Penn State University

Director of Student Affairs

Penn State University$86K — $129K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's Degree required; Doctorate preferred.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years in a supervisory role.
  • Proven leadership in managing multiple Student Affairs units.
  • Strong understanding of student development theory and current trends in Student Affairs.
  • Cultural competency with a commitment to diverse student support.
  • Excellent strategic management and budgeting skills.
  • Ability to foster cross-campus partnerships and advocate for Student Affairs initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage all Student Affairs functions to enhance student experience and community.
  • Collaborate with campus senior leadership on strategic planning and policy implementation.
  • Support initiatives related to inclusion, mental health, and student safety.
  • Oversee student engagement programs, counseling, and health services.
  • Advocate for Student Affairs while aligning with overarching campus priorities.
  • Engage in external partnerships and funding development efforts for Student Affairs.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off, including holidays and vacation.
  • Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and their eligible family members.
Full Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, pleaselogin to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete .

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see .


 

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Schuylkill, a Commonwealth Campus of The Pennsylvania State University, invites applications for an innovative and inspiring leader to serve as the Director of Student Affairs. The Director of Student Affairs is the senior student affairs officer at Penn State Schuylkill and advises the Chancellor on non-academic student life. 

As a member of the Chancellor’s senior leadership team, the Director will participate in the overall leadership and management of the campus, partnering with the senior leaders of the other units such as Academic Affairs, Development and Alumni Relations, Enrollment Management, Finance, Facilities, Housing and Food Services, Instructional Technology Solutions, Strategic Communications, and Police and Public Safety on strategic planning, decision making, policy and procedure development and implementation, and new and developing initiatives. 

The Director of Student Affairs will provide leadership and management for all Student Affairs units, which include Student Activities, Residence Life, Counseling and Mental Health Services, Health Services, as well as student government, student conduct, and allocation of student fees to provide an excellent co-curricular student experience and sense of belonging for all students. Depending on campus needs and organizational structure, the portfolio may also include oversight of or close collaboration with campus Athletics. The Director of Student Affairs also has responsibility for leading and supporting emerging and existing efforts related to inclusion and belonging; behavioral threat management and early intervention; campus recreation; sexual misconduct prevention and response; student-athlete well-being and success; and collaborating with Student Affairs colleagues and leaders across Penn State and the Commonwealth Campuses to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students. The Director of Student Affairs will be a champion for Student Affairs, contributing to Penn State Schuylkill’s visibility and telling the story of the campus as a community asset. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications: 

  • Proven track record, with increasing levels of responsibility, leading and managing multiple work units in Student Affairs, such as student engagement and leadership, residence life, counseling and health services 

  • Understanding student development theory and current trends and best practices in Student Affairs, including but not limited to, student success, cocurricular programs and assessment, Title IX, bias prevention and response, behavioral threat management, student care and advocacy, and restorative justice 

  • Experience collaborating with or supporting athletics, campus recreation, or student-athlete support services.  

  • Demonstrated cultural competency and strong commitment to supporting students from all cultural and economic backgrounds 

  • Excellent supervisory skills, including the ability to supervise and develop multiple individuals at varying stages of their careers 

  • Excellent interpersonal and relational skills, including the ability to foster relationships across campus and with external partners to achieve mutually beneficial goals 

  • Excellent strategic and integrated management, budgeting, and accounting skills 

  • Potential to participate in collaborative efforts to develop new funding streams, including grants, philanthropy, and fees 

  • Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills 

  • Understanding of and appreciation for risk management policies and procedures, and crisis management plans 

  • Ability to advocate for Student Affairs while understanding and communicating overarching campus priorities and opportunities 

  • Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills with attention to detail 

  • Doctorate Degree preferred. Experience across different institutions and a Master’s or Doctorate Degree in a field related to Student Affairs are strongly preferred. 

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter, vitae/resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. 

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree 10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

About Penn State University

Penn State University Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at Penn State University—the hub of innovation and professional growth.

Opportunities Await

Join Penn State University's dynamic team to assist in shaping the future of education and research. With a variety of positions available, from administrative roles to research-focused appointments, Penn State is at the forefront of fostering leadership and professional development. Transform your career trajectory with the best minds at Penn State University, where the culture of diversity and innovation thrives. This institution stands unique in the marketplace, offering a blend of academic excellence and real-world impact. Engage with a network of professionals dedicated to groundbreaking work and collaborative success across various disciplines.

Penn State University Job Opportunities

The team is actively building a market-leading workforce to support some of the most significant and innovative projects in academia and beyond.

Innovate and Lead

Join the largest network of academic and industry professionals at Penn State University, where over 17,000 dedicated individuals work at the intersection of education, research, and community service.

Drive Change

Deliver targeted solutions and educational advancements through a depth and breadth of expertise that is unmatched in the academic sector.

Be Part of a Great Team

Work with a diverse team leveraging Penn State University's extensive resources and global connections to develop solutions that make a real-world difference.

Future-Proof Your Career

Advance your career with limitless opportunities supported by unmatched training, development programs, and certification support from Penn State University.

Explore

Discover how Penn State University leads in sustainable practices and innovative research projects that pave the way for future generations.

The Penn State University Employment Experience

The combined expertise, global reach, and collaborative environment at Penn State University help overcome challenges and lead transformation in the academic and professional world. Candidates around the globe look to Penn State for new strategies and robust career paths to drive growth and success in the digital era.

Stay Connected

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. Penn State University seeks passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. SEARCH PENN STATE JOBS

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who are part of Penn State.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at Penn State University.
Learn more about Penn State University

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Penn State University

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Director of Student Affairs jobs: