About Us
Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.
Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.
Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Department Information
Student Life and Development
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement, the Director of Student Life & Development provides leadership, strategic direction, and administrative oversight for the Office of Student Life & Development. The Director is responsible for the planning, implementation, and assessment of key student transition, engagement, leadership, and campus traditions initiatives that support student belonging, involvement, and success.
The Director serves as the primary administrator for Orientation, Parent & Family Programs, Student Government Association co-advisement, Homecoming co-advisement, and other signature student experiences. In addition, the Director provides supervision and strategic oversight for three Coordinators including Student Connection & Engagement, Student Leadership & Service, and Fraternity & Sorority Life.
The Director collaborates with campus partners to create a connected and engaging student experience that strengthens community, promotes leadership development, supports student transitions, and advances institutional goals related to retention, persistence, and campus belonging.
The start date for this position is on or after September 1, 2026. Preference given to applications received before July 31, but review of applications will continue until position is filled.
Responsibilities
Significant Duties & Responsibilities include: Student Transition & Family Engagement (40%) - Provide primary leadership and oversight for a comprehensive Orientation program (ROAR), including planning, implementation, assessment, communications, registration, and student leader development. Lead Parent & Family Programs, including family communications, Parent Connection, Parent & Family Days, and related initiatives designed to support student success and family engagement. Collaborate with Enrollment, Academic Affairs, and campus partners to support successful student transitions into the university.; Student Leadership & Campus Traditions (25%) - Serve as co-advisor to the Student Government Association (SGA), providing leadership development, policy guidance, operational support, and institutional coordination. Serve as co-advisor for Homecoming and provide leadership for related student committees and traditions initiatives. Support campus-wide engagement efforts, signature programs, and traditions that strengthen student belonging and institutional pride.; Department Leadership & Supervision (25%) - Provide direct supervision, leadership, and professional development for the Coordinator of Student Leadership & Service, Coordinator of Fraternity & Sorority Life, Coordinator of Student Connection & Engagement. Establish departmental goals, priorities, and assessment strategies aligned with Student Engagement & Belonging. Support staff in the implementation of student engagement, leadership, service, and involvement initiatives.; Assessment, Planning & University Service (10%) - Lead departmental assessment, strategic planning, budgeting, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts. Serve on university committees and collaborate with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external stakeholders to advance student engagement goals.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications include: Masters degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs Administration, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field required.; Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, including increasing levels of responsibility in supervision, budget management, program administration, and departmental leadership.; Demonstrated knowledge of student development theory and experience designing, implementing, and assessing student engagement, leadership, transition, orientation, fraternity and sorority life, and other co-curricular initiatives that support student success and belonging.; Experience supervising professional staff and student employees, developing strategic plans, utilizing assessment data, and leading continuous improvement efforts aligned with institutional priorities.; Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and external stakeholders, including experience supporting student programming, student leadership, campus traditions, and student-centered facilities or operations.
Proposed Salary
The proposed annualized salary range for this position is $66,468 - $73,277 and includes full benefits.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities include: Demonstrated ability to supervise, develop, mentor, and evaluate professional staff, graduate assistants, and student employees.; Knowledge of student development theory, student engagement practices, leadership development, orientation and transition programs, and co-curricular learning.; Ability to plan, implement, and assess comprehensive student engagement programs, services, and signature initiatives that support student belonging, leadership development, campus involvement, and student success.; Ability to successfully advise and develop student leaders while supporting student governance, organizational effectiveness, and leadership development initiatives.; Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, community partners, and external stakeholders.; Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, assessments, and strategic planning documents.; Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, complex initiatives, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.; Knowledge of assessment methodologies and the ability to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate data to support continuous improvement, student success initiatives, and departmental planning.; Ability to manage budgets, allocate resources responsibly, and maintain fiscal accountability.; Knowledge of university, USG, state, and federal policies, procedures, and best practices impacting student affairs operations, facilities, and student organizations.; Ability to oversee student-centered facilities, programs, and operations while ensuring effective utilization, safety, maintenance coordination, and support for campus engagement initiatives.; Demonstrated commitment to fostering communities that promote belonging, leadership development, and student success.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Dempsey, Hiring Manager, via email at dempsey_melissa1@columbusstate.edu.
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities.
Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle. A successful drug screening will be required as a condition of employment a randomly thereafter.
Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *
For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position has financial responsibilities.
This position will not be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position requires a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position will not travel
Background Check
Special Applicant Instructions
Visit Columbus State Universitys online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.