We are Seeking a Director of Student Center Programs & Graduate Student Engagement, which is a dynamic, multifaceted position with two interconnected areas of responsibility. First, this position develops and implements the strategic vision for activating the Bloomberg Student Center as a vibrant hub for students across the university. Second, the Director leads and facilitates university-wide graduate student engagement efforts by creating meaningful programs and activities in the Student Center and on the Homewood campus, and by providing direct support and advising to registered graduate student organizations on the Homewood campus.

This position requires a creative, collaborative professional who can think strategically while executing programs effectively, build relationships across a decentralized university structure, and understand the unique needs of undergraduate and graduate students while creating inclusive spaces for all members of the campus community.

This position reports to the Associate Vice Provost for Student Engagement and Dean of Students (AVPDOS) and serves on the AVPs leadership team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Program Development (35%)

Strategic Planning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for engaging undergraduate and graduate students from across the university in the Bloomberg Student Center, and supporting graduate student engagement at Homewood and university-wide.
• Work collaboratively with the Student Engagement Team, university partners, Student Center Operations Team, and Scheduling and Events to identify opportunities to maximize building utilization during peak and off-peak hours, including evenings and weekends.
• In partnership with the Executive Director of the Student Center, monitor and analyze building usage data and program participation to inform strategic decisions and identify emerging opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with Student Affairs Communications to develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to promote the Student Center to students across all campuses and divisions and build the Student Center's identity and brand as the hub of student engagement.
• Conduct ongoing needs assessments to understand how students want to use and experience the Student Center and what programs and services would best support student engagement.
• Establish goals, benchmarks, and key performance indicators for Student Center engagement, graduate student programming, and student organization support.
• Stay current on best practices and trends in student engagement.

Program Development, Implementation & Assessment

• In collaboration with the Student Engagement Team and university partners, lead the design, planning, and execution of a diverse calendar of programs, events, and activities that draw students into the Student Center and foster a sense of belonging among all students.
• In partnership with schools and divisions, develop programming specifically tailored to graduate student interests, needs, and schedules, including social connection, wellness, professional development, and community building.
• Create and bolster signature programs and activities that become hallmarks of the Student Center experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.
• Develop passive programming and ambient engagement strategies that make the Student Center a desirable place to socialize and connect.
• Host programs in the Bloomberg Student Center and other Homewood campus locations that are accessible and welcoming to graduate students from all schools.
• Plan a robust schedule of active and passive programming, including evenings and weekends, that accommodates a diverse set of interests, experiences, and schedules.
• Develop assessment strategies and learning outcomes for all programs and services and collect and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness and inform continuous improvement.
• Prepare regular reports on programs, participation, and outcomes for departmental leadership.

Collaboration & Partnership (25%)

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with student affairs professionals at all Johns Hopkins schools and divisions to ensure a cohesive student experience.
• Convene regular meetings with colleagues, at Homewood and beyond, to share information, identify collaboration opportunities, and reduce duplication of efforts.
• Convene regular meetings with graduate school governance groups to ensure programming and activities are meeting student needs.
• Coordinate with the Student Engagement Team, BSC Operations Team, and Scheduling and Events to ensure optimal use of Student Center spaces and that the building environment supports student engagement goals.
• Works closely with AVPDoS to support and manage student expression including serving as a member of the Student Expression Support team and supporting and advising students and student organizations on engaging in free expression in alignment with university policies and practices.
• Represent the office on departmental, divisional, and university committees as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned by the AVPDOS.

Student Organization Advising & Support (20%)

Advising & Leadership Development

• Serve as the primary advisor and resource for registered graduate student organizations on the Homewood campus.
• Provide guidance to student organization leaders on event planning, program development, leadership transitions, achieving organizational goals, and navigating university policies, procedures, and resources.
• Meet regularly with student organization leaders to ensure they understand and comply with university policy, and provide support, mentorship, and problem-solving assistance.
• Alongside LEED, develop and facilitate training programs, workshops, and resources for graduate student organization leaders on topics such as event planning, financial management, marketing, member recruitment, and inclusive leadership practices.

Administration & Operations

• Manage the registration and recognition process for graduate student organizations on the Homewood campus.
• Maintain accurate records of registered organizations, leadership rosters, and organizational status.
• Oversee funding allocation processes for graduate student organizations in collaboration with relevant governance bodies.

Supervision & Budget Management (20%)

Staff Supervision

• Directly supervise one full-time professional staff member, providing regular feedback, mentorship, and professional development support.
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of undergraduate and graduate student employees.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and team meetings to ensure alignment with goals and priorities; complete performance evaluations and support the ongoing development of all team members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture grounded in student-centered service.
• Ensure appropriate staffing coverage for programs, events, and daily operations.

Budget Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating budgets for programs, personnel, and operations.
• Allocate budgetary resources strategically across Student Center programming, graduate student engagement initiatives, and student organization support.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of university resources and compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Track expenditures and prepare regular budget reports and projections for departmental leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates will bring the following experiences and demonstrate these characteristics:

• Understanding of graduate student development, needs, and experiences.
• Knowledge of best practices in student engagement, program planning, and community building.
• Ability to think strategically while also executing programs and initiatives effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong supervisory and team leadership skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Superior organizational and project management skills with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Creative and innovative approach to program development.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with event management and student engagement platforms.
• Commitment to creating welcoming environments for all students.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed for programs and events.
• Experience developing and implementing student programs and events.

• Experience advising student organizations.

• Experience working with graduate and/or professional student populations.

• Experience supervising staff, including professional staff, graduate assistants, or student employees.

• Experience managing program or operational budgets.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in a research university setting.
• Experience working across multiple campuses or within a decentralized university structure.
• Experience with student center/union programming and operations.
• Experience supervising full-time professional staff.
• Experience with assessment and data-informed decision-making.
• Experience working with diverse student populations including international students.
• Familiarity with CAS Standards for Student Activities and/or College Unions.