Director of Student Engagement, School of Medicine, Office of Medical Education

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education.

Position Summary:

The Director of Student Engagement leads the strategic development, implementation, and assessment of initiatives that foster student connection, wellness, leadership, and professional development of learners across Undergraduate Medical Education (UME), the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), and Graduate Education in the School of Medicine. This role strengthens communication, collaboration, and student support while promoting a positive learning environment and institutional and community engagement. This position works in close partnership with individuals across multiple offices and units-including deans, faculty, staff, and students to ensure student engagement activities reflect institutional values and meet the evolving needs of learners across all phases of training.

With demonstrated experience in coaching and the ability to triage student crises, the Director serves as a critical point of contact for students navigating academic and personal challenges. They collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and leadership across units to ensure responsive, student-centered engagement strategies that adapt to the evolving needs of learners at all stages of training.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Student Engagement and Wellness (UME, MSTP, Graduate Education Programs)

• Coordinate wellness and engagement events, workshops, and activities for UME, MD-PhD, and graduate students, ensuring alignment with the strategic priorities and institutional mission of the School of Medicine.
• Collaborate with the MSTP and Graduate Education teams to support and promote wellness events, including faculty and student programming.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for students across the UME, MSTP, and Graduate Education programs regarding engagement opportunities, wellness and support services, and leadership development.
• Cultivate a supportive learning environment through the design and delivery of intentional programming and individual meetings with learners.

2. Leadership and Professional Development

• Collaborate with UME, MSTP, and Graduate Education program leaders to develop and implement leadership development opportunities for medical, MSTP, and graduate students, including orientation and training for student organization leaders.
• Support the development and implementation of professional development programming and workshops for all student populations, including sessions focused on communication, resilience, and career readiness.

3. Student Communication and Integration

• Lead the development and implementation of a cohesive and coordinated student engagement communications strategy in partnership with the School of Medicine Communications team.
• Facilitate clear, consistent communication between the Office of Medical Education, Office of Graduate Education and MSTP leadership/students, ensuring that MSTP students remain informed and connected during all phases of training.
• Promote and coordinate engagement activities led by Graduate Education, such as check-ins with institutional leadership and student-driven events.

4. Community Engagement

• Coordinate community engagement activities for medical and graduate students, fostering collaborations with internal and external partners.
• Partner with leadership in the OME to promote service learning and volunteer opportunities that contribute to professional identity formation.
• Track and promote student participation in community outreach efforts, effectively connecting student interests with institutional and community needs.

5. Student Advocacy and Liaison Responsibilities

• Serve as a supportive liaison for student engagement and wellness concerns across the MD, MSTP, and Graduate Education programs, helping students navigate available institutional resources and facilitating support as needed.
• Coordinate timely response and resolution of concerns in partnership with faculty, program directors, and student affairs staff.
• Strengthen communication and collaboration between the School of Medicine and university-level offices (e.g., MCV Campus Division of Student Engagement and Impact, VCU Dean of Students Office), ensuring coordinated support for student-led initiatives and community engagement efforts.
• Provide individual development coaching through structured, goal-oriented conversations that empower students to clarify priorities, build resilience, and navigate transitions during their training.
• Refer students to appropriate academic, mental health, or student conduct resources as needed, maintaining clear boundaries from formal counseling or adjudication roles.
• Collaborate with deans, program directors, faculty, and staff to ensure students receive holistic support through appropriate channels.

6. Program Assessment and Reporting

• Collaborate with partners from other offices and units to evaluate the effectiveness of student engagement and wellness programs, using data to inform program improvements.
• Collect and analyze student feedback and engagement data to guide program development and promote continuous improvement.
• Prepare engagement and wellness reports for internal and external audiences, highlighting outcomes, participation metrics, and data-driven recommendations.
• Perform other duties as assigned