Position Summary
The College of Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for the Director of Student Access, Opportunity, and Engagement (AOE). Our student support team furthers the college’s core values of student access, professional development, inclusion, and excellence. We provide programming, community building, and academic support as a unit, and through collaboration with faculty, staff, and students to promote both curricular and co-curricular success.
This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position, renewable annually based on positive performance reviews, continued funding, and mutual agreement.
As Director, you will provide overall direction and management of programming, organize a summer math-intensive program, assist with developing proposals for revenue generation, prepare reports, teach and facilitate orientation classes, and manage team members. You will also collaborate with program offices across the university, faculty, staff, students, administrators, and corporate partners to create opportunities and build linkages.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and collaborate with staff to support and retain our diverse student body.
- Design and implement programming that fosters belonging and community.
- Provide strong management and supervisory leadership.
What We’re Looking For
- A Master’s degree in engineering, education, student affairs, or a closely related field (required at the time of appointment).
- At least three years of proven success in management and leadership.
- Experience designing inclusive programs that strengthen student engagement.
- Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Why Join Us
This is your chance to shape the student experience at one of the nation’s top engineering colleges. As Director of Student Access, Opportunity, and Engagement, you’ll lead programs that bring students together, strengthen their academic journey, and create opportunities that launch careers.
You won’t just be managing initiatives—you’ll be building a community. You’ll work with motivated students, collaborative colleagues, and industry partners who are eager to connect talent with real-world impact. From summer bridge programs to professional development and corporate engagement, your work will have a direct impact on how students grow, succeed, and thrive at MSU.
If you’re ready to bring ideas to life, lead with energy, and see the results of your work every day in the lives of students, this role offers the platform to do it.
Hybrid Work Arrangement
While this position offers the potential for a hybrid work arrangement, the expectation is that the successful candidate will maintain a predominantly in-person office presence. Work arrangements will be determined in collaboration with the Associate Dean, taking into account both the employee's needs and the unit's requirements.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Masters -engineering, education, student affairs
Minimum Requirements
- A Master’s degree in engineering, education, student affairs, or a closely related field (required at the time of appointment).
- At least three years of proven success in management and leadership.
- Experience designing inclusive programs that strengthen student engagement.
- Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Required Application Materials
Applications must include:
- A detailed resume/vita
- A cover letter summarizing qualifications and leadership/management experience
- A statement including examples of awareness/education, work conducted, assessment outcomes, and demonstrated student impact
- Contact information for at least three professional references
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin on November 3, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. Questions about this position are welcome and should be directed to the search committee chair by email at reidtama@msu.edu.
Review of Applications Begins On
11/03/2025
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
https://engineering.msu.edu/
Department Statement
About The College of Engineering
For over 130 years, the MSU College of Engineering has advanced, shared, and applied engineering knowledge to address society’s most pressing challenges. Guided by Michigan State University’s land-grant mission, we are dedicated to preparing exceptional graduates, conducting breakthrough research, and driving innovations that serve the public good—improving lives locally and globally. With annual research expenditures of $64 million, the college offers world-class facilities, resources, and support to push the boundaries of discovery and application.
Our eight departments span a wide range of disciplines with strengths in computational sciences, energy, health, manufacturing, materials, mobility, security, and sustainability. Collaboration is at the heart of our work, spanning departments, other colleges, and an extensive global network of research partners. With a strong tradition of mentorship and a culture that values creativity, impact, and service, the MSU College of Engineering provides an environment where faculty, staff, and students can thrive, lead transformative research, and help shape the technologies and solutions of the future.
About Michigan State University
At MSU, discovery doesn’t stop at the classroom door. As one of the nation’s leading R1 research universities and a proud land-grant institution, MSU blends academic excellence with a mission to make a difference in communities near and far. Our campus in East Lansing offers more than just a place to work—it’s a hub of innovation, collaboration, and Spartan spirit.
Just steps from Michigan’s capital city, Lansing, the region offers a wealth of cultural opportunities, thriving neighborhoods, highly rated schools, and abundant natural spaces. Whether you’re enjoying the arts, cheering on Big Ten athletics, or exploring lakes and trails, East Lansing is a place where work, life, and community come together.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
