Title: Assistant Director, Leadership & Community Engagement

Application Review Date: November 17, 2025

Campus Location: Radford City - Main Campus

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.

Job Description

The Assistant Director for Leadership and Community Engagement will support the rise in enrollment and the institutional focus on student engagement, both on campus and in the community, by developing and implementing initiatives that connect students with the New River Valley (NRV) through community service and civic engagement. This position will provide strategic direction and execution of student-centered programs that foster educational excellence, leadership development, and a strong sense of citizenship.
Serving as a liaison to organizations throughout Radford and the NRV, the assistant director will coordinate community outreach efforts and oversee traditional service events. In addition to supporting direct engagement opportunities, the role will also focus on organizational development and leadership education for registered student organizations with a community service mission. By building strong campus and community partnerships, this position creates meaningful opportunities for student growth and transformation through activities that complement academic learning and address contemporary social issues.

Required Qualifications

•A strong understanding of the value of the role of student activities within a university environment and the ability to apply student development principles and learning outcomes theories.
•A positive, energetic, and student-centered professional who has a demonstrated record of leadership, event planning, and strong student advising skills.
•A demonstrated ability for collaboration, organization, and bold advancement of new initiatives; a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituent groups.
•Expertise in student learning and leadership development. Demonstrated application of effective assessment strategies, strong communication and marketing skills.
•Experience in managing multiple budgets and strong organizational skills in handling multiple priorities within established timelines.
•Strong interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills as well as cultural competence, a collaborative approach, and a learning mindset are a must.
•An Advanced degree in a related field; or a bachelor's degree with training and or experience equating to an advanced degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

1-3 years prior work experience in higher education.

Is this position Grant Funded: No

Is this position restricted: No

Is this position eligible for telework: No

Hours Per Week: 40

Months per Year: 12

Statement of Economic Interest Required: No

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Classification: Administrative & Professional Faculty

Normal Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, some weeknight and weekend hours

Employee Classification: Professional - Lecturer

Department: Student Center Operations

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Department Contact Name: Jen Rentschler

Department Contact Phone: 540-831-7276

Department Contact Email: jrentschler@radford.edu

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Radford University does not discriminate with regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation in the administration of its educational programs, activities, admission or employment practices.

Clery Statement

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Radford University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years’ of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at Radford.edu/police. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the Radford University Police Department located at 810 East Main Street PO Box 6883, Radford, VA, 24142.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation in the application process please contact the hiring department.

Criminal Background Check Statement

Radford University is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all employees, students, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of our hiring and screening process, we conduct criminal background checks in compliance with Virginia Code § 19.2-389 and other applicable state and federal laws. Successful candidates will be required to have a criminal background check.