1

Student Life Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Catering Director

Bowie, MD · On-site

$75K/yr

Catering Director Job Reference Number: 42103 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment ... student life. We partner with forward-thinking colleges and universities to create vibrant ...

Catering Director

Bowie, MD · On-site

$75K/yr

Catering Director Job Reference Number: 42103 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment ... student life. We partner with forward-thinking colleges and universities to create vibrant ...

Catering Director

Bowie, MD · On-site

$75K/yr

Catering Director Job Reference Number: 42103 Employment Type: Full-Time , Onsite Segment ... student life. We partner with forward-thinking colleges and universities to create vibrant ...

Catering Director

Bowie, MD · On-site

$60 - $75/hr

As a Director of Catering, you will have the opportunity to provide leadership to and direct the ... student life. We partner with forward-thinking colleges and universities to create vibrant ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Student Life Director information

See Washington salary details

$30K

$94.6K

$158K

How much do student life director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for student life director in Washington is $94,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $112,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a student life director?

A Student Life Director is a professional responsible for overseeing campus programs and services that enhance the student experience outside of the classroom. They manage student organizations, coordinate events, support student leadership development, and often supervise residence life or student conduct processes. Their goal is to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment that promotes student engagement and personal growth. Student Life Directors work closely with students, faculty, and staff to create opportunities for involvement and ensure a positive campus culture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student life director?

To thrive as a Student Life Director, you need a background in student affairs, higher education administration, or a related field, often supported by a master's degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with campus management software, event planning tools, and knowledge of compliance regulations like Title IX are typically required. Exceptional leadership, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills are crucial for building inclusive and engaging campus communities. These skills ensure the effective development of student programs, foster positive campus culture, and support student success and well-being.

What are some common challenges student life directors face when balancing student needs with institutional policies?

Student Life Directors often navigate the challenge of meeting diverse student needs while adhering to institutional policies and regulations. They must balance fostering an inclusive, engaging campus environment with enforcing rules related to conduct, safety, and resource allocation. Open communication, active listening, and creative problem-solving are crucial for addressing student concerns and ensuring alignment with university goals. Building strong relationships with both students and administrative departments helps Student Life Directors advocate for positive campus experiences while maintaining institutional standards.

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

AspectStudent Life DirectorStudent Activities Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often master’s in education, student affairs, or related fieldBachelor’s degree; relevant experience may suffice
Work EnvironmentCollege or university campus, overseeing student programs and servicesCampus or community centers, organizing student events and activities
Employer & Industry UsageHigher education institutions, student affairs departmentsColleges, universities, student organizations
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on strategic planning and leadership in student servicesFocuses on event planning and student engagement activities

The Student Life Director typically holds a higher-level leadership role with broader responsibilities in student services, requiring advanced credentials and strategic oversight. In contrast, the Student Activities Coordinator concentrates on organizing specific student events and activities, often with less emphasis on administrative leadership. Both roles are vital in supporting student engagement but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Student Life jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Student Life jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Student Life Director jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Student Life Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Student Life Director job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,611 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Director of Jewish Student Life at George Mason Hillel

Hillel International

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Director of Jewish Student LifeGeorge Mason HillelRole Overview

Make your mark on Jewish life in Northern Virginia by joining Mason Hillel as our Director of Jewish Student Life. You will bring your strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, and organizational savvy to oversee our student-life portfolio, programming, and engagement efforts at Mason Hillel. As Mason Hillel embarks on expanding its reach and implementing a strategic plan that focuses on relationship-based engagement and micro-community building, you will be a key partner in thinking boldly about how to inspire and engage students to co-create vibrant Jewish experiences and help find meaningful entry points for students to engage with their Jewish identities.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with the work of Hillel and be passionate about creating community, engaging students, and developing leaders. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Jewish Student Life is responsible for ensuring the strategy and execution of student engagement and program development for Mason Hillel. This role is ideal for a creative leader with strong organizational skills, a deep commitment to Jewish identity, and a talent for engaging students in meaningful Jewish experiences.

What You'll Do

Relationship-building and Student Engagement

  • Develop one-on-one relationships with Jewish students by meeting them where they live, work and/or study, utilizing creative methods to reach and interest them. 
  • Create and implement an engagement strategy that focuses on both traditional and contemporary Mason students with an eye toward consistent growth and engaging uninvolved students. 
  • Run a student engagement internship program by recruiting, training interns in relationship-based engagement methodologies, and supervising their work. 
  • Manage our database management software and data tracking efforts to inform engagement strategy.

Student Leadership and Programming

  • Engage, empower, and mentor our student leadership team as they plan initiatives and creatively engage their peers.
  • Serve as staff lead for all student organizations affiliated with Mason Hillel, helping students cultivate a Jewish community that is caring, diverse, welcoming and actively inclusive. 
  • Work in partnership with student leadership and staff on implementing holiday and Shabbat programming.
  • Manage recruitment and teach any Jewish Leadership Fellowships. 

Israel Engagement and Exploration

  • Lead promotional and recruitment efforts for, and staff, our immersive Israel trips, include Birthright and the Prospective Student Leader trip. 

Marketing and Social Media

  • Oversee social media, newsletters, and website to ensure staff and students maintain brand and messaging of Mason Hillel.
  • Partner with students and staff to align engagement strategy with social media strategy. 

Administration & Teamwork

  • Participate in regular team meetings and supervision with the Mason Hillel staff.
  • Coordinate logistics for programs, including vendors, venues, and supplies.
  • Support Hillel operations during evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays as needed.
  • Prepare and write grants for specific Hillel initiatives.
  • Supervise the Springboard Fellow.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.
What You'll Bring to the Job
  • Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of full-time professional work experience. Past experience with the 18-24 demographic or higher education is a plus.
  • Confidence in developing and running initiatives and comfort in asking questions. 
  • Desire to motivate student leaders to engage their peers, deepen their Jewish identities, and think innovatively about program content and marketing. 
  • Exemplary time management skills, including the capacity to juggle competing priorities and deadlines, and to remain flexible within an ambiguous, fast-paced environment. 
  • A commitment to pluralism and comfort with your Jewish identity so you may act as a role model and mentor for emerging Jewish adults. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the desire to work with colleagues across campus in a collaborative way to benefit students. 
  • Strong written and verbal skills. 
  • Comfort working independently and collaboratively.
  • An entrepreneurial spirit - things may not always go according to plan, but you understand that ambiguity is part of developing great new opportunities.
What You'll Receive
  • Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $50,000-68,000.
  • A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, vacation/medical time, Jewish holiday time off, retirement plan and parental leave.
  • Great professional development, mentoring, and skill building opportunities
  • Travel regionally and abroad, particularly to Israel
  • A work culture that prioritizes the well-being of its employees
  • Unlimited paid coffee conversations with students
About Mason Hillel

For over 25 years, Mason Hillel has been serving the 1,000 Jewish students at and affiliated with George Mason University and providing a safe, welcoming, and exciting community full of Jewish life, love, exploration, learning, and Israel. We strive toward building a Hillel where every Jewish student feels seen and heard and connected. Mason Hillel is embarking on a mission this year to implement a strategic plan that focuses on relationship-based Judaism, micro-community building, and increasing student engagement. George Mason University is the largest public university in Virginia and is recognized for its innovation, entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. The Jewish community of Northern Virginia is the largest and fastest growing in the Washington, DC metro area. Proximity to the nation's capital offers a multitude of resources and opportunities.

Mason Hillel is affiliated with Hillel International. Hillel International enriches the lives of Jewish students so they may enrich the Jewish people and the world, and envisions a world where every student is inspired to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life, learning and Israel.