About Longwood University

A comprehensive university with a strong liberal arts foundation, Longwood has a distinctive mission to develop citizen leaders who are prepared to make positive contributions to the common good of society. Founded in 1839, Longwood is the third-oldest public university in Virginia. 

Longwood is part of the proud tradition of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Roughly one hour’s drive from Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Richmond, Longwood is located in the historic two-college community of Farmville.  Longwood currently has approximately 4,600 undergraduate and graduate students and 41,000 alumni. It maintains affiliations with the neighboring Robert Russa Moton Museum of civil rights history and the Longwood Center for Visual Arts, a nationally accredited university art museum. A member of the Big South Conference, Longwood competes at the NCAA Division I level.

Job Description:

Longwood University invites qualified applicants to apply for the Dean of Student Engagement position (FA353) in the Office of Student Engagement. The Dean of Student Engagement will work with a team of professionals to advance Longwood University's mission and vision by initiating, facilitating, and assessing a comprehensive unit that promotes a vibrant, engaged, inclusive, and learning-rich community. Serving as a member of the senior leadership team for the Vice President for Student Affairs, the DSE will provide strategic vision and oversight to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL), the University Center and Office of Student Activities & Involvement, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Student Government Association, serving as a Co-Advisor with the Vice President for Student Affairs and supervising the Student Engagement Financial Services Specialist.

The Dean of Student Engagement will work collaboratively to lead a broad range of strategic programs and initiatives, including Lancers Vote, supporting institutional initiatives such as micro-credentialing, leading the First-Generation Student Success Work Group and facilitating its programs, F1RST Lancers transition program, and supporting student organizations and campus traditions.

This position will partner with other Student Affairs Units, including the Dean of Students Unit, the Health & Well-Being Unit, the Police & Public Safety Unit, and other campus partners, to meet the needs of students and constituency groups across the Longwood University community.

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 14, 2026.

This position is located in Farmville, Virginia, and is required to work in person on Longwood University's campus.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work collaboratively with Student Affairs leadership to develop, implement, and assess a strategic vision for student engagement that aligns with the Division and University Strategic Vision.
• Supervise the Assistant Dean and Director of the University Center and Student Activities while advancing a comprehensive vision for a vibrant student experience, including supporting student organizations, student-led events, campus programs, and campus spirit and traditions.
• Supervise the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life and provide support and strategic guidance to advance a thriving fraternity and sorority community that includes CPC, IFC, NPHC, and Independent Greek Academic, Honor, and Service Organizations.
• Supervise the Assistant Dean for Multicultural Affairs and Title VI Coordinator to support dynamic campus spaces, including the N.H. Scott Center, and related programming.
• Coordinate award and recognition processes (e.g., Citizen Leader Awards, Joan of Arc Awards for Excellence).
• Maintain policies and practices that support student organizations and groups, including risk management, event planning, event management processes, and crisis management protocols needed to support safe, student-led events.
• Develop and maintain partnerships within Longwood Athletics to foster engagement, belonging, spirit, and tradition at athletic events.
• Provide co-advisory support with the Vice President for Student Affairs to the Student Government Association, with emphasis on supporting the SGA with daily operations and in liaising with university leaders and other campus constituencies.
• Serve on a variety of committees within Student Affairs and the university community.
• Participate in all department professional activities, including association memberships.
• Maintain an assessment strategy for departments reporting to DSE.
• Develop storytelling opportunities to share the impact of Student Engagement at Longwood.
• Build a culture of engagement and performance for the Student Engagement teams while supporting professional development and teambuilding across the unit.
• Provide data, analysis, and thought partnership to the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Requirements:

• Master's degree in student personnel, higher education, counseling, or similar field is required; seven to ten years of relevant student affairs experience, including progressive management responsibilities and staff supervision, along with leading units within a higher education setting.
• Ability to be a visible and engaged leader while developing and maintaining effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and other diverse groups.
• Knowledge of and a professional commitment to student development and effective higher education administration practices.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present views in a clear and compelling manner.
• Exceptional project management expertise, including the ability to plan, prioritize, organize, and lead multiple concurrent initiatives and ensure projects are delivered to successful completion.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office/Google Suite applications and experience in effectively creating documents, reports, and presentations.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed and appropriate.
• Ability to create, interpret, and apply policy and procedures established within the University and Division of Student Affairs.
• Experience with advising and risk mitigation.
• Knowledge of student learning and operational assessment processes and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking skills and to proactively problem-solve.

Additional Information:

This position is a full-time, administrative & professional faculty, exempt position. Salary will be commensurate with credentials and experience. A successful fingerprint-based criminal background investigation is required. The selected candidate must complete a Statement of Economic Interests. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. 

Commonwealth of Virginia benefits accompany this position to include:

• State health and dental benefits & flexible spending accounts
• Paid leave (which may include sick leave, personal leave, annual leave, etc.), and 13 holidays
• Retirement savings plans (some with limited employer match available (VRS)
• Life & Long-Term care insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts for various services, including Verizon
• Educational benefits for most employees
• Cost-effective Fitness Center membership for employees

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Longwood University will provide, if requested, reasonable accommodations to applicants in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process. You are not required to note the presence of a disability on your application. If, however, you require accommodations in the application and/or interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 434-395-2074 or

humres@longwood.edu.

Per CFR: Title 34, the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information can be located through this link: http://www.longwood.edu/titleix/.

A diversified workforce is an important part of our strategic plan. EOE/AA

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; position posted 2/20/2026. To apply for this position, qualified applicants must complete the online information section and questions, and attach (under Resume) a letter of interest, resume, and names and contact details of three references.

Link to apply: http://longwood.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=197447