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ASO DIR, The Office of Community & Belonging

Inside Higher Ed, Gainesville, Florida, us, 32635

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ASO DIR, The Office of Community & Belonging Job No:

538748

Work Type:

Full Time

Location:

Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories:

Executive/Director/Management, Student Services

Department:

04080602 - SL-SAI-COMMUNITY & BELONGING

Job Description Classification Title:

ASO DIR, The Office of Community & Belonging

The Associate Director will provide strategic leadership and direct supervision of full-time and part time staff including a graduate assistant and student assistants fostering a high-performance culture focused on transformational engagements with campus, professional growth and interpersonal effectiveness.

Signature Programming & Traditions: Align the vision, design, and execution of university-wide initiatives—including the University Mentorship Program, MLK Celebration, and Great Gator Welcome—that anchor students in campus culture and promote a lifelong affinity for the Gator Nation.

Experiential Learning & Career Design: Architect innovative programs (workshops, career panels, and immersion trips) that connect students with industry leaders. Focus on cultivating transferable skills and "career-ready" competencies tailored for success in an AI-driven economy, in alignment with Board of Governors' priorities and the mission and vision of the Division of Student Life and Student Engagement.

Alumni & Community Synergy: Cultivate strategic partnerships with alumni, faculty, and community organizations to build high-impact networking and mentorship pipelines. Develop collaborative engagement strategies, such as speaker series and professional networking events, that bridge the gap between campus life and post-graduate success.

Leadership Development: Drive the growth of student leaders and organizations through co-curricular learning models, providing the tools for interpersonal effectiveness, ethical leadership, and professional resilience.

Staff Mentorship & Operational Alignment: Provide direct supervision and professional development for full-time and student staff. Ensure all team efforts are measurable, stay ahead of national engagement trends, and align with the strategic goals of the Division of Student Life.

Leads, aids and promotes programs that enhance student leadership, advising and mentorship with a focus on co-curricular learning, transferable skills, community engagement, involvement, leadership and professional development.

Stays informed on national trends and best practices in experiential learning and student engagement metrics/efforts, including the experiential learning priorities from the Board of Governors and incorporating them into departmental strategy.

Organizational Strategy and Risk Management

Organizational Sustainability: Advance the success of 1,000+ registered student organizations (RSOs) by modernizing support services, advisor training, and leadership transitions. Coordinate with other departments and areas across campus as needed, including but not limited to Event Services, University Policy Department, the Dean of Students Office, Counseling and Wellness Center, and other campus venue managers.

Risk Mitigation: Serve as the primary resource for student organization event planning and safety. Collaborate with campus partners to ensure all activities align with university policy, Clery Act, and Title IX requirements while fostering a culture of responsibility and care.

Operational Excellence: Support large-scale student organization events and campus traditions, including welcome events, student events, and signature engagement experiences. Providing support and advisement for major campus-wide events hosted by registered student organizations or the Department. Report appropriate information as required by Clery Act and Title IX. Assist with marketing and promotions strategy for educating students and encouraging co-curricular involvement. Assist and oversee the administration of Involvement Awards, Individual Involvement Consultations, and space allocation, ensuring these touchpoints are streamlined and data informed.

Internal Operations & Professional Development

Business Operations: Assist in management of day-to-day internal department operations: The Associate Director will provide oversight and assistance on assigned internal operations of the office which includes but is not limited to: coordinating staff meetings, planning semesterly staff retreats, ensure effective hiring of student employees, serve as liaison for facilities and technology needs with administrative staff, works with supervisor and administrative staff to plan, develop, and advance business practices for the department (financial, human resources, organizational development), etc..

Facility & Tech Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for technology needs and facility management for the department, ensuring physical and digital spaces are optimized for student engagement. Serve as liaison and point of contact for facility management, technology coordination, and space usage for departmental programs and student organization events as needed. Manage the operations of department space and/or operations. Oversee effective and efficient front desk operations and supervise student assistants responsible for reception, resource distribution, and general office support.

Communications Oversight: Direct the promotional strategy for the department, overseeing social media and digital communications to ensure a cohesive and vibrant brand. Develop and implement promotional strategies to increase awareness of departmental programs, services, and engagement opportunities.

Coordinate social media, digital communications, and print materials in collaboration with staff and student employees.

Directorate Support:

Assist Director in strategic department leadership, which includes high-level decision making, communicating and supporting mission, vision, and goals of the department, creating opportunities to advance team/staff development, establishing/maintaining external partnerships as needed, maintaining an inclusive working environment that aligns with department values, assists in formulating, re-evaluating, and implementing policies and procedures.

Advises and supports staff on execution of their activities, including but not limited to approval of activities, purchases, required trainings, advising risk management, etc., as directed or needed.

Strategic Assessment:

Serves as coordinator for area assessment efforts, which includes relevant data tracking efforts (student engagement, learning outcomes, facility and usage data, etc.) and working with Director to regularly review CAS standards, and being a liaison with the Division of Student Life's assessment efforts. Coordinate assessments of programs and initiatives, including but not limited to benchmarking, following and reporting on national trends, student leader orientations and onboarding, recurring training, and regular communication.

Support the Division of Student Life, Student Engagement, Community & Belonging, with efforts to engage alumni and related opportunities to provide a signature student experience. Facilitate programs that enhance community connections between students and alumni. Assist with efforts such as the Student Life Alumni Advisory Board, Development Office initiatives, Giving Day and similar opportunities across the institution. Serve as a liaison with Alumni Association and its connected organizations to craft experiences to connect the Gator Nation, build resilience, cultivate leadership, and serve the mission of the Division, Student Engagement and Community & Belonging.

Contributes to the Division and University through active participation on committees and division-wide initiatives (example opportunities: emergency dean on call, event support team, conduct committee, student welcome events, etc); and, other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary $70,000 to $72,000 Annual Salary

Minimum Requirements Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and four years of relevant experience or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and six years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge and expertise on current events, national trends and best practices in student engagement.

Experience supervising a team of full-time and part-time professional staff.

Demonstrate ability to advise students and work with student organization at the college or university level.

Experience using Qualtrics, etc., as an assessment/survey instrument.

Demonstrate customer service skills.

Experience collaborating with multiple stakeholders to execute large-scale initiatives and programs.

Ability to manage internal organization operations and create structures to increase productivity.

Strong communication skills (verbal and written).

Demonstrate ability to plan and manage events and training.

Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills.

Demonstrate ability to efficiently handle multiple projects or tasks simultaneously.

Ability to work as part of a team in an environment that promotes respect, collaboration, and involvement.

Special Instructions To Applicants In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required No

Applications Close 11 March 2026

To apply https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/538748

Our Commitment The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352‑392‑2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800‑955‑8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

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