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Student Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Student Development information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$47.3K

$65.6K

How much do student development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for student development in California is $47,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $52,300.00 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.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Student Development jobs in California? For Student Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Student Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Student Development jobs in California are:
Student Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Development job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 48% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,274 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Assistant Director of Student Engagement

Assistant Director of Student Engagement

Dominican University of California

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$63K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

The Assistant Director of Student Engagement is within the Office of Student Engagement. This position works collaboratively within to plan, implement, and manage student leadership groups, activities, and programs. This position will provide leadership and guidance to various student groups, including but not limited to Student Government (ASDU) and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). The Assistant Director may work closely with campus partners to support student leadership and development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  1. Develop, plan, and implement leadership development opportunities that support student engagement, interaction, and personal growth.
  2. Provide guidance and assistance to ASDU, RSOs and other student groups in planning and organizing campus events and initiatives.
  3. Assist in the development of student leadership trainings and conferences.
  4. Requires some night and weekend responsibilities
  5. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Masters degree in Higher Education /Student Affairs Administration;
  • 2-3 years of experience in student activities and leadership (or related field)
  • Understanding of leadership theories and application to student development;
  • Experience in working with student groups or organizations;
  • Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing events and programming for students;
  • Understanding and proficiency with budget development and management;
  • Knowledge of social media interaction and best practices on utilizing this technology for student development;
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, or relevant software, student information database systems, understanding of social media platforms and basic web editing and publishing.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 1-3 years of student organization leadership or advising.
  • Experience managing student engagement platforms (i.e. Ready Education/Campus Groups or Modern Campus)

Additional Position Information:
  • Open until filled
  • Must be willing to consent to a background check

About the University
Dominican University of California is committed to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement. The University values diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates who share these commitments.
Dominican University of California is an independent, international, learner-centered university, offering both undergraduate and graduate programs. Dominican has a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio, an average class size of 16, with a small-town feeling in a park- like campus. We blend interdisciplinary core courses, real-world studies, and small classes with close and supportive academic advising and mentoring.
Dominican University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to excellence through diversity, and takes pride in its multicultural environment. We are committed in thought, word, and deed to recruiting and retaining a workforce that values the diversity of its student body. The University actively promotes an institutional culture that practices equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of all under-represented groups in higher education.
Dominican University of California participates in E-Verify, an online system used to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires in accordance with federal law.

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