Director, Student Development Jobs

Explore Director, Student Development opportunities for experienced higher education professionals ready to shape programs that help students thrive. These senior leaders support student growth beyond the classroom, guiding initiatives in leadership development, engagement, inclusion, wellness, and campus life. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including leadership roles at colleges and universities.

What Does a Director of Student Development Do?

A Director of Student Development typically leads teams and programs designed to strengthen students’ academic, personal, and social development. Responsibilities may include setting program strategy, managing budgets, advising student organizations, coordinating leadership and engagement initiatives, and partnering with academic departments and campus services. The specific scope varies by institution and may include student activities, orientation, residential life, or broader student affairs functions.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek candidates with a background in higher education, student affairs, counseling, education, or a related field. Senior roles may require a graduate degree and several years of progressively responsible leadership experience. Strong candidates bring people-management skills, sound judgment, program assessment experience, communication skills, and the ability to build collaborative relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

Career Opportunities and Compensation

Director-level student development positions can offer the opportunity to influence institutional priorities and improve the student experience at scale. Compensation and responsibilities depend on factors such as institution type, location, department size, and role scope. Browse Ladders for vetted Director, Student Development jobs and related higher education leadership positions paying $100,000 or more.

Find Director, Student Development Jobs on Ladders

Search current openings, compare role requirements, and identify opportunities that match your leadership experience. Whether your strengths are student engagement, leadership programming, or strategic student affairs management, Ladders can help you explore senior professional roles aligned with your goals.

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$102K - $120K *

Lead high-impact proposal efforts globally, managing complex RFIs and RFPs. Drive collaboration, ensure quality, and optimize strategies for proposal submissions in a fast-paced, deadline-focused envi...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$97K - $113K *

Lead financial operations and strategic planning for program teams, ensuring effective budget management, resource allocation, and compliance with regulations. Drive process improvements and enhance E...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$100K - $120K *

Lead the charge in transforming employee onboarding processes through Workday, managing the entire project lifecycle from design to implementation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure al...

Boston, MARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Staffing

$185K - $231K *

Unlock potential by leading regional service delivery, driving growth and operational excellence across multiple territories. Collaborate with diverse teams to enhance customer satisfaction and optimi...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $175K *

Shape the future of business development by driving client engagement and project execution. Collaborate closely with leadership to source, pitch, and manage opportunities, ensuring seamless onboardin...

New York, NYRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$120K - $132K *

Take ownership of multiple projects across various phases in financial services, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and stakeholder satisfaction while leading cross-functional teams and drivi...

Dallas, TXRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$93K - $166K *

Transform the future by leading complex projects that drive innovation and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver business value while managing scope, schedule, and resources i...

United StatesRemote

Reposted today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in strategic program management, overseeing project delivery and team development. Drive successful outcomes through effective staffing, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$95K - $142K *

Deliver exceptional leadership in academic program development, ensuring quality curricula and learner success. Collaborate with faculty and departments to enhance educational offerings and maintain a...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$190K - $225K *

Lead the charge in delivering exceptional services to State and Local Government accounts. Drive strategic initiatives, enhance customer satisfaction, and support business development efforts while ma...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$86K - $138K *

Unlock innovative healthcare solutions by leading product strategy and lifecycle management for clinical programs. Collaborate across teams to enhance member experiences and drive business value while...

RemoteRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$140K - $175K *

Elevate your career by leading technology integration for M&A, ensuring seamless execution from due diligence to stabilization. Drive cross-functional collaboration and deliver predictable outcomes wh...

St. Louis, MORemote

4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Empower talent acquisition and people operations by designing scalable systems that drive growth. Lead recruiting efforts, optimize sourcing channels, and enhance employee engagement to support a thri...

United StatesRemote

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$190K *

Transform the future of public safety as a Director of Product Management, leading a high-performing team to define and deliver innovative SaaS products. Collaborate across departments to drive produc...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $135K *

Create strategic account plans and drive revenue growth by leading expansion discussions and managing a diverse portfolio of commercial accounts, ensuring alignment and collaboration with cross-functi...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$190K - $240K *

Elevate healthcare impact by building and scaling enterprise accounts in women's health. Own the sales cycle, engage stakeholders, and drive screening initiatives while collaborating across teams to e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$78K - $87K *

Engage in strategic leadership as you develop and execute integrated PR programs for B2B tech clients. Shape narratives, mentor teams, and build influential media relationships to elevate brand visibi...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$100K - $113K *

Lead integrated PR strategies for B2B tech clients, driving impactful media relations and mentoring teams. Shape narratives around emerging technologies while fostering client partnerships and enhanci...

Seattle, WARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $120K *

Elevate your career by managing complex relationships with professional societies. Drive governance, strategic growth, and member value while collaborating across functions to enhance organizational e...

RemoteRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Champion growth by developing and executing innovative marketing strategies that enhance patient acquisition and practice performance across a network of orthodontic and pediatric practices...

Scottsbluff, NERemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Accelerate your career by leading a dynamic sales team to drive IT security solutions. Collaborate with clients and partners to enhance sales strategies, mentor talent, and achieve regional objectives...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $180K *

Lead the charge in transforming partner data operations and integrations, ensuring efficient case resolution and proactive partner enablement. Drive automation, establish standards, and foster a produ...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$240K - $325K *

Lead the charge in transforming strategic initiatives into actionable plans, collaborating with senior leaders to enhance operational effectiveness and community impact across diverse functions within...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$180K - $200K *

Accelerate progress at regional Professional Services by leading teams, driving growth and quality in consulting engagements while fostering strategic partnerships and developing innovative service of...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$162K - $243K *

Join a team that's dedicated to advancing clinical trials through strategic oversight and collaboration. Lead project management efforts globally, ensuring quality, cost, and timeline objectives are m...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Director of Student Development do?question toggle

    A Director of Student Development leads programs and teams that support students’ personal, social, and leadership growth. Depending on the institution, the role may oversee student activities, engagement, leadership initiatives, orientation, or related student affairs services.

  • What qualifications are typically required for Director, Student Development jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary by employer. Many roles seek relevant higher education or student affairs experience, demonstrated leadership, and strong program-management and communication skills. Some positions require a graduate degree or experience managing teams and budgets.

  • Where do Directors of Student Development work?question toggle

    These professionals most often work at colleges and universities, including public and private institutions. Their responsibilities and department structure vary with the size and mission of the institution.

  • How can I find Director, Student Development jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Browse Ladders for vetted professional openings and review each listing for compensation, qualifications, and responsibilities. Salary availability depends on the employer, location, and scope of the role.