Manager - Student Life Operations

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $62,400-$65,000. Hiring offers will be determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience. The recruiter can share more information about what the anticipated hiring rate/salary would be based upon your specific qualifications during the selection process.

The CIA offers a substantial benefits package that includes medical coverage available at no cost to qualifying employees, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability insurance, retirement savings plan with high employer contributions, a generous paid time off program, and more!

As the benefits package at the CIA results in a significant value above the base hiring rate/salary for this position, we encourage you to apply so that our recruiters can share more information with you about the benefits of working for the CIA.

 POSITION SUMMARY 

The Manager – Student Life Operations serves as an operational partner to the Vice President for Student Life, playing a central role in advancing divisional priorities, institutional alignment, and a cohesive Student Life identity. This position functions as a confidential executive support lead, overseeing high-level communications, division-wide operations, and special projects that promote a culture of belonging, identity development, and intellectual growth. 

The Manager is responsible for supporting strategy through the organization and dissemination of Student Life communications across all campuses, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities. This role leads the management of digital content, policy infrastructure, and operational systems, while also serving as a key liaison between departments, campuses, and senior leadership. 

In addition, this position oversees executive-level reporting, supports institutional decision-making, and independently leads high-impact projects that enhance the student experience, strengthen retention efforts, and improve operational effectiveness across the division. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Serve as an operational partner and confidential support to the Vice President, contributing to divisional planning, institutional priorities, and executive decision-making.
• Lead the development, coordination, and oversight of all Student Life communications, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment across campuses.
• Oversee all Student Life digital content, including the division webpage and student-facing platforms, ensuring brand consistency, compliance, and timely updates.
• Develop, implement, and manage division-wide operational systems, including communication calendars, submission timelines, and tracking mechanisms to ensure accountability and efficiency.
• Maintain and standardize all Student Life policies, procedures, and SOPs, including leading review cycles, documenting revisions, and ensuring institutional compliance.
• Conduct policy analysis and support the review and rewriting of institutional policies in collaboration with campus stakeholders.
• Manage and synthesize data, reports, and materials for Vice President presentations, Board-facing documents, and institutional reporting.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of major Student Life initiatives and special projects, serving as project manager for high-impact, cross-functional efforts.
• Coordinate division-wide communication with internal and external stakeholders, including students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Manage and respond to high-level inquiries within Student Life communication channels, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional responses.
• Maintain and oversee Student Life FAQs, ensuring departments provide updates within established timelines and that information remains consistent across campuses.
• Facilitate regular meetings with Student Life leadership to assess communication effectiveness, identify gaps, and align upcoming initiatives.
• Track and monitor the Student Life strategic plan, including goals, priorities, and progress across departments.
• Lead the development and production of the Student Life annual report, including timeline creation, template design, and synthesis of departmental submissions.
• Oversee the development and editing of high-profile communications, including student messaging, executive summaries, and speeches, in collaboration with campus partners.
• Coordinate closely with Marketing and Communications, the Registrar, and other institutional offices to ensure alignment on major initiatives and events.
• Provide oversight and direction to student worker(s), managing workflow and ensuring high-quality output.
• Develop and deliver training for Student Life staff on communication standards, expectations, and best practices.
• Serve as a resource for content development and visual communications, supporting the creation of polished, professional materials.
• Stay current on emerging trends in higher education, student development, communications strategy, and content management technologies.
• Initiate, lead, and complete strategic projects that advance student belonging, engagement, retention, and success.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of divisional and institutional priorities.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree.

Experience:

• Three to five (3-5) years of work experience in executive support, project coordination, communications or related role.

PREFERRED QUALIFCATIONS

• Previous experience working in a higher education or student affairs environment.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to produce executive-level communications.
• Demonstrated strength in project management and operational planning.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate needs and proactively develop solutions.
• High level of initiative, adaptability, and self-motivation.
• Knowledge of student development theory, communication strategies, and engagement practices.
• Strong computer proficiency, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) and content management systems.
• Awareness, insight, and creativity to support the needs of a diverse student population.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work nights and weekends as required by business needs.
• Regular work requires the use of a computer, sometimes in excess of eight (8) hours per day.
• Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds (such as file boxes, binders, etc.)

Salary : $62,400 - $65,000