Director of Student Life

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

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

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: 

• Salary Range - $36,000 - $45,000  - competitive and aligned with experience 
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off
• Tuition discount for children enrolled at San Marcos Academy
• Professional development support
• A Christ-centered, mission-driven work environment that makes an eternal impact