Accepting Applications
  • Winston-Salem, North Carolina
  • Wake Forest University
  • Please contact Heather Larabee for salary information
  • Reports to: Dana Pursley, Executive Director of Student Engagement

Director of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement

Heather J. Larabee, EdDManaging Senior Consultant

Contact Consultant

Responsibilities of the Position

The director of fraternity and sorority engagement (director) provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for Wake Forest University’s (WFU) fraternity and sorority community, comprising 30 chapters across four governing councils and engaging approximately 56 percent of the undergraduate student population. Reporting to the executive director of student engagement within the division of campus life, the director advances a values-based fraternity and sorority experience that promotes leadership development, organizational excellence, student wellbeing, belonging, accountability, and community engagement. The director leads a team of three professional staff and serves as a key campus partner in fostering a vibrant, engaged, and inclusive fraternity and sorority community.

A central responsibility of the role is cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with students, chapter and council leaders, advisers, alumni volunteers, parents and families, faculty, staff, and inter/national organization representatives. The director serves as the primary resource for interpreting University policies and procedures, provides guidance and support to chapter advisers and governing councils, and strengthens collaboration among stakeholders invested in the fraternity and sorority experience. The director also oversees the expansion and extension process for new organizations, working closely with campus and external partners to ensure successful integration and sustainable growth.

The director provides strategic leadership for the office of fraternity and sorority engagement (OFSE), aligning departmental priorities with the University’s Strategic Framework and the Campus Life Strategic Vision. The director oversees the Old Gold Standards, the guiding framework for fraternities and sororities, and advances initiatives that strengthen chapter effectiveness, student development, and community wellbeing. Through assessment and data-informed decision-making, the director promotes organizational learning, accountability, and continuous improvement across the fraternity and sorority community.

Additional key responsibilities include:

  • Manage all OFSE funds; analyze financial expenditures, develop forecasts, and facilitate annual budget preparation to ensure fiscal responsibility.
  • Create a comprehensive communications strategy for OFSE to ensure all stakeholders are engaged with the fraternity and sorority community.
  • Provide leadership for risk prevention and compliance efforts for chapters and councils that foster personal and peer accountability and risk reduction, with a focus on interpersonal violence, alcohol and other drugs, and hazing prevention education.
  • Provide resources and services that strengthen the role and effectiveness of fraternity and sorority advisers. Serve as liaison for advisers, University alumni, faculty, staff, and inter/national headquarters’ leadership.
  • Support fraternity and sorority chapters and the Interfraternity Council, National Panhellenic Conference, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and United Greek Council.
  • Collaborate with the office of student conduct, fraternity and sorority advisers, and inter/national headquarters when responding to OFSE-specific concerns and allegations.
  • Ensure regular communication with students, faculty, staff, parents and families, alumni, and community partners.
  • Develop and implement an assessment plan for the OFSE; collect and analyze data, identify themes, and communicate impact.
  • Serve on the campus life leadership and engagement leadership teams, participate in divisional initiatives, and contribute to University committees and strategic priorities that advance the mission of Wake Forest University.

Qualifications and Characteristics of the Successful Candidate

The successful candidate will possess a master’s degree in higher education, or a related field, along with at least five years of progressively responsible experience in fraternity and sorority life, student engagement, or a related area within student affairs. Demonstrated progressive leadership experience, including the supervision, development, and mentorship of professional staff, is also required.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse university environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as is the ability to present views in a clear and compelling manner. The successful candidate will also demonstrate excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, and bring projects to successful completion.

Additional qualifications include the ability to interpret and apply institutional policies and procedures, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and an understanding of student development and leadership theories that inform effective student engagement practice. The successful candidate will be proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and related technology platforms used to support communication, assessment, presentations, and program administration. Progressive experience within the fraternity and sorority engagement field and national and/or regional leadership within a professional organization are preferred.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, key stakeholders identified the following capabilities and attributes of a successful candidate:

  • A strategic and collaborative leader who can create and advance a compelling vision for fraternity and sorority engagement that celebrates the contributions, strengths, and developmental outcomes associated with affiliation at Wake Forest.
  • A track record that demonstrates an ability to provide strategic leadership through effective partnership-building, risk mitigation, policy creation and implementation, and the development of collaborative solutions that advance organizational effectiveness and student success.
  • Experience overseeing student-facing facilities and spaces, including operational management, strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, and the equitable stewardship of resources that support student engagement and community development.
  • A collaborative and student-centered leadership style characterized by accessibility, relationship-building, transparency, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community.
  • Evidence of success in building and leading high-performing teams through staff mentorship, professional development, talent cultivation, and the creation of a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
  • Experience working within a campus community where fraternity and sorority life plays a significant and visible role in the student experience, and an understanding of the opportunities and complexities associated with a highly engaged fraternity and sorority culture.
  • Experience partnering with fraternity and sorority governing councils and chapter advisers to develop student leaders, strengthen organizational effectiveness, promote accountability, and advance community engagement.
  • Strong commitment to student development and the ability to create meaningful opportunities for leadership, belonging, wellbeing, and personal growth through the fraternity and sorority experience.

Opportunities and Challenges of the Role

The next director of fraternity and sorority engagement will have the opportunity to build upon a vibrant and highly engaged community that plays a significant role in the Wake Forest student experience. Supported by University leadership, dedicated campus partners, engaged students, and invested alumni, the director will be positioned to make a lasting impact on the fraternity and sorority community. The role offers an exceptional opportunity to advance innovative ideas, strengthen community partnerships, and move an already successful fraternity and sorority experience to its next level of excellence. Key opportunities and challenges for the position include:

  • Serve as a champion for fraternity and sorority engagement by fostering greater awareness of its value and deepening its connections to the University’s educational mission and strategic priorities.
  • Leverage the strong support of University leadership and campus partners to advance strategic priorities, enhance the student experience, and elevate the impact of OFSE across Wake Forest.
  • Promote the positive impact of fraternity and sorority affiliation while leading efforts related to risk prevention, organizational accountability, policy compliance, and student wellbeing.
  • Navigate the opportunities and complexities associated with a fraternity and sorority community that engages more than half of Wake Forest’s undergraduate population and is deeply embedded in the campus culture.
  • Develop and implement a thoughtful approach to system expansion and community development that aligns with institutional priorities, student interests, and long-term organizational sustainability.
  • Shape the future of the OFSE by investing in staff development, strengthening team capacity, and aligning resources and responsibilities with the evolving needs of the fraternity and sorority community.

Measures of Success

The items listed below will define the director of fraternity and sorority engagement success throughout the first year of employment:

  • The director has established trusted and productive relationships with students, chapter and council leaders, advisers, faculty, staff, parents and families, alumni, and inter/national organization partners, resulting in a strong network of support for the fraternity and sorority community.
  • The director is recognized across the institution as a visible and strategic advocate for OFSE, effectively communicating the value, impact, and contributions of the community through meaningful engagement and data-informed storytelling.
  • The director has cultivated a high-performing, student-centered team that is responsive, collaborative, and widely regarded as a trusted resource by students, advisers, and campus partners.
  • The director has fostered a culture of accountability and care by effectively navigating complex risk management, conduct, and policy-related matters while maintaining trust, consistency, and adherence to institutional expectations.
  • The director has developed and implemented a strategic plan for the thoughtful growth of the fraternity and sorority community, including the exploration and successful advancement of opportunities for chapter expansion.
  • The director has implemented meaningful assessment practices that demonstrate the impact of FSE and inform strategic decision-making.
  • The director has advanced initiatives that enhance student wellbeing, belonging, leadership development, and organizational excellence across the fraternity and sorority community.

Division of Campus Life

The division of campus life consists of a broad range of offices focused on supporting and developing the Wake Forest student experience. In the spirit of “Pro Humanitate”, the division cultivates a transformative campus experience through curiosity, care, and connection. In doing so, they foster an inclusive learning community where all matter, belong, and thrive.

Strategic Vision

Campus Life Organizational Chart

Divisional Leadership

The Student Body

Total Enrollment: 9,633

Undergraduate: 5,595

Graduate: 4,038

Male: 44%

Female: 56%

African American/Black: 8%

Asian: 6%

Hispanic/Latino: 10%

White: 63%

Two or More Races: 4%

Unknown: 3%

Non-Resident: 6%

Institutional Leadership

Senior Leadership Cabinet

University Mission and Purpose

Strategic Framework

Application

Review of applications will begin July 8, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position, please click on the Apply button, complete the brief application process, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should contact Spelman Johnson at 413-529-2895 or email info@spelmanjohnson.com.

Visit the Wake Forest University website at https://www.wfu.edu/

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, and military or veteran status.  

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