The California State University
Executive Director, Belonging and Engagement Strategies
The California State University, San Jose, California, United States, 95199
Job Summary
Executive Director of Belonging and Engagement Strategies provides visionary, strategic, and action‑oriented leadership for cluster‑wide initiatives focused on student engagement, student success, and fostering a strong sense of belonging. Reporting to the AVP for Student Equity and Belonging, the ED serves as a key thought partner to support strategy and team leadership for the Student Equity and Belonging portfolio. The role drives high‑impact programs, collaborates across units such as EOP, Guardian Scholars, TRIO, and Global Programs and Services, and champions cross‑campus partnerships to amplify impact and visibility.
Core Responsibilities
Data‑driven strategy and innovation to respond to higher education trends and deliver student‑ready, transformative practices.
Leadership and management of operations supported by multiple funding streams.
Cross‑divisional and external partnerships to generate engagement with student equity and belonging offices and community partners.
People and team development for leaders and staff across multiple programs and units.
Experience in belonging, leadership, and engagement strategies to support student success across the arc of the student experience.
Oversee budget (nearly $5 million), resource allocation, and staff management, including securing external funding and ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship to maximize student retention and success outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead strategy and set vision for program management, human resources, and resource allocation across belonging and global programs.
Supervise managers and recommend personnel decisions regarding performance management, professional development, and terminations.
Create annual operational plans and refine area goals, KPIs, and activities that align with cluster and divisional strategy.
Utilize data insights to inform policy development, resource allocation, and strategic planning processes to advance equity, inclusion, and student success.
Lead continuous improvement efforts to expand the reach and impact of student equity and belonging initiatives.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with faculty, staff, and external community organizations to create a seamless and supportive student experience.
Manage multiple budget funding types, including general funds, student fees, revenue, and grants, and oversee financial reporting and grant documentation.
Provide strategic direction for a comprehensive data and assessment strategy that measures effectiveness, outcomes, and collective impact of programs and services.
Lead by example and foster an inclusive, high‑performing, and innovative culture across teams.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents.
Strong communication skills in written, multi‑media, and public speaking for audiences at all levels.
Skilled in using qualitative and quantitative research methods to generate insights on client needs, team performance, belonging, student engagement, and success.
Ability to develop action plans and strategies based on information about belonging, engagement, and success.
Experience managing budgets, funding, and grant development within a complex fiscal environment.
Proficient with student data management best practices, including FERPA compliance.
Demonstrated ability to train, develop, and manage professional staff and student leaders.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and deliverables.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or related field.
Five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education administration.
Experience supervising professional staff and building teams.
Experience delivering presentations and communicating effectively with diverse audiences.
Experience working with historically underrepresented student populations.
Experience with data collection and assessment reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate degree in Higher Education, Educational Administration, or related field.
Experience in the California State University system or a large public higher education system.
Direct experience with major systems implementation or multi‑phase optimization projects.
Experience developing and implementing a student success and retention framework.
Experience managing and forecasting large budgets and working with at‑promise student populations.
Compensation Classification: Administrator III Anticipated Hiring Range: $12,852 /month – $14,746 /month CSU Salary Range: $6,891 /month – $22,119 /month San José State University offers a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30–35% of base salary.
Application Procedure Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach a Resume and Letter of Interest. All applicants must apply within the specified application period: January 22, 2026 through February 8, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.
Equal Employment Statement San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. All applicants receive reasonable accommodation for disabilities. Title IX and state and federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all educational programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).
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Core Responsibilities
Data‑driven strategy and innovation to respond to higher education trends and deliver student‑ready, transformative practices.
Leadership and management of operations supported by multiple funding streams.
Cross‑divisional and external partnerships to generate engagement with student equity and belonging offices and community partners.
People and team development for leaders and staff across multiple programs and units.
Experience in belonging, leadership, and engagement strategies to support student success across the arc of the student experience.
Oversee budget (nearly $5 million), resource allocation, and staff management, including securing external funding and ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship to maximize student retention and success outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead strategy and set vision for program management, human resources, and resource allocation across belonging and global programs.
Supervise managers and recommend personnel decisions regarding performance management, professional development, and terminations.
Create annual operational plans and refine area goals, KPIs, and activities that align with cluster and divisional strategy.
Utilize data insights to inform policy development, resource allocation, and strategic planning processes to advance equity, inclusion, and student success.
Lead continuous improvement efforts to expand the reach and impact of student equity and belonging initiatives.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with faculty, staff, and external community organizations to create a seamless and supportive student experience.
Manage multiple budget funding types, including general funds, student fees, revenue, and grants, and oversee financial reporting and grant documentation.
Provide strategic direction for a comprehensive data and assessment strategy that measures effectiveness, outcomes, and collective impact of programs and services.
Lead by example and foster an inclusive, high‑performing, and innovative culture across teams.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents.
Strong communication skills in written, multi‑media, and public speaking for audiences at all levels.
Skilled in using qualitative and quantitative research methods to generate insights on client needs, team performance, belonging, student engagement, and success.
Ability to develop action plans and strategies based on information about belonging, engagement, and success.
Experience managing budgets, funding, and grant development within a complex fiscal environment.
Proficient with student data management best practices, including FERPA compliance.
Demonstrated ability to train, develop, and manage professional staff and student leaders.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, and deliverables.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, College Student Personnel, or related field.
Five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education administration.
Experience supervising professional staff and building teams.
Experience delivering presentations and communicating effectively with diverse audiences.
Experience working with historically underrepresented student populations.
Experience with data collection and assessment reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctorate degree in Higher Education, Educational Administration, or related field.
Experience in the California State University system or a large public higher education system.
Direct experience with major systems implementation or multi‑phase optimization projects.
Experience developing and implementing a student success and retention framework.
Experience managing and forecasting large budgets and working with at‑promise student populations.
Compensation Classification: Administrator III Anticipated Hiring Range: $12,852 /month – $14,746 /month CSU Salary Range: $6,891 /month – $22,119 /month San José State University offers a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30–35% of base salary.
Application Procedure Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach a Resume and Letter of Interest. All applicants must apply within the specified application period: January 22, 2026 through February 8, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.
Equal Employment Statement San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. All applicants receive reasonable accommodation for disabilities. Title IX and state and federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all educational programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).
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