Director, Student Life

Charles R. Drew University•Los Angeles, CA

42d•Onsite

About The Position

Charles R. Drew University is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts uprising. CDU was founded to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for underrepresented students. CDU is strongly invested in the local and regional community. The university leads multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in a variety of South Los Angeles neighborhoods. The Director of Student Life, Belonging and Development serves as a key leadership role within the Division of Student Affairs at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU). Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Provost for Student Affairs, the Director provides leadership and oversight for all non-academic aspects of student life and serves as a key member of the Vice Provost Management Team as an advocate for students. The Director has primary responsibility for leadership, management, strategic direction, policy development, and administrative oversight of co- and extracurricular student services, including student multicultural affairs, student conduct, student development, student life, student career services and student government and organizations. The Director leads institutional efforts to foster a strong sense of belonging, community engagement, and persistence among all students with specific emphasis on retention, persistence, and graduation initiatives. The Director will directly supervise the Student Life Belonging and Development team, and student support-related services. The Director will direct the growth of comprehensive student life planning and student support-related services commensurate with a growing student population.

Requirements

Master's in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or related field required. Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, along with 7 years of progressive direct experience can be accepted as an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Doctorate in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred
Seven years or more of progressive experience in higher education with a focus on student affairs, student development, or a student affairs-related field.
Minimum of three years of demonstrated success in developing and implementing student retention and persistence initiatives.
Proven track record of improving student engagement, belonging, and completion rates.
Experience in analyzing and using retention data to develop targeted interventions.
Extensive knowledge of the research on improving student satisfaction, student retention, and strategies for improving student learning and success.
Experience working with diverse student populations, particularly first-generation and underrepresented students.
Experience with student life programming, student leadership development, student career services, and co-curricular activities.
Ability to build and lead a team focused on student success and persistence
Strong supervisory and managerial skills, including budgets, strategic planning, assessment and evaluation skills
Knowledge of student development theory and best practices in student retention and persistence
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful retention initiatives
Proficiency in analyzing and using data to inform decision-making and program development
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff
Detailed knowledge of HIPAA, FERPA, Title IX, and related acts (VAWA, Clery, etc.) required
Broad knowledge of student life practices and principles, student development, and a variety of learning styles
Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with the utmost discretion
Dependability and professional demeanor with a clear client-service orientation
Ability to work effectively with a diverse community
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
Strong advocacy skills for promoting student success and completion

Nice To Haves

Doctorate in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred
Not required, but relevant certifications in student success or retention strategies are valued
Competent Spanish-speaking skills are desired.