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Executive Director Student Engagement information

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$33K

$91.6K

$183.5K

How much do executive director student engagement jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive director student engagement in the United States is $91,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an executive director of student engagement do?

An Executive Director of Student Engagement oversees programs and initiatives that promote student involvement, leadership development, and campus life. They collaborate with various departments to create an inclusive environment where students can participate in organizations, events, and activities. Their responsibilities often include strategic planning, budget management, staff supervision, and assessing the effectiveness of student engagement efforts. By fostering a vibrant campus community, they help support student retention, satisfaction, and overall success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive director of student engagement, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Director of Student Engagement, you need strong leadership, program development, and student affairs experience, typically supported by a master’s degree in higher education or a related field. Familiarity with student engagement platforms, data analytics tools, and compliance regulations is often required. Outstanding interpersonal communication, cultural competency, and strategic vision are crucial soft skills for fostering inclusive and dynamic campus environments. These skills drive successful student initiatives, enhance campus life, and ensure alignment with institutional goals.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by an executive director of student engagement, and how can they be addressed?

An Executive Director of Student Engagement often faces the challenge of fostering a vibrant, inclusive campus community while balancing diverse student needs and institutional goals. Successfully addressing these challenges involves collaborating closely with student organizations, faculty, and administrative departments to create meaningful programs and initiatives. Flexibility, strong communication, and data-driven decision-making are key to adapting engagement strategies and maintaining student involvement. Regular assessment and feedback can help ensure initiatives remain relevant and impactful, supporting both student success and institutional priorities.

What is the difference between Executive Director Student Engagement vs Student Activities Coordinator?

AspectExecutive Director Student EngagementStudent Activities Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often master’s preferred; experience in student affairsBachelor’s degree; experience in event planning or student activities
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in higher education; overseeing multiple programsImplementing student events; direct interaction with students
Employer & IndustryColleges and universities; student affairs departmentsColleges, universities, student organizations

The Executive Director Student Engagement focuses on strategic leadership and overseeing student engagement initiatives at a higher level, while the Student Activities Coordinator handles the planning and execution of student events directly. Both roles require experience in student affairs, but the Executive Director has broader responsibilities and a higher level of oversight.

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Executive Director Student Engagement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Director Student Engagement job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,600 per year, or $44 per hour.

Associate Director, Student Engagement

Columbia University

New York, NY • On-site

$67K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

  • Job Type: Officer of Administration
  • Bargaining Unit:
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular
  • End Date if Temporary:
  • Hours Per Week: 35
  • Standard Work Schedule:
  • Building:
  • Salary Range: $67,300 - $80,000 Annually

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Undergraduate Student Life (USL) fosters student growth, belonging, leadership, and community beyond the classroom for students across Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. Through advising, mentorship, co-curricular engagement, leadership development, traditions, and community-based experiences, USL supports students in navigating their academic journey while building the skills, relationships, and sense of purpose that shape their lives during and beyond Columbia.
The Associate Director (AD) reports to a Director in Student Engagement (SE) and serves as a key leader within Undergraduate Student Life. Working closely with SE and campus partners, the AD provides leadership for the development, support, and advising of undergraduate student clubs and organizations across Columbia College and SEAS, including organizations focused on advocacy and activism, engineering, performing arts, publications, cultural identity, community service, and special interests, among others.
The incumbent will play a central role in strengthening the student organization ecosystem through leadership development, organizational advising, training, risk management education, conflict navigation, student leader coaching, and the creation of developmental learning experiences that support student growth, community engagement, and belonging. The AD will design and facilitate workshops, conferences, retreats, trainings, and leadership initiatives that help students develop skills in collaboration, communication, ethical leadership, organizational management, and navigating difference across a diverse campus community.
Responsibilities
  • Student Leadership Training, Development, and Assessment
    • Design, implement, and facilitate leadership development initiatives, workshops, retreats, trainings, and programs that support student involvement, learning, leadership, and community engagement.
    • Develop and facilitate trainings for student leaders, governing boards, councils, and organizations focused on leadership development, communication, collaboration, organizational management, inclusive community-building, and navigating difference.
    • Support onboarding, training, and continuing development opportunities for student leaders across Student Engagement and Undergraduate Student Life.
    • Organize and facilitate retreats, leadership experiences, and workshops for student councils, governing boards, and student organizations.
    • Support the training and development of Graduate Assistants and student staff within Student Engagement.
    • Assess and evaluate student leadership programs, trainings, onboarding experiences, and developmental initiatives across Student Engagement and Undergraduate Student Life.
    • Participate in professional development opportunities and facilitation trainings connected to leadership development frameworks and student engagement practices.
    • Support elements of the New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) and other divisional initiatives as assigned.
  • Clubs and Organizations Advising and Development
    • Develop strong advising relationships with undergraduate student leaders and organizations across Columbia College and SEAS, supporting a broad portfolio of clubs and organizations including advocacy and activist groups, engineering organizations, performing arts groups, publications, cultural organizations, and other student communities.
    • Provide developmental advising grounded in student development and leadership theory, supporting students in areas such as organizational leadership, group dynamics, event planning, conflict navigation, decision-making, community-building, and ethical leadership.
    • Guide student organizations in understanding and navigating University and Undergraduate Student Life policies, procedures, and practices while helping students think critically through options, responsibilities, and the impact of organizational decisions.
    • Support the growth and sustainability of student organizations through leadership coaching, organizational development, officer transitions, strategic planning, and student leader mentorship.
    • Monitor student organization budgets and support students in navigating contracts, vendors, performers, speakers, and service providers in alignment with University policies and procedures.
    • Build collaborative relationships with campus partners to support student organization activities and events, including Facilities, Public Safety, University Event Management, University Life, and other University offices.
    • Foster inter-organizational collaboration, communication, and community among student organizations and student leaders across Columbia College and SEAS.
  • Student Organization Operations and Systems Support
    • Support the management and ongoing development of Campus Groups and related systems used to support student organizations, leadership engagement, communication, recognition processes, and organizational operations.
    • Create training materials, guides, tutorials, videos, and other resources to support student leaders in navigating organizational management, event planning, budgeting, and operational processes.
    • Support organizational recognition, elections, compliance processes, advising resources, leadership transitions, and student organization data management within Campus Groups and related advising systems.
    • Assist in developing processes, tools, and operational practices that strengthen the student organization experience and support effective organizational management across Undergraduate Student Life.
  • Participate in the growth and development of USL, Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, and Columbia University
    • Support the on-boarding and off-boarding process for students
    • Support key student life initiatives
    • Support key initiatives and experiences within USL, Columbia College & Columbia Engineering, such as NSOP, opening weekend, orientation, homecoming, commencement, traditional events, etc.
    • Serve as a responsible committee representative as requested
    • Attend necessary meetings and inform staff regarding relevant information
    • Promote efficiency and courtesy throughout the University community and ensure that it is consistent with USL's mission and values
    • Remain cognizant of the University, College, Engineering, and USL's mission and identity, the constant promotion of inclusion, and the importance of student voices
    • Communicate effectively with supervisor concerning pertinent departmental and/or University matters
    • Night and weekend work is frequent and required
  • Other duties as assigned

As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Council of Ivy Group Presidents (Ivy League), it is imperative that members of the Columbia University community, in all matters related to the intercollegiate athletics program, exhibit the highest professional standards and ethical behavior with regard to adherence to NCAA, Conference, University, and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education rules and regulations.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent related experience
  • 3 - 5 years related professional experience
  • Strong facilitation, organizational and project management skills
  • Evening and weekend hours are necessary, as is overnight travel for off campus retreats if assigned
  • Strong knowledge of student development theory, leadership development theory, multiculturalism, and community building

*Applications submitted without a resume and cover letter will not be reviewed*
Preferred Qualifications
  • 4 or more years related experience developing and facilitating training and workshops preferred
  • Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Personnel Administration or related field
  • Experience working with high touch student organizations
  • Knowledge and experience with theoretical and practical applications of experiential learning related to leadership in higher education or transferable settings
  • Demonstrated ability working in an urban setting, excellent communication skills and experience working with a diverse student population

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

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