Assistant Director, Student Life

Job Details: Job Location: CA Institute of the Arts - Santa Clarita, CA, Salary Range: $72774.00 - $82290.00Salary/year, SUMMARY

The Assistant Director of Student Life provides strategic leadership for student engagement, campus programming, and student governance initiatives at CalArts. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, this position oversees the operations of the Office of Student Life and collaborates with campus partners to develop programs that support leadership development, civic engagement, student belonging, and co-curricular learning.

The Assistant Director provides direct oversight of student government, registered student organizations, and leadership development initiatives, while guiding campus-wide programming efforts such as Orientation and Institute signature events. The role supervises the Student Life Coordinator and student staff and ensures that student engagement programs align with the Institute’s commitment to creativity, inclusion, and student success.

This position serves as a key resource and advisor to student leaders and works closely with offices across the Institute to ensure that student engagement initiatives are inclusive, educationally enriching, and responsive to the evolving needs of CalArts students.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Student Leadership and Governance

Provide leadership and advising support to the CalArts Student Union and student government structures

Oversee policies, processes, and procedures related to student governance, elections, and student organization activity

Support student leaders in developing skills in collaboration, advocacy, communication, and civic responsibility

Student Organizations and Engagement

Provide strategic oversight for the Institute’s registered student organizations and clubs

Guide processes related to organization registration, recognition, accountability, and funding

Support the development of student-led programming and initiatives that contribute to campus life

Campus Programming and Orientation

Lead planning and implementation of major campus engagement initiatives including Fall and Spring Orientation

Support Institute-wide events and traditions that foster community and student engagement

Collaborate with campus partners to develop educational and cultural programming that supports the student experience

Belonging and Inclusive Engagement

Support initiatives that foster belonging, community building, and engagement among diverse student populations

Collaborate with the Chief Diversity Officer and campus partners to support identity-based programming and student support initiatives

Supervision and Administration

Supervise the Student Life Coordinator and student employees within the Office of Student Life

Oversee program budgets, event planning processes, and operational systems related to campus engagement

Conduct program assessment and evaluation to support continuous improvement of student life initiatives

Qualifications: SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Strong knowledge of student development theory and co-curricular learning

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to build relationships and collaborate across departments

Demonstrated leadership and advising skills in student engagement settings

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, creative environment

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success

EDUCATION:

Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Student Development, or a related field required

EXPERIENCE:

Demonstrated experience in student engagement, student organizations, leadership development, or campus programming in higher education

Experience supervising professional and/or student staff

Experience planning and implementing large-scale campus programs or events

Experience working with diverse student populations and fostering inclusive communities