Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Join Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's dynamic global community of changemaker including some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the world's first quantum computer on a university campus. 

The Rensselaer Union includes the Rensselaer Student Union, a building at the corner of Sage Avenue and 15th street, containing meeting rooms, businesses, dining, and social spaces. The Rensselaer Student Union is a place to study and attend special events or visit the RPI Bookstore or the Clubhouse Pub. For more information, see https://union.rpi.edu/

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Director, Student Activities develops and directs comprehensive student involvement and activities programs that inspire school spirit, amplify the RPI student experience, and support the unique student-staff partnership that characterizes the operation of the Rensselaer Union. This includes employing best practices in facilitating student's personal and professional development, creating opportunities for developmental growth, strengthening student clubs (including student government and class councils), and contributing to student recruitment and retention in support of the enrollment, graduation, and student success of both undergraduate and graduate students. Advise student leaders and organization representatives in their development and execution of events, activities, and programs, including; financial planning, safety, and liability/risk compliance in collaboration with the office of risk management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Five (5) or more years of experience with finance and budgeting, student counseling, and event planning

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in in Student Affairs, College/Student Personnel or related field
• Valid US driver license and the ability to operate a 14 passenger (or less) van

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups in a fast-paced collaborative environment
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and manage a variety of tasks and projects simultaneously, with impeccable attention to detail
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Thorough knowledge of student development theories and their application to students at a highly selective technological research university
• Experience with assessment and strategic planning
• Demonstrated experience in setting priorities, delegating, and coordinating complex tasks with attention to divisional and institution goals
• Demonstrated excellent leadership skills, especially the ability to establish standards of quality, to communicate those standards clearly, and to assess personnel based on those standards
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Demonstrated effective conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Planning, organizing and effective time management skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives
• Ability to anticipate and solve problems
  
  

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a passenger van seating 14 or fewer

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $75,000- $90,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.