University Engagement Strategist

 I. JOB OVERVIEW 

Job Description Summary:  | Organizational BackgroundIn the heart of the nation’s capital, George Washington University (GW) is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The University offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business, and international affairs. As one of the largest private employers in the District of Columbia, the University seeks employees who support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University.
Job Description Summary Reporting to the Executive Director, Talent Development, the University Engagement Strategist serves as a strategic lead and individual contributor responsible for designing, managing, and evaluating university-wide engagement programs, culture initiatives, and staff recognition for the George Washington University.This position bridges data-driven culture strategy with high-impact execution. The University Engagement Strategist acts as the central HR lead for university culture, synthesizing employee feedback for executive leadership while partnering closely with University Events, HR Business Partners (HRBPs), University Communications, and institutional stakeholders to drive staff connection, appreciation, and community across campus and remote/hybrid work environments.
Key Areas of Responsibility
1. Strategic Culture & Survey ManagementServe as the functional and strategic lead for the annual university-wide employee engagement survey, managing the vendor relationship, survey administration, communication strategies, and data integrity. Analyze complex survey data and synthesize findings into executive-level briefings, delivering actionable updates, trend analysis, and recommendations to Deans, Vice Presidents, and Cabinet leadership. Partner with HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and unit leaders to facilitate post-survey action planning, designing central toolkits, train-the-trainer resources, and tailored engagement strategies for decentralized units. Explore and implement ongoing employee feedback mechanisms (e.g., pulse surveys, lifecycle feedback) to continuously evaluate the employee experience. 2. Staff Recognition and Community Events Drive the strategy and program design for marquee university-wide staff appreciation initiatives, including the annual GW Step Challenge, employee socials, and community-building events. Serve as the primary HR lead in partnership with the University Events team to co-design and execute large-scale signature events (500–2000+ attendees), including the annual Employee Festival and Staff Awards. Direct the university’s Career Milestone program, managing vendor agreements, communications, the gift/yearbook platform, and the annual recognition ceremony. Oversee the annual review and administration of the Staff Emeriti program. 3. Program Operations, Budgeting, & Strategic Communications Manage the employee event, engagement budget, tracking expenditures and negotiating with external vendors to maximize program ROI. Partner with university communications and internal communication team to develop comprehensive messaging, branding, and promotional plans to increase awareness and participation in engagement initiatives. Maintain central engagement and leadership calendars to maximize visibility, participation, and alignment across all university initiatives. Establish metrics and analytics to evaluate the reach, participation rate, and overall impact of engagement programs across the university. Provide supervision or oversight to event-day support staff, student workers, or temporary staff as required.
Perform all other duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:  | Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 3 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:  |
Preferred Qualifications:  | Preferred Qualifications Previous experience working within a university or a large, complex, decentralized institutional environment. Hands-on experience with enterprise employee engagement survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, Gallup). Experience facilitating strategic engagement discussions and action-planning workshops. 
Personal CharacteristicsCommitment to GW’s Values: Deep alignment with institutional goals, ethical standards, and community standards. Strategic & Action-Oriented: A positive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to move seamlessly between big-picture planning and tactical execution. Collaborative Partner: Proven skill in building strong, trust-based partnerships across decentralized units and diverse employee populations. Accountable & Self-Driven: Takes full ownership of commitments, meets deadlines, and demonstrates strong self-direction. Adaptive Communicator: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with the flexibility to navigate organizational change.
Hiring Range  | $74,041.08 - $122,078.34
GW Staff Approach to Pay  | How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

 Healthcare Benefits
GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

 II. JOB DETAILS 

Campus Location:  | Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.
College/School/Department:  | Human Resource Management and Development (HRM&D)
Family  | Human Resources
Sub-Family  | Talent Development
Stream  | Individual Contributor
Level  | Level 3
Full-Time/Part-Time:  | Full-Time
Hours Per Week:  | 40
Work Schedule:  | Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm
Will this job require the employee to work on site?  | Yes
Employee Onsite Status  | Hybrid
Telework:  | Yes
Required Background Check:  | Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search
Special Instructions to Applicants:  | Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
Internal Applicants Only?  | No
Posting Number:  | S014551
Job Open Date:  | 11/06/2026
Job Close Date:  |
If temporary, grant funded, Sponsored Project funded or limited term appointment, position funded until:  |
Background Screening  | Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.
EEO Statement:  | The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents needed to Apply

2013 H Street, NW, 3rd Floor
 Washington, DC 20006


Phone: 202-994-8500
Fax: 202-994-9680
Email: [email protected]
Recognition_Toolkit
Talent@GWLogin

 Privacy Notice
Connect with us