1

Director Of Student Life Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director of Student Life serves as the architect of student experience - leading, designing, and executing impactful programming and initiatives that shape the spirit, identity, and growth of our ...

Director of Student Life

Rego Park, NY · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Director of Student Life serves as the architect of student experience - leading, designing, and executing impactful programming and initiatives that shape the spirit, identity, and growth of our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Director Of Student Life information

See salary details

$26.5K

$83.5K

$139.5K

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

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of student life in the United States is $83,534.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Student Life, and how can they be managed effectively?

Directors of Student Life often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of student populations, addressing student well-being, and fostering an inclusive campus environment. Effective management involves clear communication, proactive programming, and strong collaboration with faculty, counseling services, and student organizations. Staying adaptable and open to feedback helps ensure student voices are heard, while ongoing professional development and networking with peers can provide fresh ideas and support for navigating complex situations.

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

AspectDirector Of Student LifeStudent Activities Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often master’s in education, student affairs, or related fieldBachelor’s degree typically required; relevant experience in student activities
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, campus-wide planning, leadership rolesEvent planning, student engagement, campus events
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and universities, student affairs departmentsColleges, universities, student organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in student servicesEntry-level or specialized student event roles

The Director Of Student Life typically holds a higher leadership position with broader responsibilities in student affairs, policy development, and strategic planning. In contrast, a Student Activities Coordinator focuses more on organizing events and engaging students directly. Both roles are essential for student success but differ in scope, credentials, and level of responsibility.

What are the responsibilities of a Director of Student Life?

A Director of Student Life is responsible for overseeing programs and services that support students' extracurricular and co-curricular experiences at a school or university. This role typically involves managing student organizations, coordinating campus events, advising student leaders, and promoting student engagement and well-being. The Director also works closely with other campus departments to foster an inclusive, vibrant, and supportive campus community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director Of Student Life, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Of Student Life, you need expertise in student development, program management, and higher education administration, usually supported by a master’s degree in student affairs or a related field. Familiarity with campus engagement platforms, event management software, and knowledge of compliance regulations like Title IX are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and leadership abilities help build inclusive communities and motivate teams. These skills ensure effective student engagement, foster a supportive campus culture, and maintain institutional compliance.
More about Director Of Student Life jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Of Student Life jobs? Cities with the most Director Of Student Life job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Of Student Life jobs? The most popular types of Of Student Life jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Director Of Student Life jobs? The top employers for Director Of Student Life jobs are:
What states have the most Director Of Student Life jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Of Student Life jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Of Student Life jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Of Student Life jobs are:
Director of Student Life

$52K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Marshall University rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

472nd of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Position Title Director of Student Life Banner Position Number 001705 E-Class NC - Nonclassified - .53 or > Department Student Involvement - MU3207 Job Description
The Director of Student Life is the content-area expert in leadership development theory and practice, guiding department personnel, student organization officers and advisors, and future officers to resources and opportunities as needed. This position connects leadership development opportunities to students and organizations.
Directs the planning, administration, supervision, and evaluation of co-curricular student engagement programs and services. Leads the Student Life staff to create semester and yearlong-strategic goals and ensure planning and implementation of goals are in congruence with the University's mission.
Responsible for providing leadership for the Office of Student Life and its staff members, with the specific responsibility for planning, coordinating, and implementing a variety of programs and services that are designed to assist and support students in achieving academic and personal success. Provides oversight and leadership for campus-wide signature student events and programs.
Serves as the lead system administrator responsible for maintaining the student engagement management system (HerdLife). Implements, designs, and facilitates training and student leadership development, including ongoing student organization officer and advisor support initiatives.
Salary Range $52,105-$67,736 Salary is commensurate upon education, experience and internal equity Salary Type Salary Time Type Full-Time Work Location MU - Marshall University
Qualifications
Must be able to perform all essential job duties as outlined in the job description.
Required Qualifications
Education
  • Master's degree in education or related field of study.
Experience
  • 4-5 years of professional experience in event planning, student organization advising, training facilitation, and supervision (preferably in a higher education environment).
  • Demonstrated experience in advising students/student organizations and communicating with advisors and other campus partners.
  • Proven experience managing risk, supporting student conduct processes, and navigating crisis response.
  • Ability to work autonomously under general direction. Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff. Ability to transition easily between projects, remaining productive through regular and frequent interruptions.
  • Superior time and project management skills with the ability to work independently under tight deadlines, manage multiple priorities, and communicate work with diverse populations, as a member of a collaborative team in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.
  • Demonstrated experience and working knowledge of the Adobe Suite, social media tools, and Microsoft Office suite.
  • Demonstrated experience planning, organizing, and directing student leadership development programs.
  • Ability to make connections quickly and build positive working-relationships with colleagues across campus and student leaders.
  • Ability to utilize and instruct departments and students on using a campus engagement web platform.

Preferred Qualifications
Education Experience
  • 5+ years of professional experience in event planning, student organization advising, training facilitation, and supervision (preferably in a higher education environment).
  • Experience leading collaboration with campus partners and supporting student events, including event planning, risk assessment, and event implementation logistics.
  • Experience advising fraternity and sororities.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number MU1241E Open Date 05/05/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions Summary

What Marshall University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom