ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Student Life Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsStudent Life JobsStudent Life Jobs in California

Student Life information

What is student life?

Student life refers to the overall experience of students during their time at a school, college, or university. It encompasses academic activities, social interactions, extracurricular involvement, and personal development. Student life can include participation in clubs, organizations, sports, volunteering, and campus events in addition to coursework. These experiences help students build relationships, develop new skills, and prepare for their future careers. The quality of student life can greatly influence a student's satisfaction and success during their education.

What is the difference between Student Life vs Student Advisor?

AspectStudent LifeStudent Advisor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require experience in student servicesBachelor’s degree often in education, counseling, or related fields; sometimes requires certification
Work EnvironmentCampus settings, student centers, or university eventsAcademic institutions, counseling offices, or student support centers
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, student organizationsEducational institutions, student services departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding campus roles, student support jobsStudent support careers, academic advising roles

Student Life roles focus on organizing campus activities and supporting student engagement, often requiring less formal education. Student Advisors provide academic and personal guidance, typically needing a degree in education or counseling. Both roles serve students but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How does a student life professional typically collaborate with other campus departments to enhance the student experience?

Student Life professionals regularly work alongside colleagues in academic advising, counseling services, residence life, and student organizations to provide holistic support for students. This collaboration may involve co-planning events, developing wellness initiatives, and addressing student concerns through interdisciplinary teams. By fostering strong partnerships across departments, Student Life staff help ensure that campus resources are accessible and that students receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a student life coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Student Life Coordinator, you typically need a background in higher education, student affairs, or counseling, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with student management systems, event planning software, and crisis intervention protocols is important for managing activities and addressing student needs. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and conflict resolution abilities set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for fostering inclusive, engaging campus environments and supporting student well-being and development.
What are the most commonly searched types of Student Life jobs in California? The most popular types of Student Life jobs in California are:
Student Life jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Life job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Director, Student Life

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS

Santa Clarita, CA

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Student Life provides strategic leadership for student engagement, campus programming, and student governance initiatives at CalArts. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, this position oversees the operations of the Office of Student Life and collaborates with campus partners to develop programs that support leadership development, civic engagement, student belonging, and co-curricular learning.

The Assistant Director provides direct oversight of student government, registered student organizations, and leadership development initiatives, while guiding campus-wide programming efforts such as Orientation and Institute signature events. The role supervises the Student Life Coordinator and student staff and ensures that student engagement programs align with the Institute’s commitment to creativity, inclusion, and student success.

This position serves as a key resource and advisor to student leaders and works closely with offices across the Institute to ensure that student engagement initiatives are inclusive, educationally enriching, and responsive to the evolving needs of CalArts students.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Student Leadership and Governance

  • Provide leadership and advising support to the CalArts Student Union and student government structures

  • Oversee policies, processes, and procedures related to student governance, elections, and student organization activity

  • Support student leaders in developing skills in collaboration, advocacy, communication, and civic responsibility

Student Organizations and Engagement

  • Provide strategic oversight for the Institute’s registered student organizations and clubs

  • Guide processes related to organization registration, recognition, accountability, and funding

  • Support the development of student-led programming and initiatives that contribute to campus life

Campus Programming and Orientation

  • Lead planning and implementation of major campus engagement initiatives including Fall and Spring Orientation

  • Support Institute-wide events and traditions that foster community and student engagement

  • Collaborate with campus partners to develop educational and cultural programming that supports the student experience

Belonging and Inclusive Engagement

  • Support initiatives that foster belonging, community building, and engagement among diverse student populations

  • Collaborate with the Chief Diversity Officer and campus partners to support identity-based programming and student support initiatives

Supervision and Administration

  • Supervise the Student Life Coordinator and student employees within the Office of Student Life

  • Oversee program budgets, event planning processes, and operational systems related to campus engagement

  • Conduct program assessment and evaluation to support continuous improvement of student life initiatives

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Strong knowledge of student development theory and co-curricular learning

  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

  • Ability to build relationships and collaborate across departments

  • Demonstrated leadership and advising skills in student engagement settings

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, creative environment

  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success

EDUCATION:

Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Student Development, or a related field required

EXPERIENCE:

  • Demonstrated experience in student engagement, student organizations, leadership development, or campus programming in higher education

  • Experience supervising professional and/or student staff

  • Experience planning and implementing large-scale campus programs or events

  • Experience working with diverse student populations and fostering inclusive communities

Apply