Student Engagement Program Manager

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Student Engagement Program Manager position within the deparment for Campus Life.

The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Tuition Remission for employees, spouses, and dependents
• Generous Retirement Contributions to support your future
• Comprehensive Health Coverage including medical, dental, and vision
• Fully Paid Insurance: disability, life, and AD&D
• Paid Parental Leave to support growing families

Salary Range: $52,920 - $62,845.

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

JOB SUMMARY

The Student Engagement Program Manager for Campus Life provides strategic leadership for student-centered programming, campus traditions, and Division I athletics engagement initiatives that cultivate a vibrant, connected, and spirited campus community. This role plays a central part in shaping the student experience by fostering school spirit, strengthening belonging, and building traditions that define campus life.

Serving as advisor to the St. Thomas Activities and Recreation (STAR) Programming Board, the Program Manager supervises and develops student leaders while leading the design, implementation, and assessment of high-impact programs aligned with the university’s mission and learning outcomes. In partnership with the Department of Athletics, the role supports student engagement with Division I athletics by aligning select programming and initiatives that enhance school spirit and contribute to a vibrant campus experience. The position collaborates across departments to design meaningful co-curricular experiences, strengthen student involvement, and support institutional priorities within the Division of Student Affairs. The role cultivates collaborative relationships with students, student organizations, university departments, and external partners, leveraging these partnerships to enhance campus vibrancy and student engagement.

The Program Manager upholds the Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities and supports the mission of the University by fostering a community grounded in human dignity, connection, and the common good.

This position requires evening and weekend hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Serve as advisor to the St. Thomas Activities and Recreation (STAR) Programming Board.

• Hire, train, and supervise the graduate and undergraduate student interns, fostering leadership development and professional growth.
• Provide oversight of program planning, marketing, implementation, and assessment for a wide range of campus events and initiatives.
• Advise student leaders in areas including special events, entertainment, music, speakers, expeditions, finance, marketing, administration, and public relations.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures in all programming activities.
• Oversee the STAR student activity fee budget including financial planning, tracking, and stewardship.
• Negotiate and manage vendor and performer contracts.
• Manage STAR and assigned student organizations presence within the university’s engagement platform (Tommie Link).
• Ensure appropriate staffing and operational coverage at STAR-sponsored events.
• Develop and implement an annual assessment process for campus events to evaluate and measure student impact and support data-informed decisions. 

Campus-Wide Traditions 

• Lead, support, or collaborate in the planning, implementation, and assessment of major campus traditions and large-scale programs, including Homecoming, Holidays at St. Thomas, Senior Days, Tommie Fest, Late-Night Breakfast, March Out of the Arches.
• Serve as a member of divisional committees to represent STAR programs for Welcome Days and Family Weekend.
• Supervise the Student Traditions Intern and related programming committees.
• Serve as a campus resource for student organizations and departments planning large-scale or campus-wide events.

Division I Athletics Engagement & Campus Vibrancy

• Partner with the Department of Athletics to develop and implement strategies that increase student engagement with Division I athletic events.
• Collaborate with Athletics Marketing to promote events through student-centered communication channels.
• Design and execute initiatives that connect athletics to student belonging, identity, and community-building.
• Work cross-functionally with the STAR Programming Board, student organizations, Campus Life, and Student Government to integrate athletics into the broader student experience.
• Assess participation trends and implement data-informed strategies to increase student attendance and engagement.
• Support the development of traditions and programs that position athletics as a central component of campus life.

Contribute to the overall goals and success of the Department of Campus Life and Division of Student Affairs.

• Represent the Department of Campus Life and Division of Student Affairs at university-wide programs and events including admissions events, new student orientation, Welcome Days, commencement, and other assigned institutional initiatives.
• Participate in development and implementation of student leaders training for Campus Life student leaders including front desk staff, programming interns, etc. 
• Provide support for Division and University wide strategic initiatives. 
• Provide support for implementation and assessment of Tommie Advantage learning outcomes and Principles of Good Practice for Student Affairs at the Catholic Colleges and Universities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree
• Three years of program management experience
• In meeting the Mission of the University and Department of Campus Life, along with successfully meeting the essential functions of the position, successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity
• A person must be able to effectively develop professional and healthy relationships, especially relationships across differences of culture and identity
• Effective communication and successful service to and education of students, specifically supporting the engagement of students in initiatives outside of the classroom
• At times, skills in providing presentations or speaking publicly will also be necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a higher education environment
• Previous experience with campus wide programming, activities, leadership development and/or student group advising or supervision
• Masters degree in College Student Personnel Administration, Student Affairs, Higher Education or a related field

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.