Director for Student Life and Student Leadership

Western University of Health Sciences; Lebanon (OR); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Western University of Health Sciences seeks a Director for Student Life and Student Leadership on the Oregon campus. You will provide strategic leadership for student engagement, leadership development, student organizations, and co‑curricular programming, collaborating with academic and administrative partners to advance institutional priorities.

The role involves supervising staff and budgets, developing long‑range goals, and ensuring learning outcomes and assessment are integrated into

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership and supervisory experience in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and goals for student leadership and co‑curricular engagement on the Oregon campus.
• Direct development, assessment, and continuous improvement of leadership programs and engagement initiatives.
• Establish learning outcomes and assessment measures, and use data to evaluate effectiveness and inform improvements.
• Oversee student leadership funding, budgets, and program expenditures; supervise staff and student employees.
• Coordinate partnerships across academic and administrative departments to support institutional priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Student engagement

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Banner

Qualtrics

Microsoft 365

Google Forms

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Director for Student Life and Student Leadership

As you take your first step onto a Western University of Health Sciences campus, each path, each person, each structure comes with a transformative story. WesternU is more than the practice of medicine. We are defined by character and culture.

At WesternU, you will discover humanism at the heart of every interaction: a warm welcome, a sincere smile, a positive word, a kind deed, a thoughtful gesture. You will see students work together on case studies; a parade of pets in campus parks; student clubs offering opportunities for career growth and community involvement; and faculty, staff and students designing their future and the future of WesternU. We display a collaborative mindset in how we operate, educate, and serve others.

Although, geographically, we are two campuses - as humanists, we are one: to enhance and extend the quality of life in our communities and achieve excellence in everything we do. We attract diverse, professional faculty, staff and students that thrive in an environment of humanistic health care education. Join our team of faculty and staff and make a difference.

Position Title

Position Title Director for Student Life and Student Leadership

Position Control Number

Position Control Number A04170

Type of Position

Type of Position Administration

Position Status

Position Status Full-time

Department

Department 4001-Student Success and Student Life

Campus

Campus Western University Campus-Lebanon, OR

Position Location

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success and Student Life, the Director for Student Life and Student Leadership, Oregon provides strategic leadership, direction, assessment, and operational oversight for student engagement, leadership development, student organizations, and co‑curricular programming on the Oregon campus. The Director develops long‑range goals, policies, assessment measures, and resource strategies that enhance student success, belonging, leadership development, and campus engagement. The position collaborates with academic and administrative partners to advance institutional priorities and supervises departmental operations, budgets, staff, and student leadership initiatives. The Director for SLL , Oregon will work closely with Director for SLL , California.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to perform the essential functions of the assigned classification, with or without reasonable accommodation(s), using some other combination of skills and abilities. Necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities are as follows:

Knowledge of:

• Computer skills enabling employee to make changes in various web editing tools along with web‑based forms.
• Create effective and useful documents in Microsoft suite, Google Documents, Google Forms and any other software program required for this position. Knowledge of SCT Banner and Qualtrics preferred.
• Knowledge of video conferencing software including (but not limited to) Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Skills:

• Strong written communication, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills that enable the employee to interact effectively with administration, faculty, staff, students, and guests.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.
• Prioritize and successfully complete multiple duties while paying close attention to detail.
• Skilled in making decisions with sound judgment.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in related field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience or Training:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership and supervisory experience in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in student affairs, student success, student engagement, or higher education administration.
• Two (2) or more years of direct supervisory experience leading professional staff, student employees, and/or graduate assistants.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing strategic plans, departmental goals, assessment plans, and learning outcomes.
• Experience developing, administering, and monitoring departmental operating budgets and student program funds.
• Experience using assessment data, student success metrics, and program evaluation to inform decision‑making and continuous improvement.
• Experience leading behavioral intervention, student crisis response, case management coordination, or serving on a Behavioral Intervention Team ( BIT ) or CARES team.
• Experience advising student government, student organizations, leadership programs, or co‑curricular initiatives.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships across academic affairs, student affairs, and external community organizations.
• Experience supporting graduate and professional students within a higher education environment.
• Experience with student information systems, assessment platforms, and enterprise software such as Banner, Qualtrics, Microsoft 365, or comparable systems.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations related to higher education, including FERPA , Title IX, Clery Act, ADA /Section 504, and student conduct best practices.

Key Responsibilities

Co‑Curricular Leadership, Strategy, and Student Engagement:

• Develop and implement the strategic vision, goals, and long‑range plans for student leadership development and co‑curricular engagement on the Oregon campus.
• Direct the development, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of student leadership, student organization, and engagement initiatives in alignment with institutional priorities.
• Establish learning outcomes, performance indicators, and assessment measures for student leadership and engagement programs and utilize data to evaluate effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, operational standards, and risk‑management practices governing student organizations, leadership activities, and co‑curricular programs.
• Provide oversight and accountability for student leadership funding, resource allocation, and program expenditures.
• Lead campus‑wide student engagement initiatives designed to enhance leadership development, student involvement, and community building.
• Act as co‑advisor to the Student Government Association ( SGA ) and clubs
• Provides oversight of processes related to student organization administration, leadership transitions, student communications, and program operations which includes, but is not limited to, club application process, student leadership transitions/trainings, student leader handbook updates, SGA elections, communications, and the student leader database.
• Reviews, approves, and reserves space as appropriate for cocurricular activities, in partnership with appropriate departments (e.g., events, health screenings, club international travel, etc.) for Oregon student leaders.

Student Support Services and Student Success Initiatives:

• Provide leadership and oversight for student support services related to student engagement, wellness, leadership development, and student success.
• Develop and implement initiatives that promote student retention, engagement, belonging, and overall student experience.
• Analyze student concerns, support trends, and utilization data to identify emerging student needs and recommend institutional improvements.
• Collaborate with university leadership and campus partners to develop interventions and support resources that enhance student well‑being and success.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with internal and external service providers to strengthen student support resources.
• Provides leadership and coordination of student behavioral intervention, crisis response, and case management processes in collaboration with CARES , Student Affairs leadership, counseling resources, and campus partners.
• Act as point of contact for Optum‑related services
• Seek solutions for student‑related concerns as appropriate; collaborate, advise, document, and escalation as needed.
• Assist and support SLL Director, Pomona with oversight for fitness benefits for students including sign‑ups and reimbursements

Strategic Event Leadership and University Engagement:

• Provide strategic oversight for student‑facing university events and engagement initiatives.
• Develop long‑range event and programming strategies that strengthen institutional culture and support student success goals.
• Establish assessment measures and evaluate event outcomes, participation trends, and student engagement data to inform future programming decisions.
• Direct planning frameworks, resource allocation, and operational execution of major student engagement initiatives.
• Supportive or leadership role as appropriate with planning and implementation of annual University events including (but not limited to) Commencement, and Welcome Week/Orientation. Assist with coordination of post‑Commencement gift as needed (e.g., class photos).
• Oversee, coordinate, and execute co‑curricular programming including (but not limited to) Community Health Fair and Fall and Spring Club Week.

Institutional Partnerships and Strategic Leadership:

• Serve as a strategic advisor to divisional and university leadership regarding student engagement, leadership development, and co‑curricular programming.
• Lead collaborative initiatives that advance student engagement, inclusion, leadership development, and student success.
• Develop partnerships across academic and administrative departments to support institutional priorities and improve student outcomes.
• Prepare and present assessment findings, program outcomes, and strategic recommendations to divisional leadership.
• Serve as a member on the Student Affairs Council, Commencement Core/Detail Team(s), and Crisis Assessment Response Evaluation Team for Students ( CARES )
• Serves on committees as appropriate and assigned by Associate Vice Provost for Student Success
• Connects on a regular basis with LEAD and CDHP staff in Lebanon and College Student Affairs Professionals
• Attend Committee meetings on behalf of the Associate Vice Provost for Student Success as appropriate and as needed for Lebanon campus.

Department Administration, Budget Oversight, and Supervision:

• Direct and oversee all operations of the Student Life and Student Leadership department for the Oregon campus.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, annual objectives, and performance measures consistent with divisional strategic plans.
• Develop, administer, monitor, and forecast departmental operating budgets and student engagement program funds.
• Recommend resource allocations and budget priorities to support departmental and institutional goals.
• Prepare budget reports, expenditure analyses, and recommendations for divisional leadership.
• Ensure departmental compliance with institutional policies, accreditation standards, applicable regulations, and university strategic initiatives.
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Evaluate organizational effectiveness, staffing needs, and resource utilization.
• Provide supervision, coaching, performance management, and professional development for assigned staff and student employees.
• Coordinate departmental assessment activities and annual reporting processes.
• Some travel to Pomona campus may be required.
• Provide supervision to SLL team in absence of SLL Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Posting Details Continued

Work Schedule

Work hours:

• Monday thru Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm- with some occasional Saturdays or evening

We believe in making an impact in the lives of our employees, personally, and professionally. Every employee has different individual and/or family needs. We offer benefits that are both comprehensive and flexible to address your unique needs. We believe work‑life harmony is positive and achievable.

We offer competitive salaries, generous paid time off, insurance plans, reimbursements, and retirement benefits. Additionally.

• Our faculty, staff, and administrators are 100% focused on student success.
• Our University culture creates the context for a nurturing and supportive environment.
• Faculty, staff, and students can expect to make deep, personal relationships within the University community.
• As a Faculty, Staff, or Student at WesternU, you can focus on work that you love, be your authentic self, and lead to the future with innovation in health sciences.
• WesternU’s core value of humanism encourages all to bring their whole self in all that they do.
• We are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, collaboration, and fun at all levels for all people!

Expected Pay Scale

Minimum

Minimum $80,000.00 Annually

Maximum

Maximum $80,000.00 Annually

Physical Demands

Physical Demands

Do the essential functions of this job require lifting?

Do the essential functions of this job require lifting? Yes

If yes, list maximum weight and duration

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by any employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, use hands, talk, and hear. The employee regularly sits, and is occasionally required to stand, reach with hands and arms and squat. This job requires the use of close vision and the lifting/moving of up to 25 pounds in the performance of job duties.

Describe Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties of the Director for SLL , Oregon are normally performed in a typical office setting. The employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts from office machines. The noise level in this setting is usually moderate due to reception waiting area, telephones and student/faculty traffic.

Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number A01044

Posting Date

Posting Date 08/04/2026

Close Date

Close Date 08/04/2027

Open Until Filled Yes

Conditions of Employment - Background Check

To secure employment, successful fulfillment of a background check, including a criminal records check, may be required. Western University of Health Sciences will extend a conditional offer of employment, subject to rescission if the background check unveils disqualifying information or if it is found that the candidate deliberately withheld or misrepresented information. Non‑completion of the background check to satisfaction may impact the ongoing employment of a current Western University of Health Sciences employee who received a conditional offer for the position.

Pay Transparency Act

Pay Transparency Act- Western University of Health Sciences is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range considers various factors in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The Expected Pay Scale is defined as the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Placement within the Expected Pay Scale is determined by internal equity and relevant qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Statement (EEO)

It is the policy of Western University to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment as required by law without regard to age, race, color, national origin ancestry, citizenship, ethnicity, creed, religion or religious creed, sex or gender (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, disability (both physical and mental) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), pregnancy (which includes childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), age, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other applicable protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.This policy applies to all employment practices within WesternU including without limitation, hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoffs, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. WesternU makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merits, and business needs at the time.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation #1
• Letter of Recommendation #2
• Letter of Recommendation #3
• Additional Applicant Document
• Required License/Certification

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Please provide the name of the website, individual, or organization.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you a current employee at Western University of Health Sciences?
  • Yes
  • No
• * This position is located in Lebanon, Oregon. Are you willing and able to work from this campus location?
  • Yes
  • No

309 E. Second St.
Pomona, CA 91766-1854
[phone]

[phone]

COMP-Northwest:
200 Mullins Dr.
Lebanon, OR 97355-3983
[phone]
CHS-Northwest:
2665 S. Santiam Highway,
Lebanon, OR 97355
[phone]

COMP-Northwest:
[phone]
CHS-Northwest:
[phone]