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Executive Director, Student Engagement and Student Center

American University

Washington D.C., DC, USA · Hybrid

$125,000 - $135,000 annually

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About the role

American University is a private research university in Washington, DC, with strong ties to government, the legal community, and multinational organizations. AU is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to public service and global engagement.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director, Student Engagement and Student Center provides leadership and administrative oversight for the Mary Graydon Student Center, the Center for Student Involvement, University Event Scheduling, The Bridge Cafe, and Student Engagement Strategic Initiatives. This role involves strategic development, policy execution, and fostering inclusive student experiences, while serving as the advisor for the American University Student Government.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership/Operations:

- Oversee programming, facility management, budget administration, and revenue generation

- Supervise professional and student staff

Program Development:

- Design campus-wide initiatives for student belonging and success

- Manage program assessment and external revenue/grant acquisition

Administration/Budget:

- Chair the Budget Advisory Committee for student fees

- Manage operating and endowment accounts

- Ensure compliance with university and legal regulations

Strategic Collaboration:

- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration within Student Affairs

- Assist in long-term strategic planning and policy drafting

- Serve on university-wide committees

On-Call:

- Provide emergency consultation and support for student engagement-related issues

QUALIFICATIONS

- Education: Master's degree or equivalent (PhD preferred)

- Experience: 8-10 years of relevant experience

- Demonstrated proficiency in inclusive excellence, diplomacy, and advanced communication

- Ability to evaluate ideas, build and support teams, manage talent, and make accurate judgments

- Proficiency in standard office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

SALARY

$125,000 - $135,000 annually

LOCATION

Washington, DC - Main Campus (Hybrid: 3-4 Days On Campus Per Week)

APPLICATION

To apply, visit: https://american.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/AU/job/Executive-Director--Student-Engagement-and-Student-Center_R4433

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please visit: https://american.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/AU/job/Executive-Director--Student-Engagement-and-Student-Center_R4433

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

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Posted

07/19/2026

Website

https://www.american.edu

City

Washington

State

District of Columbia

Functions

Director, Executive, Leadership, Management, Operations, Program Admin/Management, Senior Management, Strategy and Planning

Industries

Children and Youth, Community Service, Education, Higher Education, Non-profit - NPO

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Questions about this role

Who is hiring for the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Student Center role?

American University is hiring a Executive Director, Student Engagement and Student Center, based in Washington D.C., DC, USA. The posting was placed by the organization hiring or the search firm it retained, not copied from another board.

Where is the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Student Center job located?

Washington D.C., DC, USA. This position is hybrid.

Is the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Student Center role remote, hybrid or on-site?

This role is hybrid, so it combines time on-site with time working remotely.

What does the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Student Center role pay?

The posting states $125,000 to $135,000. Where a range is given, the figure a candidate is offered inside it usually depends on experience.

How do I apply for the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Student Center role?

Apply directly to American University through the link on this page. The application goes to the employer, not to us, and we do not sit in the middle of it.

Will an algorithm screen out my application?

Not here. ExecSearches does not run resumes through automated screening and does not reject anyone by software. Every posting on this board is reviewed by a person before it goes live, and expired duplicates are taken down.

When was the Executive Director, Student Engagement and Student Center job posted?

This role was posted on October 8, 2026.

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