Assistant Director, Student Life

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