Job Duties
Virginia State University is seeking a dynamic and student-centered professional to serve as a Student Engagement Specialist. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing programs and initiatives that foster student involvement, leadership development, and a vibrant campus community. The Student Engagement Specialist plays a key role in enhancing the overall student experience and supporting student success outside the classroom.
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop and coordinate campus events, programs, and activities that promote student engagement and belonging.
• Advise and support student organizations, clubs, and leadership groups.
• Plan and facilitate leadership development workshops and training sessions.
• Collaborate with campus partners to promote inclusive and diverse programming.
• Assist with large-scale campus events such as orientation, welcome week, homecoming, and graduation activities.
• Track participation data and assess program effectiveness to inform continuous improvement.
• Manage program budgets and vendor relationships.
• Support student conduct, conflict resolution, and community-building initiatives as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports on student engagement efforts.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse student populations.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support campus events.
• Experience in Student Affairs, campus programming, or related areas (graduate assistantships may be considered).
• Experience advising student organizations.
• Knowledge of student engagement assessment tools and software platforms.
• Event planning and budget management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
Additional Considerations
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s/master's degree in student affairs or related field, preferred.
• Experience working in college environment is strongly preferred.
• 1–3 years of experience in student affairs, campus programming, or related areas.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY: Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested persons must attach a cover letter and a current resume/c.v to the online application. Official transcripts will be required at the time of employment.
The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.
Employment-based visa sponsorship at Virginia State University (VSU) is not guaranteed and will be evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis. Federal law does not require employers to provide immigration sponsorship, and VSU is not obligated to offer it. Employment at VSU does not permit an individual to work in the United States unless the appropriate employment authorization has been obtained and verified in accordance with federal immigration compliance requirements.
Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability.