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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$180K - $210K *

Champion revenue growth by leading strategic initiatives, market expansion, and team performance. Drive alignment across functions to achieve organizational goals while fostering partnerships and enha...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$200K - $270K *

Lead the development and execution of GxP quality systems, ensuring compliance and oversight for clinical and CMC quality. Drive vendor qualification, audits, and training while fostering a culture of...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$130K - $195K *

Innovate member experience strategies by translating enterprise goals into actionable plans. Drive performance improvements in CAHPS and HOS programs through provider engagement and data analysis, ens...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$350K - $398K *

Drive impactful clinical trials in ophthalmology with leadership in study design, execution, and biomarker strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure timely delivery and regulatory compliance...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$225K - $250K *

Unlock new client potential by leading financial advisory teams to acquire high-net-worth clients. Drive business growth through strategic marketing and relationship building, ensuring exceptional ser...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in enhancing client services by developing a high-performing team, driving operational excellence, and leveraging technology to improve productivity and client satisfaction in a dynami...

Lanham, MDRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$127K - $216K *

Champion risk adjustment initiatives by leading enterprise-wide programs, ensuring compliance and accuracy in data reporting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize processes and enhance...

Tennessee, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$122K - $184K *

Lead the implementation of Workday solutions in Higher Education, managing project lifecycles, fostering client relationships, and delivering results while ensuring adherence to budget and timelines...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$205K - $278K *

Empower strategic growth by shaping and executing initiatives that drive corporate development. Collaborate closely with C-suite executives, influence key decisions, and lead high-priority projects to...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $120K *

Transform the Chicago business landscape by leading a vibrant community of CEOs and executives. Drive growth, engagement, and meaningful connections while building a dynamic team and executing impactf...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$195K - $264K *

Shape the future of design systems and operations by leading a dynamic team to enhance digital experiences. Drive innovation, establish standards, and integrate AI practices to elevate design quality...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

1 week ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$138K - $200K *

Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing employee experience through strategic program management. You'll own performance cycles, engagement initiatives, and transformation efforts that shape organiz...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Shape the future of economic assistance programs by leading evaluation and compliance efforts. Drive improvements, ensure regulatory adherence, and enhance service delivery for vulnerable populations...

North Dakota, USRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$156K - $195K *

Champion the global eDiscovery Technology practice, leading a diverse team to innovate AI-assisted workflows, ensuring defensibility and quality across jurisdictions while driving growth and operation...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$90K - $120K *

Shape the future of animation by developing original kids and family series, driving projects from concept to production. Collaborate closely with creative teams to foster innovative ideas that engage...

Los Angeles, CARemote

Reposted 4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$170K - $220K *

Transform program delivery by leading teams and managing client relationships. Drive strategic direction, ensure compliance, and achieve revenue goals while fostering a collaborative, remote-first env...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$215K - $235K *

Pioneer comprehensive commercial operations by designing, implementing, and optimizing pricing and deal negotiation processes. Drive ongoing analytics and continuous improvement, ensuring success in a...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform talent acquisition by leading strategic initiatives that foster growth. Develop and optimize recruitment processes while creating a culture of inclusion and innovation to attract top talent...

Atlanta, GARemote

Reposted 1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$180K - $220K *

Unlock growth potential as a senior leader driving U.S. business development. Shape strategies, build client relationships, and enhance operational capabilities to achieve sustainable growth in a dyna...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$100K - $150K *

Drive financial strategy by owning planning, forecasting, and analysis. Collaborate with leadership to provide insights that inform decisions, while building robust models in Excel to guide revenue an...

United StatesRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$79K - $97K *

Join a team that's dedicated to optimizing HR operations through hands-on support of Dayforce HCM and iCIMS. Leverage your expertise in HRIS to enhance processes, troubleshoot issues, and drive compli...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$130K - $160K *

Elevate customer success by managing strategic enterprise accounts, driving value realization, and leading a growing team. Foster relationships across all levels, ensuring seamless renewals and expans...

New York, NYRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive operational excellence at a leading healthcare organization by leading funded medical accounts receivable. Build a high-performing collections team, enhance cash flow, and ensure compliance whil...

Pennsylvania, USRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$125K - $150K *

Drive revenue growth and strategic partnerships in biometrics services, focusing on client relationships and market strategy. Collaborate with teams to deliver innovative solutions and position the or...

Mansfield, MARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $110K *

Unlock potential by leading K-12 district implementations, ensuring successful platform adoption through strategic planning, relationship building, and project management. Collaborate with stakeholder...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

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

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.