commons and Activities
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Lisa Cooper

Contact Email: lcooper4@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: 804-828-3419