• Assistant Director of Employee Engagement
  • Northern Essex Community College
  • Haverhill, Massachusetts

Position Information


  • POSITION: Full-Time Assistant Director of Employee Engagement (Assistant Director): Human Resources; Haverhill Campus; 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm; Non-Unit Professional Position


    SUMMARY: The Assistant Director of Employee Engagement is responsible for advancing a culture of engagement, development, and organizational effectiveness that supports Northern Essex Community College's mission, values, and strategic priorities.  Working within the College's strengths-based leadership philosophy, this position develops and implements initiatives that foster employee engagement, leadership effectiveness, professional growth, and workplace satisfaction across the institution.

    The role collaborates extensively with leaders, managers, Human Resources, and Professional Development to create innovative onboarding, supervisory training, leadership development, recognition, and engagement initiatives that support a high-performing, inclusive, and strengths-focused workplace.


    The ideal candidate possesses demonstrated experience utilizing Gallup's Q12 Employee Engagement framework and strengths-based leadership principles to support employee engagement, leadership development, team effectiveness and organizational success.


    RESPONSIBILITIES:                   

    The responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

    Employee Engagement Strategy

    • Develop and implement comprehensive employee engagement strategies aligned with College's Strategic Goals and Values
    • Identify key engagement metrics and monitor employee satisfaction levels utilizing the Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement framework, focus/advisory groups, and other tools.
    • Develop and implement college-wide strategies to increase retention and cultivate employee engagement and satisfaction.

    Management Training and Development Programs

    • Assess organizational training and development needs and identify opportunities to strengthen employee engagement, leadership effectiveness and management practices.
    • Design, develop, and implement employee and management development programs that build leadership capacity, supervisory competencies, workplace effectiveness, and organizational performance.
    • Deliver training and professional development programs focused on communication, employee engagement, leadership, employee relations, performance management, coaching, accountability, customer service, and workplace culture.
    • Create and maintain training materials, learning resources, toolkits, and other development tools that support ongoing employee leadership growth.
    • Coordinate training initiatives in partnership with institutional stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic priorities, workforce development needs, and organizational goals.
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of training management development programs through participant feedback, engagement metrics, and organizational outcomes, and implement continuous improvements based on assessment results.

    Culture and Communication

    • Champion a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
    • Create and manage internal communication initiatives to promote transparency and enhance employee connection.
    • Collaborate with members of the executive team/Presidents' Cabinet to ensure that people-related issues are integrated into the overall strategy and decision making-processes.

    Programs and Events

    • Collaborate with the office of professional development to design and implement complimentary programming that aligns with the strategic goals and expectations of NECC.
    • Plan and execute engagement activities and team-building programs.
    • Recommend, develop, and implement appropriate employee recognition programs.
    • Develop innovative programming including onboarding, department orientation, supervision best practices, performance management and leadership development.
    • Create programs, events, or opportunities for employees to connect and cultivate the sense of belonging.

    Employee Feedback

    • Manage annual Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement framework and demonstrate ability to interpret, analyze, and apply employee engagement data to support organizational effectiveness and workplace culture initiatives.
    • Address engagement challenges proactively, ensuring an open and responsive feedback culture.
    • Support managers with implementing action plans based on employee feedback.

    Data and Reporting

    • Analyze engagement data to inform engagement strategy, identifying trends, strengths and opportunities.
    • Prepare and present reports on employee engagement efforts and outcomes to stakeholders.
    • Practice and promote continuous improvement through evaluation of HR procedures and recommend enhanced efficiency and customer service.

    Requirements:

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field
    • 5+ years of experience in employee engagement, internal communications or employee relations roles
    • Proven ability to develop and implement successful engagement strategies
    • Demonstrated experience administering, interpreting, utilizing Gallup Q12 employee engagement data to develop strategies that improve employee engagement, leadership effectiveness, and organizational performance
    • Strong project management and organizational skills
    • Knowledge of employment laws and HR Best Practices
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
    • A passion for creating a positive and productive work environment that supports employee growth and development

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

    • Experience with Gallup Q12, or other strengths-based leadership and employee engagement methodologies.
    • Certification in employee engagement, organizational development, leadership development, strengths-based coaching, or related disciplines.
    • Experience in Higher Education 
    • Bilingual (Spanish/English)
    • Experience working with and supporting a culturally diverse population

    EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as noted above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience has prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.


    BACKGROUND CHECK: Candidates will be required to pass a CORI and SORI check as a condition of employment.


    Additional Information:

    SALARY: Anticipated starting salary range is $108,000.00 - $118,000.00 annually with complete fringe benefit package including competitive health insurance, dental insurance, basic life insurance, long-term disability insurance, paid sick, vacation and personal leave, educational benefits for employee/spouse/dependents, and excellent retirement benefits.  Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire.


    ANTICIPATED START DATE: ASAP


    Application Instructions:

    TO APPLY: To be considered for this position click on the "Apply Now" button, you will be prompted to set up a new account or login to an existing account. You will be able to upload the following required documents for consideration:


    • Cover Letter, describing your qualifications and/or how you may be best suited for the role
    • Resume/CV

    Review of applications will begin 5 business days from the posting date and will continue until the position is filled.

    **Please note that finalist candidates will be asked to provide contact information for three (3) professional references, including current supervisor (or at least two previous supervisors)


    DEADLINE: Open until filled

     

     

    Northern Essex Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statues and college policies.  The College prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence.  Inquiries or complaints concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or sexual violence shall be referred to the College's Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Elizabete Trelegan (Assistant Director of Human Resources, B-219,978-556-3928/ etrelegan@necc.mass.edu), the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission or the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.  Northern Essex Community College will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.


    Prospective employees are encouraged to review the College's Annual Security Report (ASR), in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, which can be found on the disclosure page of the College's website at: http://www.necc.mass.edu/clery

Organization Information

  • Northern Essex Community College (NECC) serves more than 5,000 students annually across its campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence, Massachusetts, conveniently located within easy reach of Boston and the scenic beaches and state parks of New England’s coastline.  Recognized as one of the 2026 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges by NISOD (National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development), NECC’s success is driven by a mission-centered culture and a highly engaged workforce.  As the first federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution in New England, NECC remains committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that reflects and supports the communities it serves.

     

    Rooted in the Merrimack Valley, NECC plays a vital role in strengthening the region through workforce development, expanded access to affordable higher education, increased degree attainment, and strong partnerships with businesses.

     

    NECC employees are united by a shared commitment expanding access to educational opportunities, supporting students in completing their academic journey in a timely and equitable manner, and preparing graduates for long-term success in the workforce.  The college invests in its people through ongoing professional development opportunities, collaborative leadership, and a supportive work environment.

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