Director of Student Life

Salary: $78,000.00 Annually Location : Olympia Main Campus, WA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 00015906 Division: Student Services Department: Student Life(301) Opening Date: 12/10/2025 Our Opportunity Priority Review of Applications will take place on January 5, 2026. South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) seeks a highly motivated, qualified individual for the Director of Student Life position. The Director of Student Life reports directly to the Dean of Student Engagement & Retention and will provide leadership and administer the Student Life department's functions. Exercising discretion and independent judgment, this position is responsible for oversight, development, and evaluation of departmental objectives; evaluation of professional and student staff; implementation of College policies and procedures; and departmental growth initiatives. A flexible work schedule is required, as the position will require evening and weekend work. South Puget Sound Community College is committed to increasing its cultural diversity with an emphasis on equity and inclusion among its professional staff. A firm understanding of anti racist policy development coupled with the skills to eliminate barriers that harm underrepresented people is a college requirement. The students that we serve come from a variety of backgrounds. On average, 43% of SPSCC students are people of color. We strongly encourage members of the underrepresented groups, veterans, and bi- or multi-lingual individuals to apply for this position to help meet the needs of our diverse students and service district. And if that isn't enough? We also offer: A healthy work/life balance for our employees, with the opportunity for flexible work schedules and remote work, depending on position and college needs Fine dining in the , offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices as part of our Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programs The serving Batdorf & Bronson coffee and a selection of delicious food items from our baking/culinary students A brand new FREE Bus service every 15 minutes to downtown Olympia and beyond FREE on our campuses - permits are not required On-campus Percival Creek, which runs beneath our campus footbridge, provides year-round beauty and views of Chinook, Coho, and chum salmon pass through each fall Many walking paths that are marked and on nicely paved sidewalks SPSCC promotes wellness with a variety of different on campus Lots of activities with our , which are FREE for staff and faculty Many community events in the offer SPSCC employees an opportunity to gather and connect around issues that define them personally and affect their work at the College, as well as their professional development. Current Employee Resource Groups include: Staff and Faculty of Color (SFOC) ERG - an employee network which strives to create an intentional and relational foundation for community and trust building across different groups through shared values. The LGBTQIA+ ERG creates a space for LGBTQIA+ staff and faculty at the college to share resources, build support and community, and work towards greater equity and accessibility. What You'll DoEssential Function: Will serve as the lead administrator to the Student Life Department: Will be responsible for leading program development and engagement strategies for the Student Life department. Ensure that college, state, and federal rules pertaining to students are upheld. Supervise full and part time staff including: recommending for hire, providing training and professional development opportunities, assigning duties, and providing timely evaluation. Plan and implement a recruitment plan for hiring a student employee Leadership Team, including, but not limited to: Campus Activities Board, ASB Student Senate, Student Promotions/Outreach team, The Sounds Student News. Will partner to hire, train, and schedule student employees in the Coffee Shop and Food Pantry. Supervise and direct the selection and hiring process for the Campus Activities Board, Student Senate, and Sounds Student News staff. Assess and evaluate student staff job performance, expectations, and initiate disciplinary action and position termination as necessary. Serve as the Advisor to the Campus Activities Board event coordination staff; advise and monitor progress of Campus Activities Board members and events, meet weekly with CAB members, and cultivate leadership development activities for student leaders. Direct the development and implementation of an annual calendar of student programs consistent with the mission of the College and the Department. Program development will include: program proposals, planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive calendar of social, recreational, educational, and cultural programs. Responsible for the scheduling and set up of Student Life events in the Student Center, including arrangements for support services and maintaining equipment inventory. Supervise and manage the eSports program, and oversee operations to ensure a competitive and recreational environment for students. Supervise the Student Life front desk operations to provide programs and services, including Student ID cards, Student Life van reservations, mascot reservations, the Clipper Spirit Store, and other Student Life services. Co-Advise the Student Senate; assist with coordination and implementation of Senate-sponsored activities and processes. Will partner and assist with Senate programs and projects for the food pantry. Attend and oversee all Student Life-sponsored events held on and off campus in a supervisory capacity, including evening and weekend programs. Assure appropriate set up, use and storage of equipment, monitor performers hired by the College, and ensure that all appropriate College policies are followed. Negotiate contracts and make arrangements for all Student Life guest artists, speakers, or performers on behalf of the College. Co-Advise the Social Media Team student staff. Will provide for a comprehensive social media presence to communicate Student Life programs, events, and engagement opportunities. Oversee Student Life media graphics and approve all publicity materials distributed on behalf of Student Life. Recommends, manages, and administers the budget for Student Life programs; assures fiscal responsibility of the Services & Activities Fee budget by advising student organizations in the development of annual budgets; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgetary guidelines. Responsible for maintaining accurate records of expenditures for S&A Fee-funded programs. Serve on behalf o the Dean of Student Engagement & Retention overseeing Student Life in his/her absence. Assumes other duties as assigned by the Dean of Student Engagement and Retention. Essential Function: Student Leadership Programs: Develop a curriculum and implement an annual cycle of leadership training and development. Coordinate student leadership staffing and programming for quarterly Welcome Weeks. Provide an active program of Student clubs and organizations; identify faculty and staff members to serve as club-approved budgetary procedures. Oversee the charter approval process for student clubs and organizations. Monitor club budget expenditures, provide support, and oversee club activities as necessary. Responsible for the annual summer leadership training program for student employees. Lead the development, writing, and/or revising of Student Life materials such as the Club Handbook, club informational brochures, and policy documents. Will serve as lead Student Life liaison with the campus and community:Develop and maintain positive working relationships with diverse agents and performers, as well as SPSCC faculty and staff to provide successful events and activities for student that are relevant to current instruction and student interests. Work closely with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Center, Athletics, International Student Services, Counseling, and other campus partners to collaborate on campus events, activities, and programs. Will represent Student Life at a variety of activities such as orientation programs, presentations, and other outreach initiatives on behalf of the department. Actively create partnerships and linkages with other community colleges through participation and leadership in the Council of Unions and Student Programs; actively engage the Student Senate and Campus Activities Board in statewide student efforts to enhance the SPSCC student experience. Qualifications You PossessMinimum QualificationsMaster's Degree in Leadership, Higher Education, Student Development, or related field. Two or more years of professional experience in student activities, student leadership development, or related experience supervising collegiate student programs. Professional experience in a supervisory or management role. Knowledge and experience working with students, student leaders, campus programming groups and student clubs and organizations both individually and in groups. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including making presentations. Demonstrated ability to collaborate well with others and function as a team member. Experience supervising and training staff and student workers. Actively contributes to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives to enhance the attainment of organizational goals. Advanced knowledge of computers and software applications, specifically MS Office suite: Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint. Preferred Qualifications: Advanced knowledge of social media/digital applications as a platform for student engagement. Strong organizational skills, ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks, maintain office confidentiality and accommodate numerous interruptions. Familiarity with collegiate eSports gaming experiences and/or procedures. Demonstrate knowledge of student fee rules and regulations. Demonstrates commitment to a philosophy of promoting student success. Experience and/or leadership in serving, advocating for, collaborating with, and/or representing specific underrepresented marginalized communities. Cross-Cultural Communication -- Verbal and nonverbal communication skills in interaction with those who are culturally different from oneself. Collaborative -- The ability to work in culturally diverse groups toward a common goal by involving, including and valuing others. Conflict Management & Engagement -- The ability to engage cultural conflicts that occur between individuals and groups. Servant Leadership Development -- The ability to share power, put the needs of students or employees first and help people develop and perform as highly as possible. Empathy -- The ability and willingness to attempt to understand another person's culture or perspective through listening and inquiry. Note: This position is physical and may require lifting up to 50 lbs. Candidates must have the ability to work nights and weekends. To Apply Applications must be completed online and include the following attachments: Cover letter addressed to the Screening Committee, highlighting your ability to perform the responsibilities and competencies described in the job posting. Current resume/CV showing all educational and professional experience which demonstrates how you meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications. Copies of unofficial transcripts from institutions of higher education. Top candidates will be notified directly to interview for this position. Selection will be based on the applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed in this job posting as identified in the materials requested above. Applications with comments directing the reader to see attachments will be considered incomplete. Veterans PreferenceApplicants who meet the minimum qualifications and wishing to claim Veterans Preference should redact their personally identifiable information from a copy of their United States Department of Veterans Affairs honorable discharge documentation and email to with the job number for which they are applying in the subject line. Background Check Condition of Employment Employment with the college is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. Any adverse information will be considered on a case-by-case basis and does not automatically preclude a candidate from employment. Bargaining UnitThis position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees. South Puget Sound Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator South Puget Sound Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). SPSCC provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, Samantha Dotson, Executive Human Resource Officer /Title IX Coordinator, 360-596-5361, , Building 25, Room 220, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512; South Puget Sound Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. Applicants needing accommodation in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (360) 596-5500. SPSCC OFFERS: A generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement, and optional deferred compensation programs. The position is eligible to participate in the (SBRP) and (DRS). Employees have the option to participate in two tax-deferred retirement investment programs. For health benefit information go to COMPENSATION Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation package, with an employee benefits package worth about 30% of your salary. VACATION AND SICK LEAVE Annual leave includes 24 days of vacation, 11 paid holidays, and 12 days of sick leave For more benefits information please visit our website. 01 Describe your student development philosophy and how it relates to supervising student leadership teams. 02 Describe your approach to building collaborative partnerships on campus and in the community. 03 What professional experience have you had negotiating contracts, working with agents, performers, vendors, and other outside partners? Required Question

Created: 2026-03-04