Director of Campus Life

ArtCenter College of Design is searching for an experienced Director of Campus Life to join our team.

The salary range for this position: $90,000.00 - 95,000.00

Final salary is based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

About ArtCenter
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education and has had an international reputation for its rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strong ties to industry, and commitment to socially responsible design. ArtCenter is a private nonprofit fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Reporting to the associate dean of students the director of campus life is responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive array of programs that define and deliver upon the College’s vision for Campus Life and the overall student experience. This includes, but is not limited to, new and existing programs such as social and leadership development programs, co-curricular engagement efforts, initiatives to enhance and support student success and retention, creating community-building opportunities, transition and orientation programs for new students, and assisting students in building vital connections with other students, faculty, and staff. This position also advises student leaders of clubs and organizations and serves as lead advisor to ArtCenter Student Government.

This is a full-time on-site position. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or as defined by the department. The position is eligible for flexible scheduling and can be performed on-site, hybrid in-region or may be required as a condition of employment.

The demands of this work may include weekends or evenings as well as travel. The college reserves the right to modify schedules as needed to meet the business needs with appropriate notice.

Essential Functions

Campus Life Programs – 35%

• Work closely with the associate dean of students to create Campus Life programming in alignment with the College’s strategic vision for student success and retention
• Develop and execute internal communications campaigns associated with all Campus Life programming
• Create, implement, evaluate, and sustain events, programs and services tailored to the on-going needs of students-at-large, student government, clubs and organizations — such events, programs, and services will be tailored to new student success, returning student support, building campus community, fostering institutional pride, assisting in the development of character and leadership, contributing to the health and wellness of students, civic engagement in the local community, professional development and exploration of academics/careers, and the overall success of students
• Lead on-site supervision of campus events
• Oversee the management, training and promotion of student clubs and organizations: including direct advisement of executive officers and members, administrative management of club operations such as vendor contracts and budget processes, support for program development and implementation, referrals to collaborate with other campus departments, etc.
• Monitor risk management exposure for the College by closely managing the activities of student clubs and organizations
• Co-advise ArtCenter Student Government (together with vice president/dean of students and associate dean of students), including lead coordination of campus-wide elections and appointments, administrative management of budget and payroll, and direct advisement of internal working groups and project tasks
• Support and attend meetings of the ArtCenter Student Government executive board and general council
• Advise development and implementation of any Student Government events
• Coordinate training and development programs for Student Government, for example leadership transitions, organizational planning seminars, leadership retreats, ongoing training retreats
• Direct the College’s community recognition events including the selection of Great Teacher Award recipients (once per year), and the selection of Student Leadership Award recipients (twice per year)

Orientation and Transition Programs – 30%

• Work with the associate dean of tudents to design a comprehensive, world-class orientation and transition program for incoming students in the Fall and Spring terms
• Implement the orientation and transition programs, including coordination of efforts across all departments of the College
• Oversee the implementation of hiring, training, and evaluation of student leaders hired to lead orientation programs, including campus-wide selection process, confirmation of student work outcomes, and administration of work authorizations and payroll timesheets
• Organize and host scheduled presentations and programs
• Oversee management of all related social media, production of educational materials to support the program (in any media form), and communications with all incoming students
• Collaborate with the director of international student services to ensure seamless inclusion of international students in the College orientation program

Education/Outreach – 20%

• Lead College’s co-curriculum to include workshops, retreats, seminars, special events, and other programs that support individual growth, student development, cultural enrichment, community engagement, and professional/academic interests
• Manage the Student Leadership Educational Development grant program to solicit applications, coordinate a selection process and committee, and distribute grant awards to student to pursue educational or professional opportunities off campus, as a supplement to their degree program goals
• Lead the department’s social media presence including online resources for leadership development, community engagement, and student resources such as off-campus housing and professional networking
• Collaborate with internal and external partners for on-campus or off-campus programs that benefit student success and enhance the student experience and/or promote student learning

Department Operations – 10%

• Provide general leadership and oversight for Campus Life, overseeing operations and programming budget, strategic planning, internal and external communications, logistics, events, and necessary office administration
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, learning and development and working with Employee Experience for fair and equitable compensation practices for department staff; oversee performance evaluation process, ensure consistent use of all applicable policies and procedures, including Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA); counsel, discipline and make recommendations in terminations
• Respond to calls, emails, and social media inquiries and contacts as needed, help train and advise CSE student workers
• Work with CSE staff to develop and uphold policies, procedures, strategies, and other initiatives that respond to the changing needs of students and student groups
• Assess the student experience as it relates to student involvement and leadership opportunities in clubs/organizations and campus-wide events
• Collect, analyze, and report data related to campus events and student activities to support institutional planning, enhance student engagement strategies, and inform stakeholders.
• Enforce all College policies and work with the department of environmental health and safety to maintain a safe and secure work and learning environment for students, faculty and staff

Non-Essential Functions – 5%

• Contribute data and descriptive program information for the Center’s annual report and other reports and assessment as required
• Serve on educational or college-wide committees, work groups, task forces and/or councils
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education administration or related field from an accredited college or university or equivalent combination of training and experience
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role within college student activities, leadership development, or new student orientation.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with leadership, faculty and staff for the purpose of advocating for student involvement in campus committees and events, and leadership development opportunities in and outside of the college’s formal curriculum
• Demonstrated experience in cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment into workplace practices within ArtCenter's diverse communities
• Experience with conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, flexibility and able to handle multiple responsibilities and competing demands with diplomacy and candor; takes initiative
• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines; ability to work effectively both independently and within groups
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills for internal and external communications
• Strong computer skills, with a proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new software as needed
• Ability to enforce and implement policies and procedures
• Experience in assessment and evaluation of programs and services and creating new campus life programs and activities to meet the needs of the students
• Familiarity with college/university best practices in risk management of student club and organization activity
• Familiarity with college best practices in new student orientation programs, campus activities, advising, and/or other transition and student success programs
• Ability to handle all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of ArtCenter business
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience, including developing teams, conducting performance evaluations and performance management
• Background in Art and/or Design fields, or previous experience in an Art and Design educational environment desirable

Physical Demands and Working Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

This is a full-time on-site position. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or as defined by the department. The position is eligible for flexible scheduling and can be performed on-site, hybrid in-region or may be required as a condition of employment.

The demands of this work may include weekends or evenings as well as travel. The college reserves the right to modify schedules as needed to meet the business needs with appropriate notice.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time viewing computer monitor; interactions with other individuals. Due to the nature of the work environment, there is regular exposure to fumes, dust and noise.

Physical: The position is generally performed in an office setting and at events. Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting or attend/work events; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight (up to 30 pounds); to operate modern office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Able to work nights and weekends to attend events and travel between campuses.

Vision: Must be able to have the visual capacity to perform activities such as preparing and reading reports, viewing a computer terminal and other normal office work with or without correction.

Hearing: Must be able to communicate effectively in the course of normal office communication or exchange ideas with or without correction.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this job; they do not purport to describe all functions. Employees may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may be changed from time to time as necessary.

Diversity Statement
ArtCenter is fully committed to fostering a culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging not only in vision but in practice. Our path forward is predicated on our belief that multiple points of view, life experiences, ethnicities, cultures and belief systems are essential to academic and creative excellence. We strive to learn more about difference while respecting the rich diversity in our world, attending to important questions about racial injustice and decolonizing our curriculum. Our campus environment must be vigilant in supporting the full participation of students, faculty, and staff of every race, color, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, socioeconomic status and political viewpoint.

Equal Opportunity Employer
ArtCenter is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants on the basis of race (including hair texture and protective hairstyle), color, religion (includes religious dress and grooming practices), sex/gender (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and/or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition (genetic characteristics, cancer, or a record or history of cancer), military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, and genetic characteristics), genetic information, request for family care or medical leave, age (over 40), criminal background (Fair Chance Act), reproductive health decision-making, off-duty and off-premises cannabis use, or any other actual or perceived characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity is extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including without limitation, recruitment, hiring, upgrading, learning and professional development, promotion, compensation, benefits, leave of absence, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall and termination. This commitment applies to all persons involved in the operations of ArtCenter and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of ArtCenter. Applicants who wish to request an accommodation for a disability may contact the Office of Employee Experience and Engagement at (626) 396-2470.

Applicant Rights (Prior Cannabis Use)
ArtCenter will not request information from an applicant relating to the applicant’s prior use of cannabis. ArtCenter will not use information obtained from a criminal history about an applicant or employee’s prior cannabis use, unless ArtCenter is permitted to consider that information under applicable law.

Employment At-Will
All employment with ArtCenter is for an unspecified term and is “at-will.” Employees are free to resign at any time, with or without reason, and with or without prior notice. Similarly, ArtCenter has the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without prior notice. This “at-will” employment, which includes the College’s right to transfer, discipline, demote, or change the conditions of employment with or without cause and with or without prior notice, cannot be modified, amended or waived by any oral or implied agreement, and may be modified or altered only by an express individualized written employment agreement signed by both the employee and the College president

ArtCenter Employees have a Mandatory Duty to Report
All employees who know or have reason to know of allegations or acts that violate ArtCenter’s Title IX Policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking shall promptly inform the Director, Title IX Compliance and Programs or designee, or the Associate Dean of Students or designee. Faculty, who have a mandatory duty to report, are required to disclose all information including the names of the parties, even where the person has requested their name remain confidential.

Pursuant to the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), all employees who know of or have reason to suspect child abuse or neglect involving alleged victims under age 18 shall promptly inform local law enforcement or the county welfare department.