Director of Student Life
Student Services Officer 2
Job Code: 7502
Grade: H
FTE: 100%, Exempt
Stanford’s Online High School is an accredited, diploma-offering, highly selective independent high school, offering courses for grades 7-12. The mission of Stanford Online High School (OHS) is to foster a worldwide community of intellectually adventurous students and teachers. Our courses, created and taught by specialists in their academic fields, encourage students to continuously develop and test their own views as they integrate knowledge across disciplines. Small class sizes and synchronous class meetings populated by curious and engaged classmates and teachers make learning a meaningful and social experience. Students form close bonds with each other and with the school community through classes, clubs, meetups, and other school activities, all supported by caring educators. Our school brings together students with diverse backgrounds from across the world.
Stanford Online High School is also the home of Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS), which provides a diverse array of academic enrichment programs that take place mostly in the summer but also throughout the academic year. Held both online and on-campus, SPCS programs serve intellectually curious pre-college students from around the world.
PLEASE NOTE: The position is located at Stanford’s Redwood City Campusand will require an on-campus presence on a regular basis. Though the position may be eligible for a Hybrid Work Arrangement, upon mutual agreement, the position requires onsite work a minimum of two days per week, as well as leading up to and during all on-campus events and programs.
The Director of Student Life (DSL) will be responsible for providing dynamic and robust student life offerings that foster a vibrant, positive, and safe school climate at OHS. The DSL will collaborate with other members of senior administration and the leadership team to design and run in-person and online student life opportunities to encourage a sense of community between peers, instructors, and staff. The DSL will oversee and support an array of existing student-run clubs, in-person meet ups, online assemblies, and educational trips, and will develop new student life activities. The DSL will also take a lead in promoting positive student behavior and in encouraging age-appropriate student agency and leadership among middle and high school students. The DSL will foster a safe, inclusive and positive school culture and climate, and to this end, will manage discipline issues and ensure that students are abiding by school policies as outlined in the Family Handbook and Student Code of Conduct. The DSL will collaborate closely with all members of the OHS community including students, families, instructors, staff, school leadership, the parent association, and alumni.
Your responsibilities include:
- Design, implement and oversee all OHS in-person events with support from the OHS Business Office. Events include, but are not limited to: Pixel Gathering and Graduation Weekend, Summer@Stanford, MIT Splash and Pixel Festival.
- Manage budgets and financial processes for student life events and clubs with oversight from Director of Business Operations and Director of Student Life.
- Oversee student clubs and circles (smaller, less formalized student groups).
- Collaborate closely with the Assistant Heads of School to develop and promote student life activities that reflect and promote our school values and mission, and that leverage the talents and strengths of our student body.
- Work with the OHS Parent Association to facilitate nation-wide meet-ups held throughout the year; develop additional initiatives aimed at providing students the opportunity to gather in person and further the bonds they have made in the online classroom.
- Coordinate with OHS Administration and OHS Regional Representatives to implement orientation activities including new student orientation and Start Up!.
- Develop and implement, in conjunction with other leadership team members, assemblies and workshops that focus on assisting students to develop personal agency, responsible decision making, social and emotional competencies, awareness and acceptance of diversity, and appropriate online behavior.
- Proactively manage student discipline issues, promoting and encouraging positive student interactions while also enforcing the OHS Student Code of Conduct.
- Work closely with students who may incur disciplinary infractions and their families in order to provide and monitor behavioral expectations.
- Respond to students in crisis, at risk, or who have other program issues.
- Counsel students and parents on sensitive and confidential issues.
- Collaborate with others to help resolve program issues and concerns, interpret policies, and mediate complex and sensitive issues.
- Serve on committees or take on other tasks of the broader administrative team.
- Supervise Student Life Coordinator, as well as volunteers and temporary workers as needed.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
- Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
- Strong communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, client groups, and management.
- Administrative or teaching experience at the secondary-level, a broad familiarity with extracurricular programs and the interplay between academic courses of study and the broader life of a school.
- Advanced analysis and problem solving skills.
- Advanced computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite and relevant computer systems/technology.
- Advanced customer service skills.
- Understanding of financial transactions.
- Ability to ensure and apply compliance with legal, financial, and university policies and external regulations.
- Strong project manager skills and ability to take on multiple tasks.
- Ability to frequently sit, and consistently perform desk-based computer and other office-related tasks
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk-based computer tasks, and use a telephone.
In addition, preferred requirements include:
- Advanced degree preferred
- Since the OHS is a school that attracts a significant number of gifted students, it is desirable that the Director of Student Life have experience with gifted education and the interests and needs of the motivated and talented population of students. Experience in student activities at the secondary or college level, high school counseling, and teaching experience are beneficial. Finally, it is highly desirable that the DSL have experience with the following: virtual classrooms, web conferencing, video conferencing, teaching with technology, such as video or multimedia, and the broader fields of computer-mediated instruction and distance learning.
Why Stanford Is For You:
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow.We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide excellent retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, swim in our Olympic-sized pool, or choose from hundreds of health and fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide highly competitive health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commute programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The expected pay range for this position is $69,100 to $104,000 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
How To Apply:
We invite you to apply for the position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and a resume with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.
