The Associate Director of Engagement & Strategic Initiatives serves as a key leader in advancing Berry College's institutional mission through strategic community engagement. This role leads the design, implementation, and assessment of initiatives that promote meaningful collaboration between the college and external partners, with particular focus on sustainable partnerships, civic engagement, community-engaged jobs and internships, and college-wide service infrastructure. The Associate Director reports to the Chief Belonging & Community Engagement Officer and works closely on long-range planning, external relations, and strategic alignment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic planning and execution of community engagement initiatives across the college.
• Oversee the development and institutional integration of community-engaged jobs and internships in collaboration with the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD).
• Serve as the institutional lead for GivePulse implementation, training, and campus-wide utilization.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, faculty, and campus stakeholders.
• Plan and facilitate trainings, summits, and workshops that advance service learning, community-engaged scholarship, and belonging-driven practices.
• Represent the Office of Belonging & Community Engagement on institutional committees and multi-departmental initiatives.
• Provide mentorship and supervision to graduate assistants and student workers supporting engagement projects.
• Provide strategic support to the Bonner Scholars Program, ensuring external partnerships and service pathways align with institutional engagement priorities.
• Contribute to the Office's commitment to Berry's Good Neighbor Culture and community impact.

REQUIREMENTS:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in higher education, community development, public administration, or a related field (preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in community engagement, civic leadership, or strategic programming
• Demonstrated success in leading complex initiatives and cross-sector partnerships
• Strong facilitation, relationship-building, and project management skills
• Experience with platforms such as GivePulse, Handshake, or similar engagement and tracking tools
• Strong commitment to service, relationship-building, and Berry's Good Neighbor Culture

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

ABOUT BERRY COLLEGE

Berry is a selective independent college of 2,200 students located adjacent to Rome, GA, midway between Atlanta, GA, and Chattanooga, TN. Berry's educational approach deliberately unites challenging academic programs with practical work experience in a residential campus community that encourages faith and emphasizes caring for the needs of others above self. Our mission and values are grounded in the ethic that our founder instilled more than a century ago:

"We educate the head, heart, and hands - to inspire leaders of integrity who cultivate thriving communities. Combining academic exploration with meaningful work responsibilities in a residential setting, our approach emphasizes firsthand experiences and mentoring. We invest in the personal growth and professional preparation of talented students from varied backgrounds, with an enduring commitment to help those hindered by financial need. Guided by Christian principles, we value the dignity of individuals, the search for truth tempered with grace, and the well-being of our neighbors."

Nationally recognized for quality of learning and quality of life, Berry offers first-rate undergraduate degree programs in the sciences, humanities, arts and human sciences, as well as undergraduate and master's level opportunities in business, physician associate studies, and teacher education. The College's stunning 27,000-acre campus affords opportunities that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Berry's ongoing commitment is to provide exceptional educational experiences to talented students from a wide range of social, racial, and economic backgrounds. To apply, click here.

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Berry College is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff. An Equal Opportunity Institution, Berry complies with all applicable laws and provisions prohibiting discrimination in its educational and employment policies. Berry respects the essential dignity of all individuals and accordingly hires and promotes employees without regard to matters of personal identity such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and political affiliation. Berry College is committed to ensuring facilities, programs, services, and activities are accessible to everyone, including those seeking employment at Berry College. Inquiries about interviews or workplace accommodations are welcomed and can be directed to employment@berry.edu or (706) 233-4062.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants should submit a letter of application describing the candidate's interest in this position and commitment to the Berry mission and values (linked above), a resume, and names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Specific questions about the position may be sent directly to Haley Smith at hsmith@berry.edu.