Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Director, Student Life
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
Charles R. Drew University (CDU) is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in response to the Watts uprising. CDU was established 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, leading multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in 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. 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Administration
Develop comprehensive strategic plans targeting student persistence, retention, and graduation/completion rates
Create, implement, and assess proactive strategies to identify and address barriers to student persistence and completion
Develop plans and budgets, and manage all operations of functions to support non-academic student services
Manage budget, personnel, and resources allocated to student life programming to maximize impact on retention and student success
Implement a cohesive vision for student engagement and belonging that aligns with the institution’s and division’s mission and strategic objectives
Develop and prepare regular assessment reports on retention and completion metrics to inform continuous improvement efforts
Serve on the Student Affairs leadership team to ensure seamless integration of services across all units
Work collaboratively with Institutional Research to analyze student retention and completion data to develop targeted interventions
Student Retention and Persistence
Develop, implement, and assess data-driven strategies to increase student retention, persistence, and graduation rates
Design and execute comprehensive belonging initiatives that create strong student-institution connections linked to improved retention
Establish clear retention goals, benchmarks, and key performance indicators for student persistence
Collaborate with academic programs to develop integrated support systems for students at risk of attrition
Develop early alert systems and intervention strategies for students showing signs of disengagement
Create academic and social integration opportunities that research shows improve student persistence
Lead initiatives addressing the unique retention challenges of first‑generation, underrepresented, and non‑traditional students
Design specific programming to support students through key transition and milestone points that represent high attrition risk
Student Engagement and Development
Develop and implement strategies to increase student retention and enhance student satisfaction through meaningful engagement
In partnership with other Student Affairs units and academic programs, address the current shortfalls in retention strategies, factors influencing retention, and develop a strategy for retaining first‑year students
Oversee planning and implementation of student activities, including new student orientations, Gradfest, campus traditions, and cultural events designed to foster belonging and connection
Develop and progress opportunities for civic engagement, leadership development, and community building
Collaborate and support student organizations and student government to enhance campus life and create meaningful student connections
Develop and implement effective strategies to foster career development and education about various health pathways
Develop and implement effective outreach strategies to connect students with relevant services and resources
Develop initiatives that foster an inclusive campus community, celebrate diversity, and strengthen students’ sense of belonging
Student Basic Needs Support
Oversee the operation and continued development of the student food pantry, ensuring accessibility, adequate stocking, and proper resource management
In partnership with Student Health and Wellness, develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address students’ basic needs including food security, housing stability, transportation, and emergency financial assistance that directly impact student persistence
Create awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around basic needs insecurity and increase utilization of available resources
Develop support systems that enable students to overcome non‑academic barriers to persistence and completion
Student Support & Advocacy
Serve as a primary advocate for student concerns within the university administration
Advise students on university policies, procedures, and resources
Partner and coordinate with the Title IX and Compliance Officer on student conduct matters, ensuring fair and equitable processes
Support student retention through responsive programming and intervention strategies
Support student housing information and efforts
Develop and implement programming specifically designed to foster a sense of belonging for students from historically underrepresented groups
Career Services for Health Professional Students
Develop and implement comprehensive career development programs tailored to health professional students that support retention and post‑graduation success
Establish relationships with healthcare employers, residency programs, and professional schools to create pathways for student placement
Coordinate specialized workshops on healthcare career planning, application processes for residencies/fellowships, and professional licensing requirements
Provide individualized career counseling for students pursuing various health professions
Create resources for clinical rotation, internship, and job opportunities specific to health disciplines
Partner with alumni in healthcare fields to develop mentorship programs and networking opportunities
Maintain current knowledge of healthcare workforce trends and employment needs
Collaborate with academic programs to integrate career readiness into curriculum planning
Partner with Student Affairs units and academic programs to create integrated support systems for students focused on persistence and completion
Coordinate with Student Affairs and Health and Wellness units to promote holistic student support and development
Collaborate with Academic Programs, Pipeline Programs, and Pre‑Health Initiatives to ensure continuity of student support across educational pathways
Serve as liaison between the student government and Student Affairs
Lead collaborative efforts across departments to identify and address systemic barriers to student persistence and graduation
Identify emerging trends in student engagement, belonging, and persistence and adapt programming accordingly
Lead assessment efforts to evaluate program effectiveness and student outcomes, with particular focus on retention and graduation metrics
Develop data‑informed strategies to enhance the student experience and improve persistence
Recommend policy revisions that support student success, engagement, and completion
Seek grant funding and development opportunities to support student programming targeting improved retention and graduation rates
Develop and implement innovative approaches to fostering student belonging and community connection
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Supervise and evaluate unit staff
In partnership with other Student Affairs units, collaborate with enrollment management services to recruit new students to CDU
The performance of the Director will be measured by the campus’s success in meeting student retention and graduation/completion goals
Be accessible, visible, and proactive regarding the needs of students
Perform other duties as assigned
Education
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
Licenses / Certifications (If Applicable)
Not required, but relevant certifications in student success or retention strategies are valued
Experience
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.
Skills
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
Competent Spanish‑speaking skills desired.
Compensation
$75,700 - $105,500 annual
Position Status
Full‑Time, Exempt
Complexity
The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here 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 functions
Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near
Work Environment
Position is on‑site unless specific authorization from the manager
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
Occasionally required to work in confined spaces
May require occasional evening and weekend work to support student events
Mental Demands
The mental demands described here 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 functions
Frequent variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating, interrupted work, a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity
Special Requirements
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
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Charles R. Drew University (CDU) is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in response to the Watts uprising. CDU was established 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, leading multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in 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. 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Administration
Develop comprehensive strategic plans targeting student persistence, retention, and graduation/completion rates
Create, implement, and assess proactive strategies to identify and address barriers to student persistence and completion
Develop plans and budgets, and manage all operations of functions to support non-academic student services
Manage budget, personnel, and resources allocated to student life programming to maximize impact on retention and student success
Implement a cohesive vision for student engagement and belonging that aligns with the institution’s and division’s mission and strategic objectives
Develop and prepare regular assessment reports on retention and completion metrics to inform continuous improvement efforts
Serve on the Student Affairs leadership team to ensure seamless integration of services across all units
Work collaboratively with Institutional Research to analyze student retention and completion data to develop targeted interventions
Student Retention and Persistence
Develop, implement, and assess data-driven strategies to increase student retention, persistence, and graduation rates
Design and execute comprehensive belonging initiatives that create strong student-institution connections linked to improved retention
Establish clear retention goals, benchmarks, and key performance indicators for student persistence
Collaborate with academic programs to develop integrated support systems for students at risk of attrition
Develop early alert systems and intervention strategies for students showing signs of disengagement
Create academic and social integration opportunities that research shows improve student persistence
Lead initiatives addressing the unique retention challenges of first‑generation, underrepresented, and non‑traditional students
Design specific programming to support students through key transition and milestone points that represent high attrition risk
Student Engagement and Development
Develop and implement strategies to increase student retention and enhance student satisfaction through meaningful engagement
In partnership with other Student Affairs units and academic programs, address the current shortfalls in retention strategies, factors influencing retention, and develop a strategy for retaining first‑year students
Oversee planning and implementation of student activities, including new student orientations, Gradfest, campus traditions, and cultural events designed to foster belonging and connection
Develop and progress opportunities for civic engagement, leadership development, and community building
Collaborate and support student organizations and student government to enhance campus life and create meaningful student connections
Develop and implement effective strategies to foster career development and education about various health pathways
Develop and implement effective outreach strategies to connect students with relevant services and resources
Develop initiatives that foster an inclusive campus community, celebrate diversity, and strengthen students’ sense of belonging
Student Basic Needs Support
Oversee the operation and continued development of the student food pantry, ensuring accessibility, adequate stocking, and proper resource management
In partnership with Student Health and Wellness, develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address students’ basic needs including food security, housing stability, transportation, and emergency financial assistance that directly impact student persistence
Create awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around basic needs insecurity and increase utilization of available resources
Develop support systems that enable students to overcome non‑academic barriers to persistence and completion
Student Support & Advocacy
Serve as a primary advocate for student concerns within the university administration
Advise students on university policies, procedures, and resources
Partner and coordinate with the Title IX and Compliance Officer on student conduct matters, ensuring fair and equitable processes
Support student retention through responsive programming and intervention strategies
Support student housing information and efforts
Develop and implement programming specifically designed to foster a sense of belonging for students from historically underrepresented groups
Career Services for Health Professional Students
Develop and implement comprehensive career development programs tailored to health professional students that support retention and post‑graduation success
Establish relationships with healthcare employers, residency programs, and professional schools to create pathways for student placement
Coordinate specialized workshops on healthcare career planning, application processes for residencies/fellowships, and professional licensing requirements
Provide individualized career counseling for students pursuing various health professions
Create resources for clinical rotation, internship, and job opportunities specific to health disciplines
Partner with alumni in healthcare fields to develop mentorship programs and networking opportunities
Maintain current knowledge of healthcare workforce trends and employment needs
Collaborate with academic programs to integrate career readiness into curriculum planning
Partner with Student Affairs units and academic programs to create integrated support systems for students focused on persistence and completion
Coordinate with Student Affairs and Health and Wellness units to promote holistic student support and development
Collaborate with Academic Programs, Pipeline Programs, and Pre‑Health Initiatives to ensure continuity of student support across educational pathways
Serve as liaison between the student government and Student Affairs
Lead collaborative efforts across departments to identify and address systemic barriers to student persistence and graduation
Identify emerging trends in student engagement, belonging, and persistence and adapt programming accordingly
Lead assessment efforts to evaluate program effectiveness and student outcomes, with particular focus on retention and graduation metrics
Develop data‑informed strategies to enhance the student experience and improve persistence
Recommend policy revisions that support student success, engagement, and completion
Seek grant funding and development opportunities to support student programming targeting improved retention and graduation rates
Develop and implement innovative approaches to fostering student belonging and community connection
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Supervise and evaluate unit staff
In partnership with other Student Affairs units, collaborate with enrollment management services to recruit new students to CDU
The performance of the Director will be measured by the campus’s success in meeting student retention and graduation/completion goals
Be accessible, visible, and proactive regarding the needs of students
Perform other duties as assigned
Education
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
Licenses / Certifications (If Applicable)
Not required, but relevant certifications in student success or retention strategies are valued
Experience
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.
Skills
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
Competent Spanish‑speaking skills desired.
Compensation
$75,700 - $105,500 annual
Position Status
Full‑Time, Exempt
Complexity
The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here 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 functions
Occasional stooping. Frequent standing. Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near
Work Environment
Position is on‑site unless specific authorization from the manager
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
Occasionally required to work in confined spaces
May require occasional evening and weekend work to support student events
Mental Demands
The mental demands described here 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 functions
Frequent variety of unrelated tasks. Constant calculating, interrupted work, a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity
Special Requirements
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
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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