Director - Graduate Educational Engagement and Retention

Director – Graduate Educational Engagement and Retention
Penn State University Park, PA

Type: Full-Time
Salary: $76,700 - $115,100 per year

Category: Student Affairs and Services

POSITION SPECIFICS
The Director of Graduate Educational Engagement and Retention provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for graduate student engagement programs within the Office of Graduate Educational Engagement Programs (OGEEP) at The J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School.

This position will be filled at the Student Affairs Manager - Manager level.

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Graduate Educational Engagement, the Director supervises staff and manages co-curricular initiatives that promote student success, belonging, well-being, and professional development, advancing institutional priorities for persistence and retention.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the graduate student experience through leadership, advocacy, and strategic engagement. The Director collaborates with academic colleges, student services, and university stakeholders to deliver a coordinated, inclusive, and high-impact experience.

Working closely with the Assistant Director for Graduate Student Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement, the position ensures a seamless student journey from recruitment through degree completion.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for OGEEP engagement and retention programs, ensuring alignment with Fox Graduate School priorities.

Supervise and mentor professional staff, fostering a collaborative, student-centered environment.

Lead development, implementation, and assessment of co-curricular initiatives that promote persistence, well‑being, belonging, and professional growth.

Build and sustain partnerships with MSIs (HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs) to strengthen access‑to‑retention pipelines in collaboration with the Director for Outreach and Recruitment.

Serve as liaison to academic colleges, Student Affairs, Global Programs, and other partners to coordinate engagement and retention efforts.

Develop targeted strategies addressing transition, belonging, persistence, and community engagement for domestic and international students.

Oversee assessment and data collection to evaluate impact and inform continuous improvement.

Manage OGEEP budget, including planning, forecasting, and pursuing funding through grants and partnerships.

Provide individualized student support through referrals, advocacy, and collaborative problem‑solving.

Represent OGEEP and the Fox Graduate School on university committees and external conferences.

Communicate Fox Graduate School goals and Penn State's graduate education priorities to internal and external audiences.

Qualifications

Master's degree required; doctoral degree strongly preferred.

Progressive experience in higher education, with demonstrated leadership in graduate student engagement, retention, advocacy, or educational access.

Experience in supervision of staff.

Proven ability to lead and manage professional staff and facilitate cross-campus collaboration.

Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and assess initiatives focused on graduate student persistence, belonging, community engagement, and inclusive excellence.

Experience building and sustaining strategic partnerships that support student success and retention.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a variety of stakeholders.

Experience in fiscal management, strategic planning, and data‑informed decision making.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment, including occasional evening and weekend responsibilities and travel.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
Master's Degree

8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $115,100.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Campus Security Crime Statistics
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

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