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Director, Student Life and Development

Applications Close: Sep 13, 2026

Columbus State University

4225 University Ave, Columbus, GA 31907, USA

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Job Details

Director, Student Life and Development

Job ID: 300839
Location: Columbus State University
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!

Department Information

Student Life and Development

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement, the Director of Student Life & Development provides leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the Office of Student Life & Development. The Director is responsible for the planning, implementation, and assessment of key student transition, engagement, leadership, and campus traditions initiatives that support student belonging, involvement, and success.

The Director serves as the primary administrator for Orientation, Parent & Family Programs, Student Government Association co-advisement, Homecoming co-advisement, and other signature student experiences. In addition, the Director provides supervision and strategic oversight for three Coordinators including Student Connection & Engagement, Student Leadership & Service, and Fraternity & Sorority Life.

The Director collaborates with campus partners to create a connected and engaging student experience that strengthens community, promotes leadership development, supports student transitions, and advances institutional goals related to retention, persistence, and campus belonging.

The start date for this position is on or after September 1, 2026. Preference given to applications received before July 31, but review of applications will continue until position is filled.

Responsibilities

Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Student Transition & Family Engagement (40%) - Provide primary leadership and oversight for a comprehensive Orientation program (ROAR), including planning, implementation, assessment, communications, registration, and student leader development. Lead Parent & Family Programs, including family communications, Parent Connection, Parent & Family Days, and related initiatives designed to support student success and family engagement. Collaborate with Enrollment, Academic Affairs, and campus partners to support successful student transitions into the university.; Student Leadership & Campus Traditions (25%) - Serve as co-advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA), providing leadership development, policy guidance, operational support, and institutional coordination. Serve as co-advisor for Homecoming and provide leadership for related student committees and traditions initiatives. Support campus-wide engagement efforts, signature programs, and traditions that strengthen student belonging and institutional pride.; Department Leadership & Supervision (25%) - Provide direct supervision, leadership, and professional development for the Coordinator of Student Leadership & Service, Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life, Coordinator of Student Connection & Engagement. Establish departmental goals, priorities, and assessment strategies aligned with Student Engagement & Belonging. Support staff in the implementation of student engagement, leadership, service, and involvement initiatives.; Assessment, Planning & University Service (10%) - Lead departmental assessment, strategic planning, budgeting, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts. Serve on university committees and collaborate with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external stakeholders to advance student engagement goals.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications include: Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs Administration, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field required.; Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, including increasing levels of responsibility in supervision, budget management, program administration, and departmental leadership.; Demonstrated knowledge of student development theory and experience designing, implementing, and assessing student engagement, leadership, transition, orientation, fraternity and sorority life, and other co-curricular initiatives that support student success and belonging.; Experience supervising professional staff and student employees, developing strategic plans, utilizing assessment data, and leading continuous improvement efforts aligned with institutional priorities.; Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and external stakeholders, including experience supporting student programming, student leadership, campus traditions, and student-centered facilities or operations.

Proposed Salary

The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $66,468 - $73,277 and includes full benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Demonstrated ability to supervise, develop, mentor, and evaluate professional staff, graduate assistants, and student employees.; Knowledge of student development theory, student engagement practices, leadership development, orientation and transition programs, and co-curricular learning.; Ability to plan, implement, and assess comprehensive student engagement programs, services, and signature initiatives that support student belonging, leadership development, campus involvement, and student success.; Ability to successfully advise and develop student leaders while supporting student governance, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development initiatives.; Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, community partners, and external stakeholders.; Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, assessments, and strategic planning documents.; Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, complex initiatives, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.; Knowledge of assessment methodologies and the ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate data to support continuous improvement, student success initiatives, and departmental planning.; Ability to manage budgets, allocate resources responsibly, and maintain fiscal accountability.; Knowledge of university, USG, state, and federal policies, procedures, and best practices impacting student affairs operations, facilities, and student organizations.; Ability to oversee student-centered facilities, programs, and operations while ensuring effective utilization, safety, maintenance coordination, and support for campus engagement initiatives.; Demonstrated commitment to fostering communities that promote belonging, leadership development, and student success.