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Student Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Student Development Specialist The Student Engagement Specialist serves alongside LYTE staff to support middle and high school students in their academic, social, and personal growth. This role ...

The Student Development Specialist will oversee the initial advising of students in undergraduate programs for the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS) and will be responsible for ...

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Student Development information

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$11K

$47.9K

$66.5K

How much do student development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for student development in the United States is $47,901.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $53,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To excel in Student Development, a background in education, counseling, or student affairs, often with a relevant degree, is essential. Familiarity with student information systems, event management platforms, and assessment tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to motivate and mentor students allow professionals to make a significant impact. These skills are vital for supporting student growth, fostering engagement, and creating inclusive campus environments.

How does a Student Development professional typically collaborate with faculty and other campus departments to support student success?

Student Development professionals frequently work in partnership with faculty, academic advisors, and campus resource centers to create a supportive environment for students. This collaboration may involve organizing workshops, coordinating mentorship programs, and facilitating communication between students and faculty to address academic or personal challenges. By working cross-functionally, Student Development staff help ensure that students have access to the resources and support networks they need for holistic growth and academic achievement. Regular meetings, joint programming, and shared initiatives are common ways this collaboration takes place.

What is student development?

Student development refers to the process by which students grow intellectually, emotionally, socially, and ethically during their educational journey. Professionals in student development support students through programs, services, and activities that enhance their academic and personal growth. They often work in higher education settings, focusing on areas such as leadership, career readiness, multicultural awareness, and overall well-being. The goal is to help students become well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life after graduation.

What is the difference between Student Development vs Academic Advisor?

AspectStudent DevelopmentAcademic Advisor
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in education, counseling, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in education, counseling, or related fields; sometimes a master's
Work EnvironmentColleges, universities, student affairs officesColleges, universities, academic departments, student services
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions focusing on student growth and engagementAcademic institutions providing guidance on coursework and degree planning
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to student support and engagementSeeking guidance on academic planning and course selection

Student Development professionals focus on enhancing student engagement, leadership, and personal growth within educational institutions. Academic Advisors primarily assist students with course selection, degree requirements, and academic planning. While both roles support student success, Student Development emphasizes holistic development, whereas Academic Advisors concentrate on academic progress and curriculum guidance.

More about Student Development jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Student Development jobs? The most popular types of Student Development jobs are:
What states have the most Student Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Student Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Student Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 47% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,901 per year, or $23 per hour.
Student Development Specialist

Student Development Specialist

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, NJ โ€ข On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Salary: $0.00 Annually
Location : Ramapo College, Main Campus - Mahwah NJ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202300387
Core: Outreach & Engagement Core
Department: EOF Academic Year
Opening Date: 04/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFT
Description
ABOUT RAMAPO COLLEGE:
Ramapo College of New Jersey (RCNJ) develops ethical leaders who serve as change agents across all sectors. The College's unique interdisciplinary academic structure, its liberal arts core, its size (approximately 5,500 students), and its setting in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains on the New Jersey/New York border provide an optimal environment for individualized, student-centered learning and leadership development. RCNJ's designation as "New Jersey's Public Liberal Arts College" by the State legislature is the foundation from which the College's commitment to an accessible and transformative undergraduate and graduate education is realized.
Established in 1969, CondeNast Traveler named Ramapo one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America. The barrier-free campus occupies 300 acres and is home to 52 bachelor's degree programs spanning the arts, business, data science, humanities, education, nursing, social work, social sciences, and the sciences. Ramapo College boasts an average student/faculty ratio of 16:1 and an average class size of 21; affording students the opportunity to develop close ties to the College's exceptional faculty. In addition, the College offers graduate programs leading to master's degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work, and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Every degree program is designed and delivered through the collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts of student-centered faculty scholars and staff who are committed to serving the public good through the delivery of an academically rigorous, inclusive, and a transformative collegiate experience. Ramapo is ranked #1 among New Jersey public institutions by College Choice and is recognized as the State's top college on the list of Best Disability Schools by Great Value Colleges. Further commendations include designation as a "Military Friendly College" in Victory Media's Guide to Military Friendly Schools, and as a leading college by U.S. News & World Report, Kiplinger's, Princeton Review, and Money Magazine, among others.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a full-time, AFT position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Note: This position is in the "NL" category of employment (non-fixed work week) An AFT- NL professional staff member or librarian who is required to work beyond 35 hours shall be compensated through compensatory time off. Compensatory time shall be earned for hours worked beyond the normal work week, or on an employee's regular day off, if requested and approved by their supervisor.
This position is fully or partially grant funded and is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.
Salary:
AFT - U21 - Step 1
$63,833.23
Internal applicants' salaries will be based on union-negotiated calculations
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Associate Director of EOF, the Student Development Specialist/Coordinator, Instructional Support Services, is responsible for providing holistic academic, financial, career, and personal advisement to a caseload of EOF program students. As a liaison to the academic schools on matters of instructional support service delivery, the Student Development Specialist will develop, coordinate, manage, and evaluate such programs and services.
Examples of Duties
DUTIES:
  • Provide advisement to the caseload of undergraduate EOF students, monitoring and evaluating their academic progress through advisement and assessment using the CONNECT, Web Self-Service, and Degree Works systems to ensure students are actively engaged in their educational progress and meeting EOF program requirements.
  • Participate in the planning, orientation, and delivery of the Pre-Freshman Summer Studies Program, including teaching a summer seminar course.
  • Coordinate and oversee the recruitment, hiring, implementation, and evaluation of the academic/instructional support services/staff (supplemental instruction and tutoring) for EOF program.
  • Be aware of campus resources such as Center for Health and Counseling, Financial Aid, Student Success, etc. to address psychological, socio-adjustment, academic, and social needs.
  • Be knowledgeable of the financial aid process while assisting students in procurement of grants, loans, scholarships, internships/co-ops, leadership, and research opportunities.
  • Assist with the admission and recruitment of students through admissions open houses, college fairs, and student orientations that could include occasional evening and weekend coverage, as necessary.
  • Serve as point of contact for faculty, students, and alumni mentoring programs (i.e. TAS Faculty, EOF Alumni).
  • Develop curriculum with the Assistant Director to teach a two-credit EOF required course each spring semester.
  • Serve as advisor to EOF student organizations (i.e. AESNJ, Alliance of EOF & Friends).
  • Represent the EOF program at conferences and campus functions; Serve on campus committees as necessary.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in a related field is required. A Master's degree is preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
  • Two years professional experience in an institution of higher education or in education, or other field that is directly related to the functions of the position to be filled or equivalency as determined by the appointing authority.
  • Passion for working with under-represented, underprepared, and/or first-generation students.
  • Preferred experience in student advising, support services, and/or admissions.
  • The successful candidate will possess excellent written, oral, presentation, organizational, and collaboration skills.

Supplemental Information
EEO Statement
Ramapo College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Ramapo has a long history of advocating, advising, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Examples can be found in its mission statement, values, strategic plan, degree and course offerings, community outreach programs, and numerous diversity-focused conferences, trainings, and programs. Ramapo's commitment to diversity and inclusion is infused across all facets of the College; where the environment is welcoming, dedicated to social justice, respectful of freedom of expression, focused on educating and having an ongoing conversation regarding cultural competence and the benefits and importance of diversity.
Ramapo offers a comprehensive benefits package through the State of New Jersey to full-time employees including health care, dental, prescription drug plans, retirement, pension, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
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01
Do you have a Bachelor's Degree or higher?
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02
Do you have at least two years of professional experience in an institution of higher education, in education, or in any other field that is directly related to the functions of the position?
  • yes
  • no

Required Question