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.

1,000+

Director, Student Development Jobs

Average Salary: $94,948

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Top companies hiring for Director, Student Development

DLR Group TIAA Bright Horizons Family Solutions Los Angeles Unified School District Uncommon Schools Johns Hopkins University Elevance Health Dartmouth College University of Miami Chicago Public Schools PACS UHS Honeywell Boston University Penn State University

Top similar job titles to Director, Student Development

Director jobs Executive Director jobs Program Director jobs Manager jobs Development Manager jobs Dean jobs Clinical Manager jobs Vice President jobs Development Officer jobs Project Manager jobs Faculty Development Specialist jobs Assistant Principal jobs Senior Project Manager jobs Design Lead jobs Public Administration Manager jobs

Top cities hiring for Director, Student Development

New York, NY jobs Chicago, IL jobs Washington, DC jobs Boston, MA jobs Toronto, ON jobs San Francisco, CA jobs Los Angeles, CA jobs Dallas, TX jobs Houston, TX jobs Baltimore, MD jobs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a Director of Student Development do?
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?
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?
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?
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.