Director of Student Activities
03/31/2026 1:11 pm
The Director of Student Activities provides overall leadership and coordination for a comprehensive campus activities program and important student services. The work includes the planning, implementation, and assessment of social, service and educational programs that address the needs and interests of students. This person leads, plans, and coordinates a student activities programs on campus that will enrich and enhance the student’s overall experience. As a part of the Student Activities Program on campus, the Director will supervise the Student Government Association, student clubs, and facilitate meetings and partnerships that will further improve students’ involvement on campus. This person also serves as the Burpee Student Center building supervisor and in that role will train and supervise student workers, various staff, manage the student center facility (generally inclusive of the print/mail room and the Reggie’s Corner Spirit Shop) and establish and maintain building policies and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Student Activities
- Create, market, and implement a comprehensive student activities program for RU students, which includes social, educational, and diverse cultural events.
- Train and provide oversight for a Campus Activities Board. Mentor and develop student members.
- Provide leadership and management for student activities.
- Establish student programming goals, policies, and operating procedures.
- Develop methods for evaluating program effectiveness in helping promote holistic learning and growth that supports both the mission of the University and key learning outcomes.
- Lead in the planning and implementation of evening and weekend programming initiatives.
- Advertise and maintain an events master calendar for activities in coordination with the University events calendar.
- Responsible for the daily operation of the Student Activities
- Prepare and manage yearly student activity budgets.
- Assist and/or coordinate University events including, but not limited to: RU Celebration, April Weekend, Homecoming, etc.
- Function as a student development generalist by handling all types of student affairs and student development situations as necessary.
- Participate in collaborative campus committees and develops professional relationships with students, staff and faculty.
- Positive role model for students, demonstrate, cultivates respect for diversity.
Student Government Association and Organizations
- Serve as a coordinator and resource to student clubs and organizations. Facilitate Executive Circle and/or other inter-club/organization meetings.
- Serve as resource to student organizations by meeting with students throughout their event planning process, providing assistance with event details, budgeting, advertising, set-up requests, relevant University policies and serving as a liaison between University offices.
- Coordinate the annual registration process for student organizations, by maintaining officers’ contact information, budgeting, and other materials including membership rosters, constitutions, and other organizational documents. Update policies and procedures for student organizations and clubs.
- Provide specific guidance on issues related to University policies and procedures, contract negotiation and management, as well as risk management.
- Provide guidance, supervision, training, and support for the Student Government Association.
Burpee Student Center
- Serve as building supervisor.
- Select, train, supervise and evaluate Burpee Student Center student staff, roughly 30+ student workers. This function generally includes the oversight of the print/mail room and the spirit shop (Reggie’s Corner).
- Serve as a liaison with Facilities, Safety and Security, Campus Scheduling, Food Service, and other offices as it relates to the Student Center.
- Establish and maintain Burpee Student Center policies and procedures.
- Assist in maintaining the condition of all building spaces, furniture, and equipment including, but not limited to, purchase recommendations and inventory.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s required. Master’s degree in Higher Education, College Student Personnel, Student Development or related field preferred.
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in student activities, student programming board, student life, campus center, student union or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks at once and able to handle fast paced and intense environment.
- Ability and willingness to work varied hours including evening and weekends.
- Excellent written and oral communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, planning, presentation, and project management skills.
- Valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance; insurable for driving per University policy.
To Apply:
Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please submit, in a single .pdf, resume, cover letter and list of professional references to HumanResources@rockford.edu. This fulltime, exempt opportunity offers an annual salary of $52,500.
Our Benefits: Supporting You Every Step of the Way
We believe in taking care of our employees, which is why we offer a competitive benefits package that goes above and beyond. Here’s how we support your health, happiness, and future:
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to ensure you and your family stay healthy.
- Savings for Health & Dependent Care: Flexible savings options to manage healthcare and dependent care costs.
- Financial Protection: Life, AD&D, and disability insurance for peace of mind when life throws you a curveball.
- Retirement Security: 403(b) plan with employer contributions to help you build a secure future.
- Personal Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Program, offering resources for both personal and professional needs.
- Education Benefits: Tuition remission for full-time and part-time employees, their spouses, and dependents. We offer tuition remission both at Rockford University and other partnering colleges through a tuition exchange.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off to help you recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.
At Rockford University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that values a well-rounded workforce and community. We welcome candidates who, through their professional experience, contribute to excellence in their work and enhance our institutional mission.