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$16K

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$178K

How much do director of student development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of student development in the United States is $95,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of student development, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Student Development often navigates challenges such as balancing diverse student needs, fostering an inclusive campus environment, and aligning co-curricular programming with institutional goals. Addressing these challenges involves strong collaboration with student affairs staff, faculty, and student organizations to ensure programs are relevant and impactful. Effective communication, ongoing assessment, and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles and supporting students' holistic development.

What does a director of student development do?

A Director of Student Development oversees programs and services that support the personal, academic, and social growth of students within an educational institution. They collaborate with faculty, staff, and student organizations to create a positive campus environment, often managing areas like student leadership, orientation, counseling, and extracurricular activities. Their goal is to enhance student engagement and success by addressing students' holistic needs. They also assess program effectiveness and may advocate for policies and resources that benefit student well-being.

What is the difference between Director Of Student Development vs Student Activities Coordinator?

AspectDirector Of Student DevelopmentStudent Activities Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often master’s in education or related fieldBachelor’s degree typically sufficient
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, overseeing multiple programsCampus or student center, focusing on event planning
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universitiesStudent organizations, campus recreation
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on program development and student engagement strategiesFocuses on event planning and student activities coordination

The Director Of Student Development generally has broader responsibilities, including strategic planning and program oversight, while the Student Activities Coordinator concentrates on organizing specific events and activities. Both roles aim to enhance student life but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of student development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Student Development, you need expertise in student affairs, program management, and higher education administration, often supported by a master's degree in education or a related field. Familiarity with student information systems, assessment tools, and compliance regulations is typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills help foster a supportive campus environment and engage diverse student populations. These skills are crucial for effectively guiding student growth, ensuring program quality, and promoting student success in higher education settings.
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Director Of Student Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Student Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,708 per year, or $46 per hour.

Director of Student Development

East Central University

Ada, OK • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

East Central University rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

548th of 615 rated colleges and universities

Job description

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Reports to: Assistant VP of Student Affairs/Dean of Students


Position Summary


The Director of Student Development provides strategic leadership for institution-wide student retention and persistence efforts, with a strong emphasis on data curation, analytics, and proactive student engagement. This role is responsible for translating student data into actionable insights, designing evidence-based interventions, and fostering collaborative partnerships that improve retention, advancement, and graduation outcomes for all student populations.


The Director serves as a central liaison between academic affairs, student affairs, institutional research, and enrollment management, ensuring that resource connection, data-informed decision-making, and meaningful student engagement are embedded across the student lifecycle.


Essential Job Duties

Data Curation, Analysis, and Strategy


  • Lead the curation, governance, and integration of student success data from multiple sources (e.g., SIS, LMS, advising platforms, surveys, early alert systems).
  • Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and predictive models to monitor retention, persistence, and risk indicators.
  • Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for campus stakeholders, including senior leadership, deans, advisors, and faculty.
  • Implementing and managing potential retention and student engagement software.
  • Partner with Institutional Research to establish metrics, benchmarks, and assessment frameworks for student retention initiatives.
  • Ensure ethical, equitable, and FERPA-compliant use of student data in decision-making and intervention design.

Student Engagement and Retention Initiatives


  • Design, implement, and assess proactive, scalable student engagement strategies focused on first-year students, transfer students, and other priority populations.
  • Oversee early alert and case management processes that connect students to timely academic and co-curricular support.
  • Collaborate with advising, tutoring, financial aid, residence life, campus involvement/engagement, and student support services to align engagement efforts and reduce barriers to persistence.
  • Promote high-impact practices that foster belonging, academic momentum, and student connection to the institution.

First-Generation Student Coordination and Advocacy


  • Serve as the primary campus coordinator for first-generation student support initiatives.
  • Design and implement engagement programs, workshops, and communications tailored to first-generation students at key transition points throughout the student life cycle.
  • Collaborate with orientation, advising, academic support, and student engagement offices to embed first-generation success strategies into retention efforts.
  • Advocate for first-generation students by identifying systemic barriers and recommending improvements to policies, practices, or services.

Leadership and Collaboration


  • Provide leadership and supervision for retention-focused staff and initiatives.
  • Serve as a campus leader and advocate for student success using data-informed practices.
  • Convene cross-functional teams and committees focused on retention strategy, intervention design, and continuous improvement.
  • Support grant-funded or externally supported student success initiatives, including data reporting and outcomes assessment.

Assessment and Continuous Improvement


  • Evaluate the effectiveness of retention and engagement programs using qualitative and quantitative methods.
  • Prepare regular reports and presentations on retention trends, program outcomes, and recommendations for improvement.
  • Stay current on national best practices, research, and emerging technologies related to student retention and engagement.

Omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.


Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in higher education administration, educational research, data analytics, student affairs, or a related field.

    Preferred Qualifications


    • Master's degree in higher education administration, educational research, data analytics, student affairs, or a related field.
    • Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in student success, retention, institutional research, or related areas.
    • Demonstrated experience working with student data systems, analytics, and reporting tools.
    • Strong understanding of student development, engagement strategies, and retention theory.
    • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present data-driven insights to a wide audience.
    • Experience at a regional public university or similar institution.
    • Familiarity with predictive analytics, CRM or student success platforms, and dashboarding tools.

    Licenses/Certifications

      • N/A

      Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

        • Data-informed decision-making
        • Collaborative leadership
        • Strategic thinking and project management
        • Student-centered mindset
        • Ability to bridge technical data work with relational student engagement
        • Must have a strong work ethic and lead by example
        • Must be a professional, credible and respected representative of the institution internally and in the community
        • Demonstrated willingness and ability to act ethically and socially responsible
        • Ability to communicate in a courteous manner


        Physical Demands

        The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.


        Frequently communicate and exchange information with others

        Frequently stand and walk throughout the facility

        Frequently reach with hands and arms; grasp and manipulate objects

        Occasionally climb or balance, move up and down from floor level

        Occasionally perform repetitive wrist or finger movements

        Work Environment

        The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

        Supervisory Responsibility

        This position may provide direct supervision to individual contributors and offers continuous performance feedback. The role may also involve active participation in departmental activities to meet schedules and resolve issues as needed.


        East Central University, in compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital status, genetic information, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admission, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Employment Services Director, 1100 E. 14th St., Danley Hall 111, Ada, OK 74820,(580) 559-5260.


        Please ensure you have completed the Equal Opportunity Data Form with your application. Equal Opportunity Data Form.pdf


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