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Student Advocacy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$49K - $78K/yr

The Student Advocacy Specialist will assist in improving efforts around first year seminars as well as focus on student retention and student persistence within special student populations. This ...

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How much do student advocacy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for student advocacy in the United States is $21.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in student advocacy roles and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in student advocacy often navigate challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of students, overcoming institutional barriers, and ensuring effective communication between students and administration. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, staying informed about relevant policies, and building collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and other campus organizations. Regular training and a proactive approach to problem-solving can also help advocates remain effective and responsive to students' evolving needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Student Advocacy, and why are they important?

To thrive in Student Advocacy, you need strong knowledge of educational policies, student rights, and support services, often backed by a degree in education, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, data tracking tools, and relevant legal frameworks is important. Excellent communication, active listening, and problem-solving skills help build trust and effectively represent student interests. These abilities are essential to ensure fair treatment, empower students, and drive positive change within educational environments.

What is student advocacy?

Student advocacy refers to the efforts and actions taken to support and represent the interests, rights, and well-being of students within educational institutions or systems. Advocates work to ensure that students have a voice in decision-making processes and help address issues such as academic policies, accessibility, equity, and student welfare. This can be done by students themselves, educators, or dedicated professionals who work to improve the educational experience for all learners.

What is the difference between Student Advocacy vs Student Counselor?

AspectStudent AdvocacyStudent Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in education, social work, or related fields; certifications varyUsually requires a master's degree in counseling or psychology; licensure often needed
Work EnvironmentSchools, community organizations, non-profits; focus on policy and student rightsSchool settings, mental health clinics; focus on individual student support
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, advocacy groups, government agenciesSchools, mental health organizations, private practices

Student Advocacy focuses on representing students' rights, policy work, and systemic change, often working with organizations and institutions. Student Counselors provide direct mental health and academic support to students, addressing personal and emotional needs. While both roles support students, Advocacy emphasizes policy and rights, whereas Counseling centers on individual well-being.

More about Student Advocacy jobs
What states have the most Student Advocacy jobs? States with the most job openings for Student Advocacy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Student Advocacy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,535 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Director-Student Advocacy Center

Director-Student Advocacy Center

The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

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Job Title:
Director-Student Advocacy Center
Department:
Student Life | Well Being and Health
The Director of the Student Advocacy Center is a critical role to student support within the Office of Student Life at The Ohio State University. As a member of Student Life's leadership team, the Director is responsible for overseeing the coordination, delivery, and evaluation of comprehensive support services within the Student Advocacy Center. The Director is also responsible for strategic visioning for the Student Advocacy Center and aligning the mission, vision and goals of the Center with Student Life and the University more broadly. Additionally, this role delivers individualized advocacy and holistic case management to students experiencing physical, psychosocial, academic, financial, or personal challenges that may impede academic success. This includes conducting needs assessments, identifying barriers, developing action plans, facilitating timely referrals to appropriate campus and community resources, and follow-up. This role may also provide on-site crisis response as needed.
This position provides administrative leadership and guidance to professional and student staff, ensuring high quality, student-centered service.
The Director also assists students, families, and campus partners in navigating complex systems of care and university processes. The Director promotes the development of critical thinking, problem solving abilities, and self-advocacy skills for students who present with concerns, grievances, or conflicts related to university policies, procedures, or interactions with faculty and staff.
This critical role ensures adherence to institutional policies, operational standards, and best practices in student support and crisis response. The role coordinates communication, intervention planning, and follow-up for student concerns, as well as for emergent situations requiring elevated attention or risk mitigation.
Finally, the Director of Student Advocacy serves as a critical member of the Consultation and Assessment Team (CAT), contributing to multidisciplinary behavioral assessment, risk evaluation, and coordinated intervention. Additionally, this position provides direction to the Support and Intervention Team (SIT), overseeing early intervention efforts for students exhibiting indicators of behavioral concerns, distress, or diminished well-being.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, Higher Education/Student Affairs or related field.
  • Ten (10) years of experience in a clinical or higher education setting with a focus on case management, counseling, or student affairs including experience in crisis response and conflict resolution/mediation including on-site response. .
  • Experience with program and fiscal management, as well as staff supervision.
  • Knowledge and understanding of relevant laws and policies, such as FERPA, HIPPA, and Title IX, as well as associated reporting requirements.
  • Some travel and evening/weekend hours are required to meet operational and student care needs.
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check.

Desired:
  • 15+ years of relevant experience.
  • Skilled in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs to align with short- and long-term institutional goals and departmental priorities.
  • Ability to make independent administrative and procedural decisions.
  • Comprehensive understanding of institutional policies, procedures, and relevant legislation, with awareness of emerging legal and regulatory trends.
  • Proficient in budget development, fiscal management, and effective resource allocation.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse communities and constituencies.
  • Knowledgeable about student support services, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention, with the ability to remain calm and effective in emergencies.
  • Strong leadership capabilities, including employee development, performance management, and fostering a cooperative, inclusive work environment.

Function: Student Life
Sub Function: Student Advocacy
Career Level: Manager 4
Additional Information:
The pay range for this position is $98,900.00 - $122,100.00. The offer will be based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications.
MISSION
The Office of Student Life fosters students' development, learning, well-being and sense of belonging; empowers students to achieve their academic, personal and professional goals; and prepares students to be engaged in a global society.
Location:
Drackett Tower (0189)
Position Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
40
Shift:
First Shift
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.