Jobs and Careers

Director of Student Life

San Marcos, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 11 Jun 2025

💰 $45,000/yr($36,000/yr – $45,000/yr)

About the role

Description

The Director of Student Life is a full-time role focused on enhancing the student experience through oversight of after-school care, Cub Camps, and student programming across all grade levels. A key priority is leading and expanding SMA’s summer program, ensuring it grows strategically while remaining mission-aligned and financially sustainable. This role also supports major events, fundraising efforts, and community engagement in collaboration with faculty, Residence Life, and Advancement.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and lead evening and weekend activities for students across all grade levels, with a focus on engagement for boarding students (grades 6–12)
Collaborate with Residence Life and academic staff to ensure student programming supports social, emotional, and spiritual development
Coordinate and oversee on-campus events, field trips, service projects, and entertainment for day and boarding students
Promote community, wellness, and a Christian worldview through meaningful student engagement
Manage all aspects of after-school and summer programs, including staffing, enrollment, supplies, billing, and budget oversight
Track participation and gather feedback to continuously improve program quality and outcomes
Design scalable, mission-aligned programs that reflect best practices and respond to seasonal demand
Lead planning and execution of major campus events such as OctoBEARFest and the Bear Run, coordinating with staff, students, volunteers, and vendors
Assist with logistics, facility rentals, and vendor coordination for events and programs as needed
Provide content and student impact stories to support marketing, promotions, and donor engagement
Recruit, schedule, and coordinate volunteers for student life activities and community events
Oversee Lower School after-school and summer programming, including Cub Camps and PreK3–Kindergarten offerings
Hire, train, and supervise part-time staff and volunteers to ensure safe, Christ-centered environments
Maintain strong communication with Lower School faculty and parents to support satisfaction and engagement
Expand summer programming based on demand, capacity, and strategic goals
Support Advancement in executing mission-aligned fundraising and community events
Assist with sponsorships, in-kind donations, logistics, and volunteer coordination to support fundraising efforts
Represent Student Life in donor engagement opportunities and communicate program impact at campus events
Model Christ-like character and uphold student expectations in alignment with the Academy’s values and handbook
Encourage student spiritual growth through mentorship and program leadership

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in education, recreation, child development, or related field
Minimum 2–3 years of experience working with children, youth programs, or school leadership
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
CPR and First Aid certified (or willing to obtain)
Valid Texas Driver’s License required; CDL preferred
Proficiency in planning events, scheduling staff and volunteers, and managing small budgets
Understanding of Christian education, child development, and youth engagement
Experience supporting fundraising events or working with a development team is a plus

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS:

Understanding of and alignment with SMA’s mission, vision, and core values
Consistently maintain high levels of professionalism, ethical conduct, and punctuation/attendance
Serve as a role model for students, staff, and families through both actions, words and appearance
Actively participate in school activities to strengthen community engagement and support retention efforts