Director of Life Design, Leadership, and Engagement - Oxford College of Emory University
Apply NowCompany: Emory University
Location: Oxford, GA 30054
Description:
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Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.
Description
THIS POSITION IS ON THE OXFORD COLLEGE OF EMORY UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, 36 MILES EAST OF ATLANTA.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Dean of Campus Life of Oxford College, the Director of Life Design, Leadership, and Engagement is the senior leader responsible for creating and implementing a purpose-centered student engagement model that supports Oxford College students' leadership development, civic identity, and transition to Emory's Atlanta campus. As head of the Office of Student Initiatives, Leadership, and Traditions (SILT) the Director stewards a restructured division designed to reflect Oxford's strategic priorities: enhancing engagement, student belonging, leadership cultivation, and holistic personal development. This role modernizes student affairs work through Life Design principles while supporting operational excellence and equity in staffing.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Integration:
Life Design & Leadership Education:
Student Transitions & ATLBound:
Operational Excellence & Team Supervision:
Belonging & Civic Engagement:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.
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Additional Details
Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.
Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.
Description
THIS POSITION IS ON THE OXFORD COLLEGE OF EMORY UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, 36 MILES EAST OF ATLANTA.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Dean of Campus Life of Oxford College, the Director of Life Design, Leadership, and Engagement is the senior leader responsible for creating and implementing a purpose-centered student engagement model that supports Oxford College students' leadership development, civic identity, and transition to Emory's Atlanta campus. As head of the Office of Student Initiatives, Leadership, and Traditions (SILT) the Director stewards a restructured division designed to reflect Oxford's strategic priorities: enhancing engagement, student belonging, leadership cultivation, and holistic personal development. This role modernizes student affairs work through Life Design principles while supporting operational excellence and equity in staffing.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Integration:
- Leads all functions of the LDLE Office, including leadership development, student organizations, social clubs, civic engagement, campus programming, SGA, new student and family orientation, and the first-year experience.
- Directs departmental strategic planning, assessment, equity-informed goal setting, and budgeting (over $100,000), aligned with institutional values.
Life Design & Leadership Education:
- Incorporates Life Design frameworks across programs, empowering students to explore purpose, develop leadership skills, and make connections between academic and co-curricular learning.
- Co-directs the Pierce Leadership Certificate Program, integrating the Social Change Model through seminars, retreats, and developmental milestones.
- Redesigns leadership development initiatives to reflect current student needs, inclusive practices, and new research in student development.
Student Transitions & ATLBound:
- Oversees New Student Orientation and co-leads ATLBound, Oxford's signature program that supports students' transition to the Atlanta campus. This includes developing onboarding content, coordinating Emory-wide resources, and measuring impact via event attendance, app use, and advising participation.
- Collaborates with the Center for Pathways and Purpose and key Atlanta campus partners to ensure seamless academic and social transitions for Oxford students.
Operational Excellence & Team Supervision:
- Supervises professional and student staff, with a focus on equitable workload distribution, talent development, and wellness.
- Modernizes internal systems for student organization advising, communication, and leadership training - addressing previous challenges in staffing capacity and compensation equity.
Belonging & Civic Engagement:
- Expands community-building programs that reflect Oxford's commitment to excellence and a holistic sense of place.
- Grows civic engagement programming, integrating service-learning and ethical leadership practices rooted in experiential education.
- Represents Campus Life on college and university-wide committees focused on student well-being, equity, and co-curricular learning.
- Partners with faculty and staff to support retention, develop integrated learning pathways, and ensure LDLE's contributions to Oxford's strategic goals.
- Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- A master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, or a related field, and four years of progressive professional experience, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in student leadership development, co-curricular learning, and program assessment.
- Experience in staff supervision, budget management, and student transition programs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of Life Design or purpose-centered educational models.
- Familiarity with equity reviews, change management, and wellness-oriented leadership development.
NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.
#LI-VJ1
Additional Details
Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.